The Rainbow, a gay bar, opened at 2211 East 9th Street in 1975. Owner Vince Los advertised The Rainbow as being “Cleveland’s friendliest club.” Described as an “oasis in the wilderness” of Cleveland gay bars in the 1970s, The Rainbow intentionally cultivated a warm, inviting neighborhood bar atmosphere. The Rainbow frequently featured live entertainment, including drag shows. Pinball and bowling machines provided additional sources of entertainment for the bar’s mixed-gender patrons. The Rainbow closed around 1980. The bar later reopened as Keys in 1981.
Additional information coming soon.
Resources
- “Constance Comments.” High Gear. April 1975. Page 5.
- “Gay Ohio: Cleveland.” The Guide. October 1989. Page 37.
- Juszczyk, Jerry. “Cleveland’s Bar Personalities.” High Gear. April 1976. Page 27.
- Scott, Jane. “Gay Life is Nurtured in Many A Bar.” Plain Dealer. July 10, 1977.