Almost one year after Philadelphia’s longest-standing lesbian bar closed down, its former manager is fundraising for a new space for LGBT women.
Denise Cohen, who managed Sisters Bar & Nightclub for its 17-year run, launched an online fundraising campaign July 24 to generate funds for a down-payment for the rental of a new space.
For years, Sisters, the longest-running lesbian bar in the city, occupied the building at 1320 Chancellor St., but abruptly closed its doors last August, reportedly for financial reasons. LGBT philanthropist Mel Heifetz owned the building and Jim Ross owned the business.
Cohen, owner of LGBT party-promotion company Groove Philly, said she was asked innumerable times during events when she could resurrect the club.
“My answer is always, ‘It is easier said than done,’” she said. “It takes money and a location — and you can have the money but not the location or the location but not the money. We have the location but just not the funds. We don’t want to lose this location because we have limited time.”
Since Sisters’ shuttering, Cohen said she and supporters have kept an eye out for potential locations to launch a new club, and she learned of the space in question — which she declined to disclose, other than to say it was in a “good location” — “through the grapevine.”
Cohen said she was encouraged to launch the Indiegogo fundraiser after seeing other successful online campaigns by local bars.
The campaign has a goal of $50,000, which would go towards the down payment, liquor license, cost of business, changes to the venue itself and general operating costs, Cohen said. But she hopes the venture can net closer to $250,000, which would support payroll, legal fees, utilities and inventory.
Within one day, the effort generated about $3,000. As of presstime, the page reported $3,690 in donations, with 24 days left for the campaign.
Cohen said she plans to be involved in the ownership of the business and will also be involved in management.
She has not yet determined a potential name and said she may run a contest so the community can name the venue. If the venue is secured, the business would be open seven days a week in the evening with dancing, entertainment and a full kitchen. Cohen has not decided if the venue would be open for lunch.
In addition to generating funds, she said the campaign can show potential investors the community’s support for such a venture.
“Banks may shy away from helping businesses, especially with LGBT clientele, and investors are wary with the history of Sisters closing, so showing that support from the community will be essential,” she said.
Cohen said the deadline to secure the space is sooner rather than later.
“We need the money as soon as possible — the sooner I secure the location, the better.”
The Indiegogo campaign will last 30 days; but, if this location falls through, Cohen said, there is the potential that the fundraising could be used to secure a new location.
Cohen said since she launched the campaign, the community has helped spread the word.
“It has been very positive through Facebook; people are sharing on social media,” she said. “Overall it has been really positive. A number of people have donated. However, it is only a concept right now and, when the funding comes in, it can be a reality.”
That reality, Cohen said, would fill a gap for the city, which lacks a dedicated club for LGBT women.
“We have always welcomed men and of course they will be welcomed into the new facility and men will work there as well,” she said. “But women would like their own space they can go to to mix and mingle with other lesbians. The music, the entertainment will be directed towards them and that is the same thing that the boys get. They have six or seven bars in the city so why can’t the women have the same?”
Donors who support the campaign can access a number of rewards depending on their donation level. For more information, visit www.indiegogo.com/projects/lesbian-and-gay-bar-philadelphia.