A new queer bar, Rumours Cabaret, opened in downtown Halifax nearly two months ago and has quickly become a popular spot for the LGBTQ+ community. Owners Gerry McCowan and Jose Chiu have seen an overwhelming response from patrons, with over $30,000 in sales on a single Saturday night. The closure of Halifax’s last dedicated queer bar during the COVID-19 pandemic left a void in the community, making Rumours a much-needed safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to socialize and be themselves. Friends of the owners, Andrew Russell and Jeff Collins, emphasize the importance of having a place where queer people can feel accepted and not targeted, especially in light of recent attacks against the community in the city.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, Rumours is more than just a bar – it serves as a vital gathering place for celebration and solidarity. Andrew Deveaux, a sales associate for Rumours’ partner J.D. Shore, highlights the significance of having queer-owned and operated spaces where people can come together to feel safe and supported. Halifax Pride, while successful in creating spaces for queer people during its events, acknowledges the importance of having a permanent place like Rumours for year-round gatherings and celebrations. The Rumours Cabaret team participated in this year’s Pride parade, receiving overwhelming support and cheers from the crowd, a moment that was particularly meaningful for Chiu, who experienced stigma in Mexico for being gay.
Rumours has attracted visitors from across the Maritime provinces, with customers enjoying dancing, sharing stories, and expressing joy at the existence of Halifax’s newest queer establishment. McCowan is touched by the positive response, with customers expressing how much they love and need a place like Rumours in Halifax. Chiu expresses happiness in sharing this journey with their husband Gerald, reflecting on the sense of pride and fulfillment in providing a space where the LGBTQ+ community can come together and feel a sense of belonging. The establishment has quickly become a hub for inclusivity and celebration, filling a gap left by the closure of the city’s previous queer bar and offering a beacon of hope for the community.
The success of Rumours Cabaret serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community in Halifax, demonstrating the importance of having safe spaces where individuals can be themselves without fear of discrimination or judgment. The overwhelming support and positive feedback from patrons reflect the deep-rooted need for establishments like Rumours, where people can gather, celebrate, and feel a sense of belonging. As Halifax Pride looks towards the future, the presence of Rumours as a permanent venue for queer gatherings and celebrations provides a sense of hope and continuity for the community, reaffirming the importance of creating and maintaining spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive and connect with one another. The impact of Rumours reaches beyond its role as a bar, serving as a symbol of acceptance, inclusivity, and pride for the LGBTQ+ community in Halifax and beyond.
