09-05-2025
LGBTQ-friendly Portland bar closes after fundraising attempts
PORTLAND, Ore. () — An LGBTQ-friendly spot in Northeast Portland has had its last call.
Misfits Bar + Lounge confirmed the shutdown on Thursday afternoon. It originally opened about two and a half years ago, in the former Eastside Bar + Grill space on 2530 NE 82nd Ave.
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For the past several months, the new venture has been transparent about its struggles to keep its doors open. In a post announcing temporary closure due to repairs on Apr. 23, owners announced business had been 'extremely low.' About a week later, they noted the drag performance they were promoting could likely be their last.
'The sad thing for me, especially in this political climate, is that Misfits was the place for 'queer' 'trans' and 'non-binary' folks,' Misfits co-owner David Elderton added in the . 'Love or hate the name, they resonated with it (as many of us do — such as a gay man on the neurodiverse spectrum like myself or those from other communities and backgrounds). But I just hate to see another dedicated space, such as ours, close.'
Since the bar's opening, it has hosted inclusive events like 'RuPaul's Drag Race' viewing parties, trans burlesque shows and open mic nights for amateur comics. And the venue's signature event, Drag Out The Hot Ones, is in need of a new home if the closure remains.
According to Elderton's announcement, Misfits has the potential to re-open with a new business partner.
'Time Wise + Financially, I Cannot Do This Alone. If Someone Were To Come Forward, I'd Welcome It. And If Not, The Space Will Remain Closed As Misfits,' the co-owner wrote.
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The bar previously launched a fundraiser to prevent the shutdown. But the campaign wasn't enough to keep the business going.
Sissy Bar, a fellow LGBTQ+-friendly space in Portland, closed in October.
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