“We now need investors who are also interested in supporting the black and brown LGBTQ community.”Īnother theory for the closings is that bars in general have arguably become more accepting. “Most of the owners of these businesses were older, white gay men that entered into their golden years,” says Shelese Greene of the Pride Center of Maryland. Making sure there is a seat for everyone at the table-whether that’s the clientele or the business owners themselves-is an important part of keeping the inclusive scene alive here in Baltimore. The way a space feels safe for us now is different from when I was in my 20s.” “Our community was able to get married and start a family, and the necessity to go out and meet people just wasn’t there,” says Chris Jennings, who runs events and marketing for the newly reopened Baltimore Eagle. “Once people started meeting online, we lost a lot of business.”īeyond matchmaking websites and LGBTQ-friendly dating apps, the movement to legalize same-sex marriage in 2015 also played a part in curtailing gay-bar business. “Years ago, gay bars were safe zones when gays were in fear of being beat up,” says Don Davis, who owned Grand Central for nearly 30 years until new owners took over earlier this year. With gay bars closing in Baltimore, it brings up the inevitable questions: Can we explain this? Are these spaces still necessary? And what comes next? Across the street, where Club Hippo once hosted epic bingo nights, show tunes karaoke, and hip-hop parties, is now the standard bat signal of gentrification-a CVS.
Sure, rainbow flags still fly outside of Grand Central Club, but it’s on borrowed time. The corner of North Charles and Eager streets just ain’t what it used to be.