Dyke Bar Takeover aims to create more LGTBQ+ spaces in Kitchener-Waterloo

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Photo by Darien Funk

โ€œThereโ€™s not many places in Kitchener Waterloo where itโ€™s like, this is our queer space. And this is where we go,โ€ Jules Hall said.ย 

Hall is part of Dyke Bar Takeover Kitchener Waterloo; an organization which aims to create safe spaces and events for members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community.

Kitchener Waterlooโ€™s lack of queer spots has become increasingly apparent with the regionโ€™s constant shutdown of gay bars. โ€œWe have lots of young people and different organizations,โ€ said Hall. โ€œBut thereโ€™s no common meeting ground.โ€ 

DBTโ€™s focus on womenโ€™s experiences sets it apart from other queer space organizations. โ€œWe want to center women specifically, but weโ€™re never going to turn someone away,โ€ Hall said. โ€œThe wording we use usually draws in people who are primarily women or those interested in a women-centric event.โ€

When listening to Hall talk about DBTโ€™s events, it was hard not to notice the variety beyond bars. From comedy and trivia nights to the recent outdoor art afternoon at Schneider Haus historic site, events appeal to multiple audiences. 

โ€œWe can use the ability to support queer or marginalized performers. But the event itself doesnโ€™t necessarily have to be centered around gayness,โ€ Hall said. 

The pandemic hasnโ€™t stopped DBT from creating safe spaces; most of their events so far have been held virtually, with some in-person. Their upcoming collaboration with the Kitchener Public Library, for instance, will be on Zoom. 

Itโ€™s a considerable effort given the scope of the event, which will include a storytelling workshop and performances.

The organization’s careful planning is clear with the precautions theyโ€™re taking. Notably, performers may have the chance to pre-record at the library to avoid connectivity issues. 

Hard work is not exclusive to any one DBT event โ€” the team is constantly coming up with new ideas to bring people together. Theyโ€™re currently working on a baking themed event for next month, which Hall called โ€œclose to [her] heart.โ€

The original DBT is in New York, and it inspired offshoots such as the one in Kitchener-Waterloo. โ€œThey helped us get started and provided some advice for us,โ€ Hall said. โ€œThe whole idea that our two founders came up with came from Dyke Bar Takeover New York, but weโ€™re not tightly affiliated with them.โ€ 

Affiliated or not, Kitchener-Waterlooโ€™s Dyke Bar Takeover is a promising chance for the LGBTQ+ community to come together. For a region devoid from vibrant queer spaces, their prescence is not only hopeful, but also much needed.


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