Raleigh Queer Venue Initiative
The Raleigh Queer Venue Initiative is made up of the sole queer music venues in Raleigh: Ruby Deluxe, Wicked Witch, and the Night Rider. Our purpose is to give LGBTQIA, as well as marginalized folx a safe space to dance, create, perform, and support one another. We regularly host some of the Raleigh's best drag performances, live music acts, community events, DJ sets, and dance parties.
Due to the recent pandemic, we've been forced to postpone events and are operating at a much smaller capacity. Small businesses and events dedicated to queer and marginalized groups are getting hit the hardest right now, because of our of self-selected, minority market.
Additionally, our bar is owned and operated by regular community members and queer folx like you and me. We don't come from big money, or have the access to a lot of the extra funds that other mainstream bars and venues do.
We are already being forced to cut pay for our employees and performers, many of whom do not have additional income to support them. If this continues we are facing the heartbreaking reality that we may even have to close our doors.
Our initial goal will allow us to pay rent and provide staff with income for a few weeks. Please consider donating what you would spend at the bars during these challenging times to help us meet our goal. We promise that if we get through this, our events are going to be more poppin' then ever.
