Oldest gay bar in Texas set to close unless it can raise another $5k
Can you help save Robert’s Lafitte in Galveston, Texas?
Mark
A gay bar in Galveston, Texas, faces closure unless it can raise money for some urgent repairs.
According to The Independent, Robert’s Lafitte is the oldest gay bar in the state. It’s been operating since at least 1965, first as Lafitte’s – a discreet and welcoming space for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community. It gained its current name five years later when it was bought by the late Robert Mainor (profiled in the 2013 documentary Before You Know It).
Bartender Terry Michael Fuller told the outlet, “It’s like our second home. It’s our safe place.”
Situated near Galveston’s oceanside Historic Pleasure Pier, it even has visitors from passing cruise ships.
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Apparently, someone reported the dive bar to county health authorities and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. It now needs to raise money for upgrades demanded by the agencies to continue trading.
Fuller told the Chronicle the bar received a “laundry list” of things that needed fixing within 30 days. None of the requirements are insurmountable on their own, but taken together, they require an immediate injection of cash.
Fundraiser launched
A fundraiser for the bar launched a few days ago. It’s exceeded its initial goal of $5,000 and is now aiming to raise $14,000. At the time of writing, it had raised $8,700.
Tiffany De la Vega, the bar’s show director, set up the fundraiser.
“Urgent repairs, permits, and taxes are threatening to close its doors for good unless we can get some help,” Tiffany states on the fundraising page.
“The funds raised will go directly toward covering these immediate needs—making essential repairs, paying for permits, and handling overdue taxes. Every dollar will help keep Roberts Lafitte open and able to serve the community that relies on it. This bar is more than just a business; it’s a piece of history and a symbol of pride and resilience.”
The bar is also hosting a fundraising event this Saturday night (May 9), including an auction.
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