There Are Two Lesbian Bars in NYC. Another is Opening in Queens.
Make that three lesbian bars.
Because NYC is home to only two lesbian bars and neither are in Queens, one Queens resident, Kristin “Dave” Dausch (they/them) is hoping to change that. With one pop-up each month, Kristin is raising money to open their very own lesbian bar when they find the right spot. Be sure to share, attend pop-ups, and donate to show your support.
The next pop up is on August 28th, 3pm-11pm, on the Open Street at 31st Ave and 34th Street.
Photo by Adrian Childress
Tell us about yourself and your connection to Queens.
I am Kristin "Dave" Dausch. I am a nonbinary artist and teacher. I am community building, singing, dungeons and dragon playing queer! I am originally from New Castle, Indiana and I have lived in Astoria for 12 years and I love it here!
I see that it's meant to be a community space, operating as a food pantry by day, and bar by night. How are you hoping people will feel when they come to your bar?
I want this bar to be a community hub. I want there to be a community fridge, free store, and queer library. We would be a food pantry drop off site working with Astoria Mutual Aid. I hope people see their community in this space and ways to care for them , as well as ways to care for themselves. I hope people feel at home.
As there are only three lesbian bars in NYC, it's an honor you've chosen our borough. Are there any LGBT+ bars that you've drawn inspiration from in creating this bar?
There are only two lesbian bars in NYC, the Cubbyhole and Henrietta Hudson, and I love them both so much! I am drawing inspiration from many venues I have enjoyed and making it queer.
Why did you choose to open in Queens, and why did you choose to open in Astoria?
Astoria is my home. Queens is the most diverse place in the world and I love it here. I am proud to live in Queens and I cannot imagine leaving.
It's a pop up but we would love to have you stay. Are you planning on opening a more permanent location soon?
I am doing a pop-up a month until I find the perfect location for Dave's!
How can community members support you?
They can come to the pop-ups, tell people about us, and donate to our GoFundMe!
What are your favorite Queens businesses?
I have so many favorite restaurants here but I would have to say that everything at Cafe Triskell on 36th Ave in Astoria is up high on the list and so are the soup dumplings at Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao in Flushing! I always get my cat's favorite treats from Tom's Pet Supply and I love getting new pretty things from Lockwood!