There's been a broad decline in LGBTQ+ bars across the U.S., down 45% from 2002 to 2023, according to a report by Greggor Mattson, professor and chair of sociology at Oberlin College and Conservatory.
The pandemic hurt LGBTQ+ bars across the country, but the venues had been in decline for years. Mattson says many people have blamed dating apps, where people can connect online, often for free, instead of meeting in person and spending money on drinks. Others say the mainstream acceptance of LGBTQ+ people has made queer spaces obsolete.
But New Yorkers are resilient, especially when it comes to nightlife. Thanks to local wealth and global tourism, bars serving the LGBTQ+ community in New York City have increased in number. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City had at least 48 LGBTQ+ bars. That’s up from 36 in 2019, according to Mattson.