Another World, a gay bar with a predominantly African American clientele, opened at 2216/2218 Petrarca Avenue in late 1976. Housed in a “neat, cream-colored building with blue on the front,” the bar contained a lounge area and disco dance hall. Unlike the majority of gay bars operating in Cleveland in the 1970s, Another World was one of few gay bars to cater specifically to African American members of Cleveland’s LGBT+ communities. Another World offered African American LGBT+ Clevelanders a welcoming and affirming space to gather, dance, and enjoy themselves separated from the virulent racism and racial discrimination prevalent throughout the city’s predominantly white and racially segregated LGBT+ bar scene. (Like the majority of other gay bars operating in 1970s Cleveland, however, Another World barred entrance to drag queens.) Though immensely popular, Another World closed sometime between late 1977 and early 1978. The building’s previous tenant, the Petrarca Inn, reopened at 2216/2218 Petrarca shortly thereafter.
Additional information coming soon.
Resources
- Listed in 1978 Gay Ohio Magazine directory.
- Scott, Joan. “For Minorities, A Double Battle.” Plain Dealer. July 13, 1977.