Jon Dean, the owner of Lore on Edgewood Avenue, says the LGBTQ+ nightclub is “barely getting by” after being open for only seven months.
In a Facebook post on Dec. 2, Dean urged the LGBTQ+ community to support the club amid what he described as a lack of support from the City of Atlanta for Lore and other Edgewood establishments like Pisces, Sister Louisa’s, and Joystick.
“We do not live in a city that is friendly to small businesses, and especially nightlife,” he wrote. “The City of Atlanta and the Mayor’s nightlife division has all but abandoned Edgewood and scapegoated the bars for all of the problems that persist outside our doors, down the street, after operating hours. Instead of working with us on solutions to improve our historic neighborhood, we have been harassed and ignored at every turn.”
Related story: Lore brings unpretentious queer fun to Edgewood Avenue
The City did not respond to Georgia Voice’s request for comment.
Dean cited “disheartening” feedback from friends and colleagues about the lack of parking, the prices, and, from gay men, the amount of women in the club, and said there is plenty of free street parking and a “wide range” of drink prices. He added that LORE is “never going to be” the bar to cater to only one type of queer clientele.
“I understand that many of us are struggling financially right now and aren’t in a place to support ANY nightlife,” he said. “But for those who can afford to go out once or twice a week, please please consider stopping by LORE… Peoples [sic] perception of how well a project or venue is doing does not always match reality. We have so much programming and exciting events going on to draw people in, but we NEED more regulars.”
Nightlife has played a critical role in LGBTQ+ history, serving as safe spaces for the community when it was more dangerous to be openly queer in public. Atlanta, however, has lost many of its historic spaces over the years, like Backstreet and Hoedowns. And with only a few remaining – most of which specifically cater to gay men – Dean says the queer space Lore creates is critical.
“Queer bars should be for everyone! We love being a place where different people can gather, party and build community together,” he said. “…We are not perfect and still have a lot of work to do, but we made a lot of sacrifices to create a Queer space that was uncompromising in values and vision. Even if we crash and burn, I do not regret fighting for this.”
Dean urges patrons to share their feedback and help Lore grow by taking a customer satisfaction survey. Take the survey here. To learn more about Lore and buy tickets to upcoming events, visit loreatl.com.
Related story: Queer Atlantans are fostering alternative nightlife with DIY parties, raves, and events