The sale of Cheer Up Charlies, a beloved Austin queer bar, has been canceled, marking another twist in a chaotic year for the establishment. The bar's owner, Maggie Lea, confirmed that the sale to Pride Holdings Group, a Florida investment firm, has been called off. This decision comes after a wave of backlash from the local queer community and concerns over the bar's identity as a safe space for queer Austinites.
The announcement of the sale last month shocked many, especially given the bar's recent fundraising efforts to pay back rent. The deal would have seen Pride Holdings Group take over the bar's finances while Lea and Hoover remained as managers. However, the corporation's involvement in acquiring multiple struggling LGBTQ+ bars in the U.S. and Australia raised red flags for some.
In an interview, Pride Holdings Group's CEO, Michael Barrett, had previously stated that the agreement was finalized, but he couldn't disclose specific terms. He claimed that the company's goal was to help the bar become profitable by cutting costs and rethinking operations. However, the sudden cancellation suggests that the deal may have fallen through due to unforeseen challenges or community opposition.
The controversy surrounding the sale highlights the tension between corporate ownership and the community-driven nature of queer spaces. Longtime drag performer Brigitte Bandit, who worked almost exclusively at Cheer Ups, expressed her skepticism about the role of capitalism in queer liberation. She believes that queer spaces should remain independent and community-driven, rather than being likened to fast-food chains.
The cancellation of the sale leaves the future of Cheer Up Charlies in question. Bandit, who had initially decided to stop performing at the bar if the sale went through, now hopes for a return to local ownership and financial stability. The bar's owners, Lea and Hoover, remain committed to preserving the bar's identity and ensuring its continued success as a safe haven for the queer community in Austin.
