In 2020, Brooklyn filmmakers Erica Rose and Elina Street were deeply concerned about the fate of their favorite lesbian bars in New York City during the pandemic. These bars, cherished by the LGBTQ community, faced an uncertain future as lockdowns and social distancing measures threatened their survival.

The Beginning of a Passionate Project

Rose and Street, long-time friends and collaborators, found themselves frequently discussing the isolation and challenges brought on by the pandemic. During one of their conversations, they stumbled upon a startling article that revealed only 16 lesbian bars remained in the United States, and that the pandemic could potentially reduce that number to zero.

This alarming possibility spurred them into action. Determined to make a difference, the duo channeled their filmmaking talents into creating a heartfelt tribute to these vital queer spaces. Their short video aimed to raise awareness and funds to support lesbian bars across the nation. The fundraising effort was remarkably successful, generating nearly $300,000, and catalyzed The Lesbian Bar Project.

The Importance of Queer Spaces

The documentary highlighted the significance of lesbian bars beyond their role as nightlife venues. “These spaces are more than bars. They’re community centers. They are spaces where you can be your authentic self, and where you can meet people from all walks of life, in all generations,” Street emphasized. The project underscored the bars’ crucial function as safe havens where members of the LGBTQ community could find acceptance and solidarity.

The success of the documentary brought attention to the disproportionate number of lesbian bars relative to the LGBTQ population, pointing to a broader issue of societal value and recognition. Despite the challenges, some bars managed to survive, while new ones, such as The Bush in Bushwick, even opened their doors amidst the pandemic. “I think the work that they’re doing is fantastic. We need that. We need some way of archiving our history. I think we don’t see these types of things in history books,” said Nikki Alleyne, co-owner of The Bush.

The Documentary’s Impact and Future Endeavors

The impact of The Lesbian Bar Project has been profound. There are now 32 documented lesbian bars across the country, offering a glimmer of hope and motivation to continue the fight for these essential spaces. Rose and Street’s efforts have inspired others to pursue their dreams of opening queer spaces, knowing there is a supportive community ready to welcome them.

Building on the momentum of their initial project, Rose and Street have expanded their vision into a docuseries on The Roku Channel. The series aims to explore and celebrate queer spaces not only in the United States but also internationally, with a new season set in Germany. Through this platform, they hope to showcase and support queer spaces worldwide, ensuring that these vital sanctuaries continue to thrive.