The Pearl, a sapphic-focused bar and café, said it would shut down after struggling to pay staff and performers fairly. The venue, which relocated about a year ago to the historic Mercury Cafe, shared the news on Instagram Saturday, saying, “Hey lesbians, unfortunately, April will be the last month of The Pearl Denver. We are closing our doors.”
Organizers said the bar’s financial challenges escalated after moving into a larger, older building as expenses rose and revenue fell short.
The response was swift. Within days, supporters raised more than $80,000 through a GoFundMe campaign, offering a potential lifeline to keep the space open. Donations are expected to cover rent, payroll, and urgent repairs. In a recent update, the organizers confirmed that the fundraising goal had been surpassed and donations are closed. While the commuity has come together to save The Pearl, the questions remain about the long-term sustainability of such queer spaces.
