We plan to allocate funds to our staff/payroll which is roughly 11k per week as well as rent to keep us operating at least through Pride!

We opened The Pearl a year and a half ago, originally “Pearl Divers” as we were in a smaller, more divey bar.

The start of our troubles came shortly after opening Pearl Divers, the building was bought out by a new landlord and we were forced to quickly pivot and move with no notice.

We landed at the historic, Mercury Cafe, we knew moving into this larger and older space would be a challenge, with absorbing the Merc’s events, their staff, a kitchen, cafe, and all the building maintenance that’s comes with the space, we financially got in over our heads and it’s hard to catch up when you get behind.

We have never wanted to close our doors and shut off such a special and unique space, full of our queer, trans, and biopic community. Our events have brought so much queer joy, we can’t stand to lose them, and seeing the response from you all wanting to keep us alive, we will give everything we have, and I truly think between our community and the pearls commitment, we can save this sacred lesbian space.

Love from The Pearl Owners and Staff