Save Halo: Long Island's LGBTQ Safe Haven

Halo Bar, Lounge, Nightclub and Event Space was opened in 2023 and is one of two LGBTQ+ venues in all of Long Island, New York. Out of an estimated population of 8 million people, there are two full time queer bars.

Two.

Since it's conception, Halo has become a hub for all LGBTQ humans and their allies - providing a safe, inclusive space for creativity, acceptance, equality, friendship, and love. Borne out of necessity and absence on Long Island, Halo has filled the void that so many queer humans have been searching for. Offering weekly drag shows, karaoke nights, live music, DJs, mixers, speed-dating nights, themed parties, and private events, Halo has steadfastly committed to breathing life into the Long Island queer community at a time when it is so painstakingly needed.

Given the political climate of our country right now, Halo's existence is more essential than ever. The definition of a "halo" is a ring of protective light - and that is intrinsically what we have strived to be for our community over the past 18 months.

Though purchased in May of 2023, Halo could not open it's doors full time for 6 months as a result of a processing error on the part of the State Liquor Authority. Imagine paying thousands of dollars in rent, utilities, and permits for a space that you could not even make profit off of. Despite this, our team at Halo remained committed to our community, committed to keeping our doors open and our halo glowing. Unfortunately, starting behind the eight-ball has caught up to us.

Despite several efforts and attempted arrangements, our landlord has given us until May 3, 2025 to come up with an exorbitant amount of money and has submitted for an eviction to occur within fourteen days of that date. With less than 45 days to our highly anticipated pride event - Nassau County, Long Island's largest pride event - we potentially face eviction by mid May.

Halo has shown up for its community time and time and time again - hosting fundraisers for various nonprofits, opening our doors for last minute events when patrons had no where else to go, giving people a space to come as they are and be true to who they are. ..

And now we need our community to show up for us.

If you have ever been to Halo and made a new friend...

If you have ever been to Halo and had a meaningful conversation with a bartender...

If you have ever been to Halo and felt safe...

If you have ever been to Halo and felt seen...

Or if you have never been to Halo but take comfort in the security that we exist and we are here...

We need your help - and we need it immediately.

There is no amount too big or too small. Every single dollar counts. Take fifteen minutes out of your day to personally text this link to people you know...sharing on social media alone will not get the job done in this time crunch.

The LGBTQ+ community, for decades, has shown it's resilience and that there is great strength in numbers. If anyone can do this, we can.