Philadelphia Sports Bar for the Queer Community Shuts Down

A Philadelphia sports bar that aimed to be a gathering spot for the queer community is closing after just a little over a year of operation.

The establishment was intended to offer an alternative to sports bars predominantly showcasing male sporting events, sidelining women’s sports—a frequent narrative behind the creation of such venues.

In September 2025, owner Chivonn Anderson launched Marsha’s, named in honor of Marsha P. Johnson, who has been described as a “transgender pioneer and activist” by the New York Times. Anderson responded to a lack of venues in the city that would air the 2019 Women’s World Cup, which sparked her decision to open the bar.

However, despite its inclusive goals, Marsha’s encountered allegations from former staff members regarding mistreatment, with some claiming the bar was unkind to its female employees. One former employee reported that a manager suggested women and nonbinary staff were “overly emotional” and should be replaced with men for reasons tied to needing “more testosterone.”

Anderson refuted these allegations but pledged to collaborate with independent human resources and diversity consultants to ensure accountability at her bar.

Recently, the bar announced its “final weekend” through an Instagram post, stating that it was permanently closing its doors. They expressed gratitude for the community’s support and reiterated the need for more female, queer, and BIPOC-owned businesses in the city. It’s a sentiment that reflects a broader belief in creating inclusive spaces.

At the bar’s launch, Anderson shared some rather whimsical thoughts, stating that her goal was to create a space where people could “have fun, feel safe, and be seen.” She likened going out to Marsha’s to visiting a favorite aunt’s house where one can indulge in forbidden delights—enjoying good food, drinks, and great company.

This narrative echoes that of other women’s sports bars, like Rough & Tumble in Seattle, which also began due to frustrations over the lack of venues willing to prioritize women’s sports. Rough & Tumble has since expanded to a second location, while places like The Sports Bra in Portland have shown that such concepts can succeed, with plans for future developments, including a new bar in Boston.

Other cities too have seen similar venues flourish, such as the Watch Me! Sports Bar in Long Beach, California, which has been operating for two years.