February 1st 2025.
Over the past few years, more than half of London's LGBTQ+ venues have disappeared. It's a sad reality that Matthew Hodson, now a 57-year-old actor who works in HIV prevention, couldn't have imagined back in 1991 when he first stepped into Soho's newest LGBTQ+ bar, The Village.
As he stood outside, taking in the novelty of being able to see in and out of a gay bar, he reflected on how far the community had come. In the past, gay bars were often boarded up and hidden from the public eye, but now they were becoming more visible. However, this visibility seems to be fading as the capital's gay village undergoes significant changes.
Soho's iconic LGBTQ+ establishments, such as G-A-Y and Madame JoJo's, have been put up for sale or closed down. Even the historic Raymond Revuebar, a strip bar that had been around for decades, closed its doors in 2016. It's a trend that has been noticed by locals, punters, performers, business owners, and historians alike - Soho is losing its queer identity.
Jeremy Joseph, owner of G-A-Y bars and clubs, understands this all too well. He recently announced plans to sell G-A-Y Bar due to the strict licensing, Nimby (Not In My Backyard) residents, and the loss of Soho's queer identity. The closure of the bar's sister club, G-A-Y Late, in 2023 only adds to the sense of loss.
Jeremy, who has been a part of the Soho community for over a decade, recalls a time when there was a strong sense of community. He remembers how they came together after the tragic Orlando Shooting in 2016, hosting a two-minute silence on Old Compton Street. But now, he feels that sense of community has diminished. During last year's Pride month, he noticed that only a few businesses bothered to display a Pride flag, and he no longer feels safe enough to hold another man's hand in the area.
The current climate, including the COVID-19 pandemic and rising costs of living, has dealt a heavy blow to London businesses. Many are struggling to stay afloat, and some have even had to close down due to angry residents' groups and restrictive council decisions. Gary Henshaw, owner of Ku Bar and She, the only lesbian bar in central London, has been tempted to leave Old Compton Street due to the difficulty of staying open.
He recalls how he had to plead with The Soho Society, a community association, not to object to an extension of their opening hours. Despite their efforts, they were granted an extension for two years, which greatly helped their business. However, Gary is concerned that if they are forced to close, they will be replaced by mainstream businesses like Burger King or American candy stores.
Unfortunately, their application for an extension was rejected, with the Metropolitan Police citing concerns about public nuisance and crime. They claimed that the bar was located in a high-crime area, and extending their hours would only add to the problem. These obstacles make it challenging for LGBTQ+ venues to thrive and contribute to the vibrant community that has existed in Soho for decades.
It's a sad reality that Soho, once known as London's gay village, is losing its identity. As we reflect on the past, remembering iconic moments like Joe Strummer of The Clash outside Cinema Blue in 1978 or Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club on Frith Street, we must also look towards the future and find a way to preserve the rich LGBTQ+ culture that has called Soho home for so long.
Over the years, more than half of London's LGBTQ+ venues have sadly closed down. It's a devastating reality that has left many in the community feeling disheartened and concerned about the future. For Matthew Hodson, a 57-year-old actor who now works in HIV prevention, the changes in London's gay village are particularly striking. He recalls a time when simply looking through the windows of a gay bar was groundbreaking. But now, with many venues being boarded up, demolished, or replaced, the vibrant and welcoming atmosphere of the village is fading away.
One of the latest casualties is G-A-Y in Soho, which has recently been put up for sale. This iconic bar has been a staple in the community for years, but the owner, Jeremy Joseph, has decided to let it go due to a variety of reasons. The strict licensing laws, complaints from locals, and the gradual loss of Soho's queer identity have all played a part in his decision. Even Jeremy, who once owned three queer venues, no longer feels comfortable enough to hold another man's hand in the area. It's a sad reality that speaks volumes about the changes happening in London's gay village.
The coronavirus pandemic and the rising cost of living have also contributed to the closure of many businesses in the area. The drag scene, which has been a vital part of Soho's culture since the 1960s, has been hit hard. Madame JoJo's, a popular burlesque and cabaret club, was forced to close its doors in 2014. And the Raymond Revuebar, a strip club that had been around for decades, met the same fate in 2016. These closures, along with the struggles of other businesses, have left a noticeable void in the once vibrant and thriving community.
For 58-year-old Jeremy Joseph, who has been a part of Soho's gay village for years, the changes are heartbreaking. He remembers a time when there was a real sense of community and love, especially after the tragic Orlando Shooting in 2016. But now, with the rising tensions and dwindling support, it's becoming increasingly difficult to keep the community together. Other club owners, like Gary Henshaw, who runs Ku Bar and She, have also expressed their frustration with the restrictive council decisions and objections from residents' groups. For Gary, it's a constant battle to stay afloat in an area that is becoming increasingly hostile towards LGBTQ+ venues.
It's not just about the businesses, it's about the culture and history that is being lost. Soho has been London's gay village for decades, and it's a place that holds a special significance for many. From the iconic Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club to Joe Strummer of The Clash spotted outside Cinema Blue, the area has always been a hub of creativity and acceptance. But with the closure of venues like G-A-Y and the struggles faced by others, there are concerns that Soho's queer identity is slowly disappearing.
The fight to keep Soho's gay village alive continues, but it's a difficult battle. Gary's application to extend the opening hours of his bars was rejected, citing concerns about public nuisance and crime. The Metropolitan Police even went as far as to say that the area has some of the highest crime levels in the country. But for Gary and many others, the real concern is that if these venues are forced to close, they will be replaced by generic chain stores and fast-food restaurants, erasing the rich culture and history of the area.
The changes in Soho's gay village are deeply concerning, and the community is feeling the effects. It's not just about the loss of businesses, but the loss of a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals. As the area's vibrant and diverse culture slowly fades away, there is a growing sense of urgency to preserve what is left of Soho's queer identity. The fight is far from over, and it's crucial for the community to come together and support each other in these challenging times.
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