Gay bar lewisham
GayEastLondon: Has Lewisham lost its gay scene?
Calliope Lunn. Pic: Joel Watson
The number of local gay bars and pubs in east London is significantly decreasing. Many beloved establishments have been lost and those that remain have had to adapt. ELL has mapped the decline of LGBTQ venues in our boroughs over the past 30 years from to Trail the story this week to find out why this is happening and what it means for the lesbian, gay, multi-attracted , transgender and queer community.
Whilst the southern parts of east London, such as Croydon and Lewisham, contain never had quite as many gay bars and pubs as the north, Lewisham’s Two8Six operated as a gay bar for more than 60 years. In it closed its doors for good.
Some queer pubs have closed because of the same problems that affect straight pubs such as the financial crisis, the smoking exclude, high rent — Two8Six fell victim to London’s soaring house prices — but the closure of gay venues has affected LGBTQ culture in a way unseen by the general public.
Steve Thompson was the landlord when the pub closed after being taken over by new owners. Thompson said the owners demanded that he evict his live-in staff, who slept above the pub,
Lewisham&#;s lost queer spaces
This undertaking, led by Bijou Stories, uncovered the histories of Lewisham’s lost gay venues that thrived from the s – 90s and the informal communities that formed there, responding to social and political challenges including the AIDS crisis.
After gathering a wealth of memories, photographs and stories from those who spent time there, the plan produced a series of creative responses inspired by the history of these lost spaces and their importance to the Queer community.
In the autumn of a collaborative exhibition was held in Lewisham Shopping Centre that played host to workshops, discussions, engage readings and socials. The exhibition addressed the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ spaces, documenting a forgotten past and empowering communities of today.
Background
After the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in , London’s gay bars were able to legally work in relative peace. For 30 years, Lewisham’s bars and pubs acted as safe spaces for people to meet, have a drink and overcome collective challenges. Venues like The Castle, The Queen’s Arms and The Roebuck hosted regular quizzes, drag nights and parties throughout the week.
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An oral history calm by Paul Green as part of the In Living Memory project, Where to, now the sequins have gone?
In the interview, Richard discusses his memories and experiences of the lost gay bars of Lewisham that thrived from ss.
Transcript
Rosie (interviewer): The afternoon, today’s the 8th September, and this is an interview with Nick. Nick, can you tell me your full name and spell it. Spell your surname.
Richard (interviewee): It’s actually Rick. Rick Stableford, R-I-C-K, and Stableford is S-T-A-B-L-E-F-O-R-D.
Rosie: Rick.
Speaker 3: Thank you. [Laughs].
Rosie: Sorry about that.
Speaker 3: Start with what’s your name.
Rosie: My name’s Rosie Oliver, and this is for the Bijou Stories: Where To, Now The Sequins Have Gone? exhibition and the archive at Goldsmith. So I’m going to really prepare the mic on Rick.
Speaker 3: [Laughs].
Rosie: And, Rick, if you could just introduce yourself, and what brought you to the show today?
Richard: Oh, right, so yes, I’ve lived in Lewisham for about odd years and seen many changes. And a flyer was given out for the Drag Race, and that’s where I first heard about it, and so I came. So, yes, I investigated and found out. I liter
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