The Black Swan, a lesbian women’s bar, opened at 11814 Detroit Avenue in 1990. The Black Swan was located in the Phantasy Entertainment Complex building. Beth H., the Black Swan’s owner, opened the bar to provide the local lesbian community with a “social gathering place” that wasn’t just another “liquor-hustling bar.” The Black Swan welcomed women from “various age, social, and economic groups, and women of color.” Though the Black Swan was geared towards serving the lesbian community in Cleveland, men were welcome into the bar if they were “respectful” of the women’s community inside. The Black Swan contained a full bar but also catered to sober patrons with a variety of nonalcoholic beverages. In addition to music, dancing, and drinks, the Black Swan offered “specialty nights, snack foods, local female entertainment, and an outdoor bar and patio area.” The Black Swan closed in 1991.
Additional information coming soon.
Resources
- Lanham, Deborah K. “Karen Thompson to Speak at Black Swan Benefit.” Gay People’s Chronicle. August 1990. Pages 1, 5.
- Mahnal, K. D. “New Women’s Club Opens.” Gay People’s Chronicle. April 1990. Page 5.
- Pontoni, Martha. “Kowalski Benefit Hits Goal.” Gay People’s Chronicle. September 1990. Page 1.
- “To Those Who Give A Damn.” Gay People’s Chronicle. August 1990. Page 11.