In 1978, the closet was the only safe place for most gay people in St. Louis. But after Clementines bar opened at 2001 Menard St., local gays found another, less lonely haven.
This week, Clementines announced that it鈥檚 closing.
When it opened, there was no such acronym as LGBT. In polite company, gays were referred to as homosexuals, and called much worse in private conversations and during all-too-common street harassment and violence. Sex between two men or two women was illegal in Missouri and many other states.
Now, same-sex marriage is legal in 19 states and Washington, D.C., and
GLBT people no longer have to hide in the dark alleys, socialize in bad neighborhoods or be in fear of who they are, where they choose to meet and who they choose to love. The 鈥済ay bar鈥� is no longer the only outlet for the community to meet.
Clementines' owners wrote that 鈥渋t was time鈥� to close their establishment.Sadness was the chief reaction on social media among St. Louis鈥� LGBT community. Many remember Clementines as a community gathering place, especially during Mardi Gras.
Clementines Closing; St. Louis' Oldest Gay Bar was THE PLACE TO BE for Mardi Gras so sad
— Ana C (@Anawannasee)
Patrons are being asked to bring their Clementines matchbooks and other memorabilia to the bar on Sunday to add to
It was initially announced that Clementines would close Sunday. But a Facebook post invites people to come by Monday beginning at 9 p.m., saying, 鈥淒rinks are on us 鈥� until the last bottle is dry 鈥� We will celebrate the time we have spent together over these years and add to the memories that will never be forgotten.鈥�
漏 2024 外网天堂's Steve Potter
LGBT History in St. Louis and the Nation
