Popular Gay Bar Faces Closure Over "Anti-Straight" Allegations

Hello hello — Happy Sunday! Here's what's on tap this week:

One of downtown Los Angeles' most beloved LGBTQ+ venues is fighting for its life, and the community is rallying to save it.

Precinct DTLA, a popular gay bar that's become a cornerstone of the downtown queer scene, is facing a lawsuit that could force it to close permanently.

The bar is asking for community support—and if you're planning a trip to L.A., there's no better time to show up and show out.

A discrimination lawsuit has been filed by a former employee who claims she faced harassment for being a "heterosexual cisgender woman." Among other things, she claims management told her they wanted to replace her with a gay male attendant. She also says a manager told her that "as a white woman, her 'time is up.'" Precinct denies these allegations.

But here's where it gets interesting: the former employee is represented by an attorney who made headlines in 2023 when his former law firm released emails showing he had used homophobic and racist slurs in workplace communications, including using anti-gay slurs as "all-purpose insults" according to the Los Angeles Times.

The lawsuit couldn't come at a worse time for the bar, which has already weathered COVID shutdowns, ICE raids, citywide curfews, and the general decline of nightlife.

“We’re a couple of slow weekends away from having to close our doors,” the bar posted on Instagram.

"Like many small businesses, we've taken hit after hit…. But what we're facing now is even more devastating."

The community response has been incredible—a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $60,000 toward a $70,000 goal, and the bar held a drag fundraising event featuring performances, raffles, and a silent auction. But perhaps the best way to support Precinct is simply to visit, buy drinks, and tip the staff generously.

Why Visit Precinct DTLA

Located in the heart of downtown L.A., Precinct has become a vital part of the city's LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. The bar hosts regular themed nights, including their popular jockstrap/underwear parties, and serves as a gathering place for the growing queer community in downtown Los Angeles. It's part of the vision to create a vibrant queer district in DTLA—but that dream might not survive without community support.

If you're planning a trip to Los Angeles, make Precinct a stop on your itinerary. Follow them on Instagram @precinctdtla for updates on events and show times. Your visit isn't just a night out—it's a way to support LGBTQ+ spaces and help ensure they survive for future generations of queer travelers.

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