Queer Cleveland

Longevity, a gay bar, opened at 2032 West 25th Street in 2002. Co-owners John Barlock and Kenny Maxwell opened Longevity in the space formerly inhabited by the Locker Room. Longevity featured cheap drinks, a variety of food, and live in-house entertainment. In addition to functioning as a bar, Longevity operated as a gay men’s strip club. Longevity’s male dancers, known as the Boys of Longevity, offered adult performances throughout the week. Longevity also hosted a variety of annual themed parties and events, including Sunday football parties, steak roasts, clam bakes, fish fries, and holiday and anniversary celebrations. The introduction of legislation intended to further regulate adult businesses in Ohio (H.B. 23 and S.B. 27) posed a threat to Longevity’s operations in 2004-2005. Longevity closed in 2006. The club later reopened as Club Argos.

---

Additional information coming soon.

Resources

• Barlock, John. “A Message to the Greater Cleveland Gay Community From John…” OUTlines Magazine. July 2004.
• Glassman, Anthony. “Bill Would Tighten Restrictions on Adult Businesses.” Gay People’s Chronicle. May 13, 2005.
• “Am. Sub. H.B. 23.” 126th General Assembly. August 17, 2006. Ohio General Assembly Archives.
• “John Barlock and Maxwell Kenny Celebrate 27 Years.” Gay People’s Chronicle. November 4, 2005. Page 6.
• Petkovic, John. “After Dark.” Plain Dealer. November 15, 2002.
• Thompson, Mike. “Cleveland.” The Guide Magazine. March 2003. Page 14.
• Thompson, Mike. “Cleveland.” The Guide Magazine. March 2004. Page 14.
• Thompson, Mike. “Cleveland.” The Guide Magazine. March 2005. Page 52.
• Thompson, Mike. “Cleveland.” The Guide Magazine. March 2006. Page 30.

---

2000s Defunct Entertainment Venues Hingetown Men's Spaces Ohio City