Sat Oct 05 03:09:30 UTC 2024: ## Denver’s Blush & Blu, a Lesbian Bar Icon, Closes Its Doors This Weekend
Denver’s iconic lesbian bar, Blush & Blu, will close its doors for good this Saturday, October 5th, marking the loss of a cherished space for the city’s queer community. Owner Jody Bouffard announced the closure on Instagram, citing changing times and shifting demographics.
Blush & Blu, known for its low-key atmosphere and affordable drinks, hosted a variety of events including drag shows, dance parties, open mics, and women’s soccer viewing parties. The bar, which opened in 2012, was also recognized as one of the few remaining lesbian bars in the U.S.
However, the bar’s reputation took a hit in recent years following lawsuits alleging wage theft and racial discrimination. While these claims were settled out of court, they cast a shadow over Blush & Blu’s final years.
Despite the closure, Bouffard appears to be planning a new venture. She recently registered a new trade name, “Cocks on Colfax,” for a gay bar at the same location as Blush & Blu.
The decline of lesbian bars is a nationwide phenomenon, attributed to factors such as income gaps, shifting identities in the LGBTQ+ community, and declining alcohol consumption overall. While Blush & Blu’s closure is a loss, Denver still has a vibrant queer scene, with a variety of gathering places for LGBTQ+ women, including bookstores, breweries, and event spaces.
The Lesbian Bar Project, a group dedicated to preserving lesbian bars, emphasizes that the true definition of a “lesbian bar” goes beyond just being a space for LGBTQ+ women. Instead, it prioritizes the creation of a safe and inclusive environment for all marginalized genders, including women, non-binary individuals, and transgender men.
The closure of Blush & Blu serves as a reminder of the ongoing evolution of LGBTQ+ spaces and the need to continue fostering diverse and inclusive communities.
First Piper 