How are LGBTQ bars surviving coronavirus? Join us for a live chat
The event Friday at noon includes LGBTQ bar owners from around Atlanta.
Our new Q Conversations returns on Friday. Register now and we’ll see you Friday @ noon!
As the coronavirus pandemic exploded on Atlanta in March, the city’s vibrant LGBTQ nightlife scene took a big hit: bars and nightclubs were ordered to shut down on March 19.
The closures were devastating for business owners – as well employees and entertainers used to working a crowd for tips and their livelihood.
It took nearly 12 weeks for bars and restaurants to get the OK from Gov. Brian Kemp to reopen. Even then, they faced a capacity cut to one-third and a list of 39 mandatory guidelines to follow. The bars also had to convince customers and employees that it was safe to return.
Just as they prepared to open their doors on June 1, bar owners confronted another hurdle. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ordered a citywide curfew to stem violent outbreaks from otherwise peaceful rallies and marches for racial justice and equality.
How did LGBTQ-owned bars survive the coronavirus pandemic? How will they thrive in the months ahead?
The next episode of Q Conversations explores that issue with Jennifer and Jami Maguire of My Sister’s Room, Johnny Martinez and Brandon Ley of Joystick Gamebar and Georgia Beer Garden, and Richard Ramy of the Atlanta Eagle.
Join the conversation on Friday, June 19 at noon. (The event is free, but registration is required.)
Can’t make the event on Friday? Register and we’ll share a recording of the conversation that you can replay later.