Help Save Escapade Our Historic LGBTQ Bar

We sit in the 100+ year old 3 story building in Altoona, PA now known as Escapade.  Owned and operated LGBTQ+ for over 40 years now, starting with The Lapierre in the late 70’s and eventually renamed Escapade. Over the years we have raised money for many organizations, including animal shelters, AIDS research, youth centers/homes and more.  LGBTQ+ bars started for a safe place for the community to go since it was illegal still in the 60’s and 70’s for same sex dancing. Our people could be refused service just for being gay at other establishments.  There were more than 1500 gay bars in the United States in the past and today that number has dropped to around 1000, we do not want that number to decrease anymore!  #SmallBusinessRelief #savequeervenues https://gofund.me/24117e0d


Bars, per the Governor’s mandates have been under lockdown and closure several times this year.  We have only able to operate at full capacity for two months in 2020 and 5+ months at 25% capacity.  We are losing this battle to preserve this safe place.  Service limitations and other mandates that are making it almost impossible to make enough money to pay the basic bills.  Bars and restaurants will have the same expenses per month while closed as they do open.  With coolers running and now heating so pipes do not burst along with insurance, taxes and licensing fees. 

Please help us out if you are able to.  We understand times are tough and would not want you to take food from your table.  Give if you can… we definitely understand if you can’t!  Warm wishes and air hugs are always welcome instead!!  We love you all and please stay safe!!