Boycott, the only lesbian bar in Phoenix, is celebrating its 20th anniversary as a trailblazing space for women and the LGBTQ+ community. Recently included on the 2024 USA TODAY Bars of the Year list, Boycott continues to uphold its mission as a welcoming, safe haven for lesbians and queer individuals to be their authentic selves.

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“We are a space of acceptance and love, and we prioritize safety for all our guests. We are always enhancing our procedures and educating our team to ensure our space is welcoming and secure,” says Boycott Founder Audrey Corley. 

Since its inception, Boycott has remained committed to providing a much-needed space for queer women, in a landscape where lesbian bars have become increasingly rare. According to The Lesbian Bar Project, there are fewer than 27  lesbian bars left in the United States, down from over 200 in the late 1980s. This sharp decline makes Boycott’s longevity and continued success even more remarkable, particularly in a market as competitive as Phoenix.  

“Boycott is more than just a bar—it’s a safe space for women and our queer community to gather, connect, and be their true selves,” says Corley. “I always said I was going to open a bar called Boycott, and it would be for women.”

Boycott’s mission has always been rooted in creating a space of acceptance, love, and safety. Over the past 20 years, the bar has evolved alongside the changing needs of the lesbian community, embracing new trends like online marketing and expanding its outreach through community events and fundraisers, including their signature charity, Tamales for Toys, which supports families in need.

Running a lesbian bar hasn’t been without its challenges. From the gender pay gap affecting patronage to navigating the impacts of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry, Boycott has faced numerous hurdles. Women in Arizona, on average, make 84 cents for every dollar earned by men, which has a direct impact on businesses like Boycott, where the customer base is primarily women.  

“One of the biggest challenges has been the gender pay gap; women don’t earn as much as men, and that affects how often they frequent bars like ours,” says Corley. “COVID hit our industry hard, but we survived by being creative and adapting to the times.”

In fact, the Phoenix favorite was one of 27 included on the 2024 USA TODAY Bars of the Year list. The list was created by USA TODAY Network food writers across the country and includes everything from humble dives to high-end cocktail bars. 

“Being recognized this year was a surreal and deeply gratifying moment for me,” says Corley. “I’ve spent most of my adult life in the industry, and being recognized on that level was an incredible honor.” 

Boycott’s impact on the LGBTQ+ community was further highlighted in the 2022 documentary The Lesbian Bar Project, directed by Elina Street and Erica Rose and funded by Jägermeister. The documentary, which can be streamed on Roku, explores the decline of lesbian bars nationwide and celebrates those that continue to thrive. Boycott is featured in episode 2, titled “Coach A,” showcasing its role as a community staple and a beacon of safe space  and inclusivity. 

Right now, Boycott is focused on invited the community to celebrate Pride through a series of special events being held at the bar including: 

Pride 2024 at Boycott: Event Highlights

  • Tuesday, October 15th: *Queen of New York* Documentary Viewing Party, sponsored by Got2b
  • Saturday, October 19th: The biggest Girl After Party, featuring out-of-state DJs and sponsored by Sunny D Seltzer
  • Sunday, October 20th: Post-Pride Parade celebration with a live performance by *Femme Shui*, drink specials, and giveaways all weekend long!

“As we celebrate 20 years, I’m reminded of how much love and strength this community has given us,” says Corley. “Boycott has always been more than just a bar; it’s been a safe haven where people can be unapologetically themselves. We’ve faced challenges, but together, we’ve grown stronger. I’m beyond grateful to everyone who has walked through these doors and helped us carry forward our mission of love, acceptance, and pride.” 

Looking ahead, Boycott plans to continue evolving with the community, with a patio expansion in the works and potential new sister projects on the horizon. As the only lesbian bar in Phoenix to survive the shifting tides of the industry, Boycott stands as a testament to resilience, community, and the enduring need for inclusive, safe spaces. 

For more information, visit https://www.boycottbarphx.com/.