Tulsa’s Yellow Brick Road (YBR) Pub, one of the last lesbian bars in the country, was destroyed in a fire Friday morning.
“Sad day for our little hole in the wall,” read a message posted to the YBR Pub Facebook page. “It’s a total loss, but thankfully everyone is safe. We will rebuild and come back better than ever. We [love] everyone that’s always made this such a special staple of Tulsa.”
There is no word yet on what caused the fire, which Tulsa firefighters responded to early Friday morning. A GoFundMe page has been created to help the staff while the bar is rebuilt. “At this time we have no idea how long that will be, but we promise we will be back, and the doors will reopen,” a message posted to the GoFundMe page reads. “In the meantime, any help is so appreciated, and we can’t wait to see everyone again, at the spot so many have considered their home away from home for so many years.”
YBR Pub is part of the Lesbian Bar Project, which raises awareness of the last known 21 remaining lesbian bars in the country. It is one of three lesbian bars in Oklahoma, and the only one in Tulsa.
Members of the community have expressed their support on Facebook. “Such sad news, but you will rebuild! And Tulsa will fill your walls again,” one follower wrote.
“Wow, thank god no one was hurt! YBR has been an integral piece of queer community and history for Tulsa,” wrote another. “We’ll help with the rebuilding however we can.”
Community members have also been showing their support by donating to the bar’s GoFundMe, which has so far raised over $6,400 toward its goal of $10,000.
