Sat 6/10 @ 3PM
The role and function of gay bars has changed tremendously over the years. Where once, despite being a safe space to meet other like people, patronizing one could jeopardize one’s career and even one’s life, now we have entire complexes such as Cleveland’s new Studio West 117 devoted to serving and celebrating LGBTQ+ people.
It’s at Studio West 117’s Trellis Bar where author Greggor Mattson, professor and chair of the sociology department at Oberlin College, will talk about his new book Who Needs Gay Bars? in it, he explores the history of gay bars, their present role and the prognosis for their future survival. To write the book, he visited more than 300 bars in 39 states to talk to owners, performers and others to learn how whether they are thriving or surviving, how they differ from gay bars of the past and how events in the larger society (including COVID) have impacted them.
After his talk, he’ll take questions and sign copies of the book, which will be available for purchase at the event. The event is hosted by Visible Voice Books, whose description of Greggor says, oddly, “He has been gay since 1974.” Is that the year he was born?
RSVP for the free event here.