The Last Gay Bar in the Tenderloin Might Close Permanently This Summer season

The Last Gay Bar in the Tenderloin Might Close Permanently This Summer season

Aunt Charlie's Lounge, the longstanding drag dive in the Tenderloin, goes to threat of failing by August, Hoodline reports. Initially founded in 1987, when it was simply one of several LGBTQ stops in the city's bustling nightlife scene, it's now the last gay bar in the neighborhood, understood for traditional drag shows and disco celebrations with decked-out individuals well right into their 70s.

Bench has actually been shuttered given that the region's shelter-in-place order was enacted in March. According to a fundraising web page established in behalf of business, the owner obtained a Paycheck Protect Program (PPP) car loan, but just got a \"fraction of the requested funds,\" and also has been paying rental fee and energies out of his very own pocket. \"Without your financial support, Aunt Charlie's will certainly not endure and will certainly close for good on August 1st,\" the web page checks out.

The fundraising goal is evaluated $100,000, and also since publication it goes to virtually $60,000, so it is feasible that Auntie Charlie's can draw through. Yet it's a depressing last mean this neighborhood, as well as a concerning fad throughout the city, given the precariousness of LGBTQ bars in San Francisco. Most lately, the Stud lost its home, orphaning the oldest queer bar in the city. A couple of years ago, the Gangway shut after virtually a century, previously holding that title. 5 years ago, the Lexington Club went out with a final dancing party, folding the earliest lesbian bar in the city.

In an initiative to weather the coronavirus, bars are currently enabled to offer cocktails to go, but they also have to offer food. Aunt Charlie's has never ever served meals, so-- unless they companion with a food vendor-- there's no opportunity it could do takeout, and why would it? The fantastic drag dives of San Francisco aren't understood for their craft alcoholic drinks and also expensive treats. It's about ambience, and regulars love this old wide for her personality.