Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) — the nation’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization — and SHOWTIME announced that Atlanta-based lesbian bar My Sister’s Room is a recipient of the “Queer to Stay: An LGBTQ+ Business Preservation Initiative” funding to support and preserve businesses that serve the LGBTQ+ community with a focus on LGBTQ+ people of color, women and the transgender community.
My Sister’s Room has been Atlanta’s number-one lesbian bar for more than 24 years and a favorite destination for the queer community since 1996. The bar is a safe haven and home to everyone who enters featuring nightly drag shows, burlesques shows, comedy, karaoke and more.
“Being one of the most diverse bars in the country where everyone is welcome makes a huge impact on our community. People want to come where they see a reflection of themselves,” said Owners of My Sister’s Room Jennifer Maguire and Jami Maguire. “People have been coming to My Sister’s Room for years for gatherings, community or in times when they need a friendly face. They know that they have a place to come home to. We hope to continue the legacy another 25 years.”
The full list of awardees of “Queer to Stay: An LGBTQ+ Business Preservation Initiative” include: Alibi Lounge (New York, NY); Amplio Fitness (Rocky River, OH); Salon Benders (Long Beach, CA); Blush & Blu (Denver, CO); Doyenne (Charlotte, NC); El Rio (San Francisco, CA); Freed Bodyworks (Washington, D.C.); Herz (Mobile, AL); My Sister’s Room (Atlanta, GA); and Pearl Bar (Houston, TX).
“We must preserve affirming, welcoming community spaces for LGBTQ+ people – including young people who may not have supportive families or communities at home,” said HRC President Alphonso David. “HRC is thrilled to be partnering with SHOWTIME to support LGBTQ+-serving businesses in order to ensure that they can continue to provide a space for LGBTQ+ people to express ourselves freely, find community and be our authentic selves.”
The “Queer to Stay: An LGBTQ+ Business Preservation Initiative” celebrates and supports the LGBTQ+ community by identifying and donating to a number of businesses, selected based on the communities they serve and how COVID-19 has affected them. As COVID-19 continues to impact businesses nationwide, LGBTQ+-serving spaces experienced significant revenue loss in June, when patrons are more likely to frequent LGBTQ+ businesses for Pride Month. By directing funds to these businesses, “Queer to Stay” demonstrates a continued commitment from HRC and SHOWTIME to support and advocate for the diverse members of the LGBTQ+ community.