Beloved Portland gay bar to close after 46 years
It’s farewell to Scandals, which first opened its doors in 1979.
Mark
A much-loved and long-running gay bar in Portland, Oregon, has announced it’s set to close next month.
Scandals first opened for business back in 1979. It lies at 1125 SW Harvey Milk Street (named after the trailblazing, late gay rights icon). On the weekend, it announced its closure with a message on its social media.
“After 46 fabulous years, Scandals (as we all know it) will be closing our doors on Harvey Milk St. September 21st.
“For nearly half a century, Scandals has been more than a bar. It’s been a safe haven, a gathering place, a dance floor, a stage and a home for so many in our LGBTQAI+ community and beyond. We’ve laughed, cried, celebrated and stood together through times of joy and times of challenge.”
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The statement went on to express gratitude to loyal customers and the nonprofits the bar has partnered with over the years.
“To our community: You’ve made Scandals a landmark, not just in Portland nightlife, but in LGBTQAI+ history. You’ve filled these walls with music, dancing, activism, friendship and chosen family.”
“Family-friendly” queer replacement
In a follow-up message a couple of days later, the bar offered further details behind the closure. It revealed it had been an “uphill battle” to bounce back financially after the shutdowns of 2020.
“Now, with the rising cost of goods and services and the changing landscape of the downtown area, the owner has made the difficult decision not to renew the lease. This choice did not come easily.”
It went on to say, “This is not goodbye forever. The owner is moving forward with an exciting new concept on the east side and we can’t wait to share more with you soon.”
This will be a “new all-ages family-friendly queer space.”
The changing scene in Portland
It’s believed that approximately 50% of queer bars have closed in the US since the turn of the century. This is partly down to many LGBTQ+ people now meeting others via apps, and rises in rents in gentrified gayborhoods. Surviving 2020 was also challenging for most businesses.
KOIN News reports that three other LGBTQ-friendly bars in Portland — Sissy Bar, Crush Bar and Misfits Bar+ Lounge— have shuttered since 2024.
CC Slaughters, another well-known queer venue, also stated it would close this month. However, at the 11th hour, it commenced negotiations with a potential new owner. Its planned closure has now been put on hold.
Fortunately, other businesses, including the long-running Darcelle XV and Eagle Portland, remain.
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