Gay bars brooklyn park slope

Rising Cafe was opened in by Irish immigrant Rena Blake and her friend Christine Marinoni as, what appears to be, the first openly lesbian-owned business in Park Slope. For seven years, until its closure inthe Irish pub predominantly catered to the local lesbian community, hosting sports teams and musical, literary, and poetry events.

Courtesy of the Lesbian Herstory Archives. Born in Listowel, Ireland, Rena Blake b. Living and working in the Bronx as a nanny during her first years in New York, she was heavily involved with the Irish community, though purely socially. Closely following the organization, she became a member inwhich was one of the biggest catalysts for her coming out.

I came out as a lesbian. Being gay at the time was tough. It was an intense period during which I grew up and found my voice. I began fighting for many causes. Blake consequently moved to Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, leaving her family and starting anew.

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A few years later, inshe and her friend Christine Marinoni b. Although Blake had always dreamed of running an Irish bar, her coming out and newfound political awareness cemented Park Slope, a neighborhood where many lesbians lived, as the most appropriate place for the endeavor. In choosing the location, Blake was intentional about avoiding areas of growing gentrification east of 7th Avenue.

As a result, Rising Cafe was located on the corner of 5th Avenue and Sackett Street, a more diverse and working-class part of the neighborhood. Blake and Marinoni actively promoted Rising Cafe as a lesbian-owned establishment that catered to the local lesbian community.

Rising Cafe also regularly organized fundraisers and campaigns for both neighboring businesses and residents. It closed in Entry by Charlotte Boulanger, project consultant November ; last revised November Anne Maguire, Rock the Sham! ShadesMayvol. This project is enriched by your participation!

Do you have your own images of this site? Or a story to share? Would you like to suggest a different historic site? Share on Facebook Email this. Header Photo. Flyer advertising Rising Cafe. Rena BlakeThe Irish Times ,