Denver's gay and lesbian community raised £83,000. They saved The Pearl, the city's only lesbian bar. The business announced on Instagram it would close after one year.

The Pearl is a cosy bar and café with speakeasy atmosphere. The owner and visitors saw no future for the place. Closure was planned for end of April. But then the community took action. Activists and regular guests raised the necessary money through crowdfunding.

This story shows how important such places are for many people. Lesbian bars are disappearing more often in America. Cheap rent and rising costs make it hard to stay open. Many bars close because owners run out of money. Denver had The Pearl as its last such bar.

It is positive that the community helps each other. On the other hand, you wonder: why must crowdfunding be the solution? Why can't normal businesses survive? Hospitality is difficult everywhere right now. That The Pearl lasted one year says a lot.

The bar now stays open. How it continues depends on making money. Fundraising is nice, but rent cannot be paid by donations forever.