Los Angeles, known for its vibrant nightlife, has seen a resurgence of lesbian bars with the opening of The Ruby Fruit and Honey’s at Star Love. After years of limited options for lesbians in the city, these new establishments are providing much-needed safe spaces and opportunities for socializing and community building.
The Ruby Fruit, a cozy wine bar located in a strip mall on Sunset Boulevard, has quickly become a popular destination. Owned by Mara Herbkersman and Emily Bielagus, The Ruby Fruit offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for lesbians, trans people, and nonbinary individuals. The bar features an eclectic lunch and dinner menu, including dishes like fried cod croquettes and Japanese sweet potatoes. It also hosts wine nights, showcasing queer and woman-owned winemakers, and themed parties like the upcoming “Y2Gay” event.
Honey’s at Star Love, situated in East Hollywood, is another exciting addition to L.A.’s queer nightlife scene. Founded by Charlotte Gordon, Kate Greenberg, and Mo Faulk, this lesbian and queer bar emphasizes inclusivity, particularly for the trans community. Honey’s offers a range of events, including drag brunches, comedy and karaoke nights, and pop-up markets. The bar aims to create an expansive and welcoming space for everyone, while also serving as a platform for supporting local artists and nonprofits.
The opening of these two lesbian bars marks a significant shift in the city’s LGBTQ nightlife landscape. In recent years, the decline of lesbian bars has been a concern, with only a few remaining establishments in major cities like New York and Los Angeles. However, The Ruby Fruit and Honey’s at Star Love challenge this narrative, demonstrating that there is still a demand for dedicated spaces catering to the lesbian and queer community.
As society becomes more inclusive and diverse, it is crucial to provide safe spaces where people of all genders and sexual orientations can come together, celebrate their identities, and foster a sense of belonging. These new bars in L.A. are doing just that, and their success signifies the power and joy of queer spaces.
Sources:
- Brown, E. N. (2023, June 18). L.A. Went From Having Zero Lesbian Bars to Two New Ones This Year. The Hollywood Reporter.
- Rao, T. (2023, April 1). The Lesbian Bar Isn’t Dead. It’s Pouring Orange Wine in Los Angeles. The New York Times.
- Photos Credit: The Ruby Fruit website www.therubyfruit.com