Could Sports Revive the Lesbian Bar Scene?

"In 2019, alarms signaling the perilous decline of lesbian bars in America reached a fever pitch. At its lowest point, the nationwide lesbian bar tally had reportedly dwindled to just 15. The culprits were familiar to any form of queer decay: gentrification, the wage gap, sexist financiers, the rise of dating apps. And while the COVID-19 pandemic spurned anxious reports wondering how these spaces could possibly survive yet another blow,"

"Prior to opening, Athena Keke's co-founders drummed up publicity for their concept by launching pop-ups all over the city. They hosted a brunch during the New York Liberty WNBA Championship victory parade, tailgated USWNT soccer games, and threw watch parties at other bars until they managed to open their doors. "I think it really helped establish the idea and the brand," says Murray. "It compiled proof that this could work, that there is an audience.""

Lesbian bars reached a historical low around 2019, reportedly falling to about fifteen nationwide due to gentrification, the wage gap, sexist financiers, and dating apps. Pandemic-era closures intensified concerns, yet a post-pandemic resurgence produced new openings alongside some rapid closures. New venues often use queer-coded décor and women's-sports programming to signal inclusivity. Founders and organizers employed pop-ups, watch parties, and public activations to demonstrate audience demand before opening permanent spaces. Community-focused events and organized local engagement helped sustain clientele in a difficult-to-sustain bar subculture. Owners remain divided over airing men's sports inside venues.

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