The Ruby Fruit, a lesbian bar in LA, shuts down as wildfires hit the community hard, prompting support for the remaining bar.
Los Angeles: One of the two lesbian bars in the city, The Ruby Fruit, is closing for good because of the wildfires. The owners said it’s just not feasible to keep the bar running anymore.
The Ruby Fruit, which opened in February 2023, announced on social media that the wildfires have made it impossible to operate. They mentioned the financial strain caused by the disaster.
Emily and Mara, the bar’s owners, expressed their sadness and frustration. They said, “The math just isn’t mathing” for their small business right now.
The news hit the community hard, with other lesbian bars across the country reaching out to offer help. It’s a tough time for everyone involved.
While the owners haven’t confirmed any plans to raise funds, they did mention they’d share updates soon. They’re also promoting a GoFundMe for their employees.
The other lesbian bar in LA, Honey’s at Star Love, also closed temporarily to support those affected by the wildfires. They’re taking a stand for their community.
In Houston, Pearl Bar is rallying support for Honey’s staff, emphasizing the financial impact of the closures. They’re encouraging donations to help out.
Julie, the owner of Pearl Bar, shared her own experiences with natural disasters and how they’ve affected her business. She’s advocating for support for Honey’s staff during this tough time.
With the decline of lesbian bars over the years, losing spaces like The Ruby Fruit is a big deal. It’s not just about a bar; it’s about community and culture.
Erica Rose from the Lesbian Bar Project highlighted how important these spaces are for identity and culture. Losing them is a real blow to the community.
Let’s hope the community can come together and find ways to support these vital spaces. They’re more than just bars; they’re part of who we are.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
