By Spencer de Tenley, Managing Editor

Cincinnati-based LGBTQ+ bar, The Birdcage, has closed its doors permanently as financial struggles became too immense to salvage the business.

The Birdcage announced on its Facebook at the end of 2024, “It has been an incredible six years serving you, Cincinnati. We’ve had our ups and downs but we will forever be grateful to have played our part for the Greater Cincinnati LGBTQIA+ community.” 

As one of the few LGBTQ+ bars in Cincinnati, The Birdcage’s closure came as a shock to many locals who enjoyed the bar’s festivities, which included drag shows and karaoke nights. In a Facebook post posted days after the bar’s closure was announced, management explained the financial struggles that the bar has been having.

“Bills and payroll were covered out of pocket – not through the bar’s profits – in the hope that community support would rebound. However, sales have plummeted by nearly 75%.” 

The Birdcage’s insurance policy, which expired in late December also contributed to The Birdcage’s closure. Renewing their insurance policy would have cost 25% of the premium, which, when doubled with the aforementioned financial struggles, they ultimately could not afford. 

In addition to the bar’s closing, a miscommunication with the general manager led to a majority of the staff finding out about the bar’s closure via social media as opposed to a direct message from the general manager. Continuing on in their statement on Facebook, the owners apologized for this miscommunication.

“We recognize that a lack of clear and timely communication led to this painful situation. While we cannot change what happened, we hope the performers who made The Birdcage their home will continue to receive your support at other wonderful venues in the community.”

“Birdcage provided a great space for the queer community to gather in Cincinnati. These spaces provide an important cultural gathering place, and I hope we see someone take over the space.” Philosophy, Politics and the Public and English double major Ethan Nichols commented.

While talks were in motion to transfer the establishment to a new owner, the closure came faster than expected, which led to no new owner taking over the space. The Birdcage was part of a variety of Cincinnati establishments owned by Juan Imeroni of Ignite Entertainment. He still owns and operates O’Malley’s in the Alley, Che, and Shires Rooftop.

The Birdcage opened first in 2018 before moving locations in 2023 to a larger venue on Central Ave. 

Other queer establishments in Cincinnati like Bloom OTR have had open arms to the displaced performers from Birdcage who have been very recently unemployed. The Birdcage’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration was also canceled.

The Birdcage’s closure joins a wave of many Cincinnati bar closures. In 2024 alone notable nightlife locations such as The Drinkery, Madison Diner, and Cosmic Gorilla closed their doors.