Pride and Swagger to Close Its Doors

Pride and Swagger, one of Denver’s premier LGBTQ bars, has joined the growing list of LGBTQ venues that have been forced to close their doors during the pandemic. The bar first opened in 2017, with hopes of strengthening the LGBTQ community in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood. Pride and Swagger will serve its last drinks on April 30, 2021. 

The management posted a letter on their website to announce the decision, acknowledging the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on the bar and restaurant industries. They also revealed that they had faced anti-LGBTQ discrimination at their location on 17th Avenue. 

“But we have faced an additional challenge, one that shocked us to be experiencing on 17th Avenue in Denver, in this day and age: we feel we were the targets of discrimination for being a bar that caters to the LGBTQ+ community,” the letter states. “To all our loyal patrons, allies, staff, and entertainers, we hope this provides some insight and explanation into what we faced in trying to keep our bar running and supporting shows almost seven days a week.”

LGBTQ venues have been hit especially hard during the pandemic. In hopes of combating negative economic impacts, GayCities recently launched a relief fund for LGBTQ restaurants and bars. As of this week, their GoFundMe has raised over $46,000. Yet venues like Pride and Swagger have still struggled to stay afloat. 

However, there may be hope for the future of Pride and Swagger. “While things at this location may not have worked out the way we hoped, we will be looking for a new home for Pride & Swagger in the future. So, please keep your eyes out on social media for any updates and information,” Pride and Swagger write in their letter. They concluded the announcement with a message of love, thanking the community and allies for their support.