The queer community of Los Angeles is facing a significant loss as The Ruby Fruit, one of the city's only two lesbian bars, announced its closure due to the financial strain caused by the ongoing wildfires. The Silver Lake neighborhood spot, known for its wine selection and commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, communicated the sad news to patrons in an Instagram post, explaining that "running our small business is no longer sustainable," as stated by The Ruby Fruit.
The bar owners, Emily Bielagus and Mara Herbkersman, expressed profound grief and shock in the wake of the persistent wildfires which, they said, left them no choice but to shutter their doors. Echoing a sentiment many service industry establishments share, they remarked, "The hospitality industry functions on a day-by-day basis and right now, as they say - the math just isn’t mathing," as noted by The Ruby Fruit.
Meanwhile, Honey’s at Star Love, the other lesbian bar that opened simultaneously with The Ruby Fruit, acknowledged the pervasive impact of the wildfires by closing for the weekend as well, showing solidarity with those affected, as per NBC Los Angeles. They too are facing the challenges brought on by the environmental catastrophe. Acknowledging the need for unity in times of crisis, Pearl Bar in Houston spearheaded a fundraising call to assist Honey’s and its staff, a gesture that was shared by other lesbian bars across various cities, such as San Francisco, New York, and Phoenix.
Julie Mabry of Pearl Bar shared her personal experiences of weathering multiple hurricanes in Houston and a tornado last May, which significantly hampered her business operations. Mabry told NBC News, “The concern for them is what’s going to happen after this, because it’s going to take a long time for that city to recover.” The fundraising efforts reflect an awareness of the precarious position these community spaces occupy, particularly as they navigate these challenging times.
