A historic New York City lesbian bar has been forced to cancel the majority of its famous Pride events this year due to noise complaints from its affluent neighbors. Ginger's Bar, the oldest lesbian bar in Brooklyn, is located in the upscale neighborhood of Park Slope, known for its picturesque brownstones and progressive politics.
Pride Events Cancelled
Ginger's Bar, which hosts a variety of LGBTQ-friendly events throughout the year, including its annual Pride month celebrations that draw large crowds, announced on Instagram that it will no longer host its annual Pride month DJ events. The decision came after ongoing noise concerns from neighbors.
In a statement, the bar said: 'Due to ongoing noise concerns in the neighborhood, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel the majority of our DJ events during Pride this year. As much as we love turning up the music and creating space for queer joy, we also want to remain respectful of the neighborhood we have called home for the past 26 years, and our space that has been a neighborhood bar for over 100 years.'
The bar encouraged patrons to participate in other Pride month events and look forward to its upcoming calendar, including its annual Brooklyn Pride celebration on June 13th.
Outrage Among Supporters
The decision sparked outrage among Ginger's supporters, who criticized the disgruntled residents of Park Slope, where the median home price is $1.5 million. One Facebook user wrote: 'It’s almost like people forget they live in a city since every tech douche that’s moved in really just wants to live in their suburban hometown while calling it a city.' Another added: 'These transplants are really making this city bland and dull.'
Some questioned whether the noise complaints were targeted at Ginger's because it is a lesbian bar. One person commented: 'Fifth Ave in Park Slope is chock full of bars who turn up their music at night. Why is this the only one that seems to be singled out? This seems like a coordinated effort to me.' Another added: 'This feels homophobic.'
However, some defended the neighbors, suggesting Ginger's could play music at a lower volume. 'Just play the music at a comfortable volume, no need to blast it like you're at a concert,' one person wrote.
Ginger's Bar was founded in 2000 by Sheila Frayne and is co-owned by Brendan Donohue. The Daily Mail contacted Ginger's Bar for comment.
