Dani’s Queer Bar recently opened in Boston, marking the city’s first lesbian bar in decades. Founded by Thais Rocha, the space aims to cater to the Sapphic, trans, and non-binary community. Rocha, who previously hosted parties for queer women, launched a fundraising campaign to make Dani’s a reality. The bar received a SPACE grant from Mayor Michelle Wu’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion that helped bring the project to life.
The opening of Dani’s has been met with enthusiasm from the LGBTQ community in Boston. Many patrons have expressed gratitude for having a dedicated space for queer women, trans, and nonbinary individuals. Prior to Dani’s, there was a noticeable absence of lesbian bars in the city for at least two decades. The pandemic further threatened the existence of such spaces, with only a few remaining in the U.S.
Nevertheless, there has been a recent resurgence in the opening of new lesbian and queer bars across the country since 2020. These spaces are seen as crucial for providing shelter, community, and like-minded connections for queer women. Dani’s Queer Bar represents a significant milestone in the LGBTQ community, providing a permanent space for gatherings and fostering a sense of inclusivity and belonging.
Leaders in Boston’s lesbian community, such as Kristen Porter, have long recognized the demand for spaces like Dani’s. Porter, who previously organized roving gatherings for Sapphic individuals, applauds the opening of Dani’s as a step towards increased visibility and inclusion for the LGBTQ community. The bar’s prominent location on Boylston Street signifies a new era of acceptance and celebration for Boston’s diverse queer population.
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