While LGBT Detroit and people near and far grieve this loss, we’ve taken only a short breath before realizing this means we must further examine the preservation of safe, brave spaces, their value, and the resources they provide for people who seek safety. We both share and support the owner’s vision in what they’ve created, to be a conduit for self-expression, exploration, learning, fun, and most of all - community.
The “Woodward” is a staple in the community, and its destruction is a devastating blow to the social fabric.
The Woodward Bar and Grill has also been the past host for Hotter Than July events and various other LGBT Detroit fundraisers. This is where several gatherings occurred for LGBT+ and allied people, neighbors, and the working class within the heart of Detroit’s main street for decades. And while the City of Detroit is known for its vibrancy, this is where things truly came alive. The Woodward Bar and Grill is more than just a nightclub … it is our cultural center for dining, entertainment, and social gatherings. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Staff, Advisors, and volunteers of LGBT Detroit, we extend our most profound sorrow upon receiving the news of the Woodward Bar and Grill’s destruction today.
