Irene’s Cabaret—a Quincy, Illinois, LGBT nightclub that first opened in 1980—has closed its doors, according to NBC News.
Robert Clow and Willard Kaufman founded the venue. Kaufman (who has since passed away) was better known in the bar by his drag name, Irene West.
Irene’s Cabaret, at 124 N. 5th St., was a safe space in a town that could be hostile to the LGBT community. Clow said that, in 1984, Kaufman was robbed, beaten and left for dead in his own home. Because there were no hate crimes at that time, Clow said the perpetrators were only charged with assault. He added that Kaufman passed in 2015, in part, from injuries sustained from the attack.
Quincy is located five hours southwest of Chicago.
The item is at NBCnews.com/feature/nbc-out/iconic-midwest-gay-bar-closes-its-doors-after-36-years-n700581.