My Open Letter to Mayor Wu
Dear Madam Mayor and the Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement,
This past week I attended the East Berkeley Neighborhood Association's January meeting. Unlike other regular monthly meetings, this one was attended by 100+ neighbors to discuss a proposed plan for a recreational cannabis dispensary at 1220 Washington Street which is currently occupied by Cathedral Station. The attendance at the meeting was such that we hit the attendee max limit and countless people couldn't even join the call to listen or engage. During the call, the feedback regarding the dispensary varied from safety concerns, proximity to parks and schools, and the unclear and sudden communication of Cathedral Station’s closing. However, my concern is not solely the dispensary but of the communication and activities necessary to ensure this neighborhood has the best possible new business operating at 1220-1226 Washington Street.
Though I currently reside in South Boston, much of my time is spent in the South End because of small business and gathering spaces like Cathedral Station. Cathy's, as many in the queer community call it, is one of the last remaining safe queer spaces and the only queer sports bar in the City of Boston. Many of our LGBTQ+ rec leagues call Cathedral Station home as they sponsor and host countless events, clubs and post game gatherings including but not limited to FLAG Flag Football, Beantown Softball League, OutRyders Ski & Snowboard Club, Boston Gay Basketball League, Pride & Stonewall Leagues among countless others. It was unknown to the community, staff, and residents of its pending closure until the January 3rd EBNA meeting. This was a surprise to many (including their own staff) and only perpetuates the concern that our queer community is losing these safe and necessary spaces. As you are aware, nearly two years ago the Boston Pride Organization dissolved and in 2022, the City of Boston had no official “pride”. This was the first time in my lifetime that there was no pride parade. All celebrations that were hosted came from our local queer community businesses and groups doing what they could to ensure our community was supported.
In a time where LGBTQ+ rights continue to be marginalized across the country from both state and federal policies, my hope is that we as a city can continue to rally around our community and support new businesses. By doing everything we can to keep the existing ones open and continue making Boston a city where LGBTQ+ people feel they can safely connect with others, create new opportunities, and have an affordable and fun place to do just that. I travel quite a bit both nationally and internationally and our reputation for having a vibrant queer scene is waning. Queer people are moving to cities that are more affordable and have more vibrant scenes full of shops, restaurants, and bars that understand the fears and concerns within our community.
While it appears the future of Cathy's is unknown based on conflicting statements made by the landlord, Arthur Leon, at the EBNA meeting; the lack of transparency around the specifics of the property and current business leads to challenges for any new potential businesses (queer or not) in this space. Additionally, the building, parking, and patio serves a business such as a restaurant or bar well and a new business would benefit from Cathy's having existing licenses and permits to take over.
I feel it would be a disservice to the neighborhood and the queer community to not do as much as possible to ensure a fair and equitable process to find the best possible replacement for this unique space. Boston has historically been an advocate for protecting marginalized communities and I ask that this not stop now. Please ensure there is clear communication, community involvement, and due process to all potential businesses in the replacement of one of the last remaining queer safe spaces left in Boston.
Current LGBTQ+ Bars/Restaurants:
Alley Bar (Downtown Crossing)
Blend (Dorchester)
Club Cafe (Back Bay)
Dbar (Dorchester)
Jacques Cabaret (Bay Village)
Current LGBTQ+ Friendly Bars/Restaurants:
Trophy Room (South End)
Legacy Nightclub (Downtown)
Closed or Soon To Close LGBTQ+ Owned/Friendly Bars and Restaurants:
Cathedral Station (South End) Closing ~2023
Good Life (Downtown) Closed 2022
Eagle Boston (South End) Closed 2021
Stella Restaurant (South End) Closed 2020
Machine & Ramrod (Fenway) Closed 2020
Paradise (Cambridge) Closed 2018
Tremont 647/Sister Sorel (South End) Closed 2018
Axis (Fenway) Closed 2007
Chaps Closed 1999
Sincerely,
Corey Dinopoulos
