If you’ve ever been to Galveston as an adult, chances are high you’ve stepped through the front doors of Robert’s Lafitte.
Widely known as the oldest gay bar in Texas, the iconic LGBTQ gathering spot in the coastal Texas town has long been a friendly place for locals and out-of-towners to hang out.
It’s nothing fancy, but we always go whenever we’re in Galveston because it’s still fun to see check out the local gay bars while vacationing.
Founder Robert Mainor passed away in 2022 and the new owners have struggled with rising costs and a variety of other factors that could lead Robert’s Lafitte to imminent extinction.
We received a press release about a GoFundMe campaign to help keep the doors open and pay for urgent repairs, permits and overdue taxes. The intitial fundraising amount is only $5,000, so it wouldn’t take much to help them reach that goal. However, we suspect it’s only a drop in the bucket of what’s really needed to keep the business afloat.
If you’re inclined to help save a piece of Texas queer history (on Avenue Q no less), now’s your chance to throw a few dollars (or a few hundred) their way.
Heck, if you really want to see what’s at stake, hop in the car for a last-minute trip to a benefit this Saturday night. It features an auction, two shows packed with drag and other entertainers, drink specials and a grassroots vibe that’ll surely be fun.
We had to preempt our regular Travel Tuesday story this week, so consider this a little bonus reason to pack a bag, book a hotel room and hit the road.
Together, we can preserve queer spaces and support these businesses when they need us most.
Robert’s Lafitte Benefit
Saturday, May 9
4:00 p.m. to late
Robert’s Lafitte
2501 Avenue Q, Galveston
Robert’s Lafitte GoFundMe
gofundme.com
