She Strengthens

Pride in the Time of Pandemic

Community Spirit Endures

This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation or postponement of over 475 Pride parades worldwide, leaving gay bars and entertainment venues that rely on these events struggling to stay afloat. For Marke Bieschke, a member of the Stud Collective, which owns The Stud, San Francisco’s oldest operating gay bar, Pride and Folsom Street Fair were crucial for the bar’s survival. Without these events, the bar’s rent costs of $440 per day are unsustainable.

The Devastating Impact on LGBTQ Businesses

The closure of two Washington, D.C., gay bars, Secrets and The Eagle, has left a void in the community. Sarah Massey, a PR professional serving social change and arts organizations, notes that these spaces were essential for self-expression and community building. For a community that has historically faced vulnerability and marginalization, Pride is a chance to reclaim public spaces and celebrate their identities.

Redefining Pride in the Virtual Age

In response to the pandemic, queer organizers and entrepreneurs are finding innovative ways to celebrate Pride online. Massey has created Joie de Vivre, a secure platform for LGBTQ and sex-positive individuals to connect through virtual events, including online dance parties and Pride celebrations. These events offer a safe space for people to express themselves and maintain a sense of community during these isolating times.

The Future of LGBTQ Liberation

While the pandemic has presented significant challenges, Massey remains hopeful for the future. She draws inspiration from the AIDS crisis, which galvanized the LGBTQ community to take action and demand change. By leveraging technology and creativity, Massey believes that the LGBTQ movement can emerge stronger and more resilient than ever.

Preserving a Future for Gay Bars

The pandemic has hit gay bars at a critical time, when they were reasserting themselves as community centers. The Stud Collective has made the difficult decision to shut down temporarily, but they plan to reopen in the future. In the meantime, they are participating in virtual Pride celebrations and hosting online fundraisers to support their reopening.

Taking to the Streets (Safely)

Reclaim Pride Coalition, a grassroots organization, is planning a Queer Liberation March for Black Lives and Against Police Brutality on June 28. The march will highlight the historic intersectionality between the LGBTQ and Black communities, which have both been targeted by police violence. By aligning with Black Lives Matter and advocating for a more equitable world, Reclaim Pride Coalition is demonstrating what it means to be a responsible ally.

A Call to Action

The pandemic has exposed the deep-seated inequalities faced by LGBTQ individuals, particularly Black and indigenous LGBTQ people. With higher rates of unemployment, debt, and preexisting conditions, queer folks are disproportionately affected by the pandemic. As the LGBTQ community rallies together to celebrate Pride, they must also demand true equality and advocate for a stronger recovery from police violence crises.