Portland Lesbian Bar Doc Marie’s Will Reopen Following Its Troubled Start | Eater Portland

"A hotly anticipated, self-identified lesbian bar “for everyone” opened its doors to Portland’s queer community earlier this summer but closed the very next day amid turmoil. Employees say that two managers quit and an anonymous workers’ collective formed, alleging mismanagement by owners Olga Bichko and Nikki Ferry—who had no prior experience running a business or in the food industry—including a building leak that affected patrons, employees being underpaid or not compensated, and “unprofessional and unsafe behavior” that ownership failed to address. The collective demanded via Instagram that Bichko turn over ownership; Doc Marie’s issued a (since deleted) statement promising steps as part of an action plan to be a safe, inclusive space. Coverage amplified by the conservative Libs of TikTok led to threats and online harassment toward the owners and former employees. Nearly a month-and-a-half later the bar announced it will reopen on August 13, with Bichko telling the Oregonian, “We survived it. We’re still here. We’re reopening, and just want to move in a positive direction.” The workers’ collective Instagram is now private and it’s unclear whether the collective remains active." - Janey Wong