Another One Bites the Dust: Iconic Kentucky Gay Club Shuttering

Soundbar, an iconic gay nightclub in downtown Lexington, Ky., announced it will be closing its doors to patrons this month.

"Soundbar will have [its] LAST DANCE on Saturday November 19," the club's owners recently announced on Facebook. "We had the most Amazing 13 plus years and are now ready to move on to other projects. We will still be available for PRIVATE EVENTS until we find a suitable NEW TENANT for the space."

"We thank everybody that supported us over the years, we had a great time getting to know you and dancing together. We would also like to thank the staff at Soundbar, you are a big part of Soundbar's long and successful run."

Soundbar's impending closures leaves only two exclusively LGBTQ+ establishments in Kentucky's second-largest city -- Crossings Lexington and The Bar Complex, both located downtown. Louisville, the state's most populous city, is still home to a handful of queer nightlife establishments.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs were struggling. (MORE: Over 62 Dead (or Dying) Gay Bars in the United States)