The Ritz Bar and Lounge, a historic queer venue in New York City, celebrated its grand reopening on May 17, 2025, under new ownership. Key figures included drag icon Brita Filter and local officials, exemplifying the bar's significance in the LGBTQ+ community. The new owners expressed their commitment to creating a safe, inclusive space for queer individuals, reflecting the venue's importance as a community hub. Brita Filter shared her personal connection to The Ritz, highlighting the value of queer spaces for fostering culture and connection among community members.
It's very exciting to be able to renovate a place that is safe for people... a community that can grow together, and meet new people again.
It can be that place for so many other people right now... With [The Ritz] being reopened and reowned by the people within our community, it's such a beautiful thing.
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