Denver’s LGBTQ+ community has come together to raise $83,000 and save the city’s only lesbian bar.

Speakeasy-themed sapphic bar and cafe The Pearl announced via Instagram on 11 April that it would be closing its doors for good at the end of the month after just one year of business.

“This statement comes with a lot of respect and appreciation for everyone who patrons the bar and makes this space what it is,” The Pearl wrote.

“From the bottom of our hearts, we have loved getting to create a space for everyone in our community. It’s communities that often get overlooked that don’t get safe spaces and we have taken great pride in providing that space seeing how much these communities have grown at The Pearl.”

Management shared that they had “worked tirelessly” to find solutions but concluded that they were not in a position to continue doing business.

“It has been an absolute pleasure and honour to get to serve everyone who has walked into our space and we wish [we] could have sustained it for the long haul,” the statement continues. “While this is an incredibly disappointing announcement to make, what was built here matters.”

Many patrons expressed sadness at the announcement in the comments and asked what it would take to save The Pearl.

“Damn, what a bummer on so many levels,” commented one Instagram user. “Pretty shocking too with how absolutely insanely packed the Pearl has been since the rebrand. People love this space — I bet they’d do a lot to help it stay open.”

“All the male gay bars in Denver should donate a lil,” wrote another.

The Pearl was then prompted to start a fundraiser on GoFundMe, which attracted even more support for the space.

“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,” the description reads. “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 Pearl’s commitment, we can save this sacred lesbian space.”

Incredibly, the fundraiser exceeded its $80,000 goal from 1,400 donors by 12 April, and the donations were paused at $83,296.

In an update, The Pearl’s management thanked the community for its “amazing” support. It’s unclear how long the donations will allow the venue to remain open but The Pearl confirmed that the funds would be used to pay the venue’s back rent and the staff’s wages.

“Your support means so much to us. Much love to you all. We couldn’t do this without you and our dedicated staff.”