Studio West 117 Closure Leaves LGBTQ+ Community Scrambling for Alternatives
In a sudden and unforeseen turn of events announced earlier this month, Studio West 117 in Cleveland will be closing its doors permanently on December 28, 2025. This significant event has left many local LGBTQ+ organizations in a state of urgency as they scramble to find alternative venues for their events and activities, often hosted at this vital community hub. As the closure looms, numerous organizations are already feeling the pinch, underscoring a profound local impact on Cleveland’s vibrant and diverse LGBTQ+ community.
An Unexpected Blow to Community Activities
Studio West 117, a beacon within Cleveland for LGBTQ+ individuals, provided a sanctuary and meeting point for various events ranging from food pantries to dodgeball leagues. Its unexpected closure announcement has triggered a frenzied search for alternative spaces by the community organizations that regularly made use of its multifunctional facilities.
The Haus of Transcendent (HOT), an organization pivotal in connecting LGBTQ+ adults with essential health and social resources, now finds its monthly food pantry distribution in jeopardy. “We will [now] have to find a new space to continue to store the food donated to us,” said Jordi Luke, CEO of HOT, emphasizing the sudden logistical concerns now facing the organization. Furthermore, the closure threatens job security for volunteers, which highlights a ripple effect felt by the community reliant upon this support network.
Athletic and Political Gatherings Disrupted
Sports enthusiasts, organized under Stonewall Sports Cleveland, also face considerable challenges. With a dodgeball season slated to start in January 2025 and involving 365 registered participants, the absence of a venue poses a risk to the planned activities. Rachel Louie, commissioner for Stonewall Sports, conveyed optimism tempered with uncertainty, requesting assistance from the community in finding suitable alternatives to ensure a safe and enjoyable season.
For the political sphere, the Cleveland Stonewall Democrats must reroute their monthly meetings. President Brooks Boron reflected on the search for a new “LGBTQIA+ affirming space where our members can gather,” underscoring the interruption in efforts to maintain and bolster pro-equality Democratic candidates’ support ahead of significant future elections.
Community and Social Support Networks Affected
Beyond bringing people together for sports and politics, Studio West 117 was a steadfast partner to recovery programs. The B. Riley House, which offers recovery programs, expressed disappointment over losing such an inclusive setting that hosted sober-friendly events and workshops essential to community rehabilitation. “Studio West 117 wasn’t ‘a bar,’” emphasized Ty Stimpert, board president, focusing on its unique role as a recovery-friendly social center where sobriety was respected and celebrated.
Additionally, the closure will eliminate certain job opportunities for B. Riley House clients, who found employment without exposure to alcohol, a critical advantage in maintaining their sobriety. Tony Correa, B. Riley’s executive director, highlighted the importance of such work opportunities for individuals rebuilding their lives.
The Senior Network and Pride Events Jeopardized
The senior LGBTQ+ community, represented by the Rainbow Pioneers, also utilized Studio West 117 for regular gatherings. The venue’s role as the official after-party location for Pride in the CLE for the past two years now lies in uncertainty, further underscoring the unique losses impacting different demographics within the LGBTQ+ framework.
An Urgent Call for Community Support
The organizations affected by this abrupt closure are proactively seeking new venues to prevent any disruptions in the continued service to and empowerment of the local LGBTQ+ population. As they mobilize their networks, many calls for public assistance to help locate new spaces. The sense of urgency underscores a broader narrative of community resilience in the face of adversity.
For residents and stakeholders interested in aiding this community, worthwhile resources include reaching out directly to affected organizations, many of which have publicly expressed the need for immediate alternative community spaces. Contact information for organizations such as Stonewall Sports (cleveland.commissioner@stonewallsports.org) and others are widely available for use by those who can provide logistical support or guidance.
Future Implications and Community Cohesion
The closure of Studio West 117 catalyzes reflection on broader issues surrounding the availability and sustainability of community spaces dedicated to marginalized groups in Cleveland. It highlights the fragility of dependent organizations that serve as lifelines for support, enrichment, and empowerment for LGBTQ+ residents. Such developments necessitate a coordinated response not only in addressing immediate priorities but also in laying groundwork for long-term community infrastructure that withstands similar future challenges.
The collective endeavor to mitigate the impact of this closure signifies renewed community cohesion and underscores the fundamental spirit of advocacy, resilience, and solidarity that Cleveland’s LGBTQ+ networks have consistently embodied in their push towards equality and inclusivity.
As this story unfolds, Woke news will continue to monitor and report on developments, focusing on community interests and providing updates to ensure that the voices of displaced organizations and individuals remain heard and amplified throughout this transition.
