Robert's Lafitte, the oldest LGBTQ+ bar in Texas, could shut its doors within a month if it fails to raise thousands of dollars for essential repairs. The Galveston establishment has been a cornerstone for 60 years, weathering challenges from the AIDS epidemic to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A 'Second Home' in Jeopardy
Bartender Terry Fuller described the bar as a 'second home' for its patrons, telling The Independent that the venue has provided a safe haven for decades. However, the self-proclaimed dive bar now faces closure after being reported to county health authorities and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Fuller revealed to local outlet Chron that the bar needs to address a 'laundry list' of immediate repairs, including ceiling and plumbing issues, to comply with health codes. The costs are substantial, and the bar is appealing for community assistance.
Community Fundraiser Launched
In a Facebook post, the bar announced a benefit fundraiser: 'Come one come all and help us raise some funds to keep us open. As many of you know or do not know, [we] are the oldest gay bar in the state of Texas!' The post credited founder Robert Mainor for creating a space for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. 'We will not let anyone get us down nor take that away from us. All we ask is for your help and support to keep us open and keep going and give others a chance to be themselves!'
The potential closure threatens not only the bar but also the performers and vendors who rely on it for work. Fuller highlighted the upcoming Pup Weekend festival in Galveston, where many travelers have already made plans expecting Robert's to be open.
Fundraising Goal and Challenges
The staff aims to raise $10,000, but the total could rise if additional issues are uncovered in the aging building. Fuller emphasized the bar's role as a safe place for a diverse clientele: 'Straight, gay, transgender, bisexual. We get all walks of life. It's just been a safe haven for people to go and literally be who they are.'
Broader Struggles for LGBTQ+ Venues
Robert's is not alone in its difficulties. Ginger's, a 47-year-old LGBTQ+ fixture and drag venue in San Francisco, closed its doors on October 31, 2025. The closure reflects broader economic pressures, as inflation-squeezed customers spend less at bars and breweries. Multiple alcohol providers have shut down or filed for bankruptcy amid declining sales.
Ginger's, which reopened in June 2025 after a pandemic closure, struggled to attract customers in San Francisco's financial district. Its business model, reliant on happy hour sales to white-collar workers commuting home, collapsed as fewer workers returned to downtown offices.
