As Lesbian Bars Shutter Nationwide, Houston's Pearl Bar Gets Life-Sustaining Grant from Dating App

As Lesbian Bars Shutter Nationwide, Houston's Pearl Bar Gets Life-Sustaining Grant from Dating App

The scene outside Pearl Bar during Pride celebrations earlier this summer (photo from @pearlbarhouston on Facebook).

HOUSTON'S ONLY LESBIAN bar is receiving assistance from the dating app "designed to be deleted."


In partnership with The Lesbian Bar Project, dating app Hinge is committing at least $50,000 in stimulus payments to the few remaining lesbian bars across the nation, including the Washington Corridor's Pearl Bar. The fastest-growing dating app in the United States is also encouraging LGBTQIA+ singles to go on a date at select establishments, furthering the brand's mission, which is to create an inclusive world where everyone can find love, a representative for the app notes.

Users are encouraged to send a Rose — a premium like on the app — for a good cause this Sunday, Aug. 8. Hinge will donate net proceeds from the sale of Roses to The Lesbian Bar Project with stimulus payments split evenly among the participating bars.

Pearl Bar is said to be one of just two lesbian bars remaining in Texas. The Washington Avenue staple opened its doors in 2013.

"We deserve to spend our money where we are treated with respect and welcomed from the moment we walk in the door," said Pearl Bar owner Julie Mabry in a statement. "Somewhere where we can be who we are without worrying about our safety. Where our money is being recycled back in the community and supporting groups that spend their time fighting for our rights."

Elina Street, The Lesbian Bar Project co-director, in a release: "We are thrilled to continue to support lesbian bars through a new program with Hinge. As people begin to date in-person again, we encourage them to visit their local lesbian bars and help preserve the remaining, and vital, LGBTQIA+ establishments."

Wellness+Giving Back
With Expertise in Blondes, Extensions and More, the Janelle Alexis Team Is a Go-To Salon

YOU CAN'T LIMIT Janelle to one title – Hairdresser. Her career and business has been established and built on a strong foundation. Using her two business degrees + one more in-process, this enables Janelle and the team to deliver not only a customer-focused experience, but a foundationally solid business. There is much more than meets the eye, and in sharing a little bit about Janelle, she was not only an international hair extension educator for over 14 years, but brings extensive expertise to blondes. She rounds this out with her previously launched namesake cosmetic line, which is a perfect complement to her belief that “Beauty is our Business”.

Keep Reading Show less

Salted Coconut Latik Ice Cream Sandwich at Lil' Koffeteria

THERE'S SOME INTERESTING news coming out of The Quad at Britmoore, the adaptive, mixed-use development fashioned of repurposed industrial warehouses in Spring Branch near Memorial.

Keep Reading Show less

Christine Johnson and Jody Merritt

A LOVELY AND truly heart-felt tradition continued, when Saks Fifth Avenue and its 5115 restaurant hosted the 14th annual Houston Sweethearts tea.

Keep Reading Show less
Party People