A Beloved Queer Haven Saved from Corporate Hands?
In a surprising turn of events, the sale of Austin's cherished queer bar, Cheer Up Charlies, has been abruptly called off. This news comes as a relief to many in the local LGBTQ+ community who had expressed deep concerns about the bar's future under corporate ownership. But here's where it gets controversial: was this a victory for community spirit, or a missed opportunity for financial stability?
Published on November 4, 2025, the announcement marks the latest twist in a tumultuous year for Cheer Up Charlies. The bar, a safe haven for queer Austinites, was set to be acquired by Pride Holdings Group, a Florida-based investment firm. However, bar owners Maggie Lea and Tamara Hoover have confirmed that both parties have mutually agreed to terminate the deal. Lea stated, “Our membership interests have been returned, and we remain the owners of Cheer Up Charlies.” When asked about the reason for the cancellation, Lea simply noted, “It just didn’t work out.”
And this is the part most people miss: the initial sale announcement came just days after the bar successfully raised $60,000 in donations to cover back rent. This led to widespread criticism from community members who felt that selling to a corporate entity would betray the bar’s identity as a grassroots, community-driven space. Pride Holdings Group, which has recently acquired several struggling LGBTQ+ venues across the U.S. and Australia, had planned to take over the bar’s finances while keeping Lea and Hoover as managers.
Pride Holdings Group’s CEO, Michael Barrett, a former fast-food franchisee turned queer club investor, had envisioned the acquisition as an opportunity for LGBTQ+ individuals to invest in their own spaces. “It’s about what the company can do with the power of our organization,” he said. However, the company did not respond to requests for comment following the deal’s collapse.
The decision to sell had sparked fierce opposition on social media, with many Austinites arguing that queer liberation and corporate ownership are fundamentally at odds. Brigitte Bandit, a longtime drag performer who has been a staple at Cheer Up Charlies, voiced her concerns: “Queer spaces don’t need to be like Taco Bell. I just don’t think queer liberation is going to be found in capitalism.” Bandit had even vowed to stop performing at the bar if the sale went through. Now, with the deal off, she remains uncertain about her future involvement, hoping for “financial stability and thoughtful leadership” under local ownership.
So, what do you think? Was this a win for community integrity, or did Cheer Up Charlies miss out on a chance to secure its future? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your thoughts!
