Gentrification Shutters One of Oakland's Only LGBTQ Bars

Gentrification will close down one of Oakland, Calif.'s only LGBTQ bars.

A spokesman for Club BnB (Bench and Bar) told KTVU-TV the establishment will pour its last drink on Jan. 12.

The reason the club will shutter? Landlords would rather make way for tech businesses.

Owners confirmed on the club's Facebook page the closure will be permanent.

"After nearly four decades of being Oakland and the East Bay's premier LGBTQ nightclub, Club 21 and Club BnB (aka Bench and Bar) will be closing our doors permanently on January 12th," the post reads. "We have been informed that the building that houses one of only 3 LGBTQ bars in Oakland was sold and the new owner is converting the space into shared tech offices."

"We, like so many in the LGBTQ community, have fallen victim to the rising costs of gentrification and we too will be displaced," the post continues.

The Franklin Street bar has been at its current local nearly 20 years.

"Club 21 has been part of the fabric of the queer nightlife scene for two decades at our current location. It's a shame to lose such a space," Frank Ciglar of Club 21 told KTVU.

Until the club closes, it will continue to host LatinX explosions on Fridays and Banda/Ranchera parties on Saturdays. Plans for New Year's Eve celebrations will continue as planned on Dec. 31.

The club has maintained a reputation as a haven for minority LGBTQ club goers and as a place for free expression, Ciglar said.