“I
t is with great sadness that as of today Her Upstairs is no longer open for business at 18 Kentish Town Road,” reads the abrupt statement just released by the folks at Her Upstairs.
Since the continued closure of the Black Cap, the only LGBT+ bar left in Camden Town has become a staple amongst the community for the past couple of years – ranking first in our list of new openings in 2016. Better still, they’ve brilliantly programmed an eclectic mix of shows, events, performances and talks; each looking to celebrate and fortify the spectrum of queer identities in a safe and inclusive environment.
“This is a bar run for queer people by queer people,” Her Upstairs’ Joe Parslow told us recently. “Queer, for us, is about a radical togetherness and as such everyone is welcome in our space, as long as you’re not an arsehole. Identity is never a barrier here, and we welcome everyone and anyone who wants to enjoy our bar, shows, and each other’s company.”
Needless to say, the inimitable HU has been a vital home for the capital’s LGBT+ community; the place where people have become friends, acquaintances lovers, creatives have been inspired and activists have been galvanised.
Though unable to share the details of their sudden closure “for legal reasons,” the team regret not being able to give “our incredible community a chance to say goodbye to the space.”
The ‘Her Upstairs family’ (as they refer to themselves) remain positive despite this sudden blow. “It’s the people, not the bricks and mortar that make the space,” remaining certain that “each and everyone of our family [will remain] with us no matter where we go.”
And they assure us that “this is goodbye for the present but not a farewell,” alongside a link to Cher’s You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me.
Considering the way the queer community have fought tooth and nail to fend off the closure of the legendary Black Cap, we definitely believe in life after closure.
But for now it’s a real blow to Camden’s last remaining LGBTQ sanctuary.
Main image: Performer Meth at the launch of Her Upstairs, PR
