Landmark Auckland gay bar Surrender Dorothy is going hetero, as owner Robert Street sells up to new owner Lyndsay Sorrell, who wants a "local bar for local people". "The gay community cannot ask for inclusion and then segregate itself," says Street, who bought the bar in 1999 to stop it becoming a heterosexual nightspot. "The day we don't need separate gay bars is a day we all pray for, and I don't think it's too far away." The ruby-red decor and Judy Garland memorabilia is likely to be consigned to the dustbin before the bar reopens with a new name next month. "It's a sad day for the gay community and a lot of people are shocked, wondering where they will go," says Street. "But with the Civil Union Bill passed, I tell them we can 'cub' all over the place now."
Credit: GayNZ.com News Staff
First published: Saturday, 18th December 2004 - 12:00pm