Gay Clubs in Ocala, FL
The Copa Nightclub shuttered its doors subsequent to fifteen years as the sole all-inclusive LGBTQ+ nightclub in Ocala
The Copa, a place of acceptance, has existed for the LGBT community in Ocala for numerous years. The property has been sold, and the club will be closing soon. [Alan Youngblood/Special to Ocala Style]
Situated at 2330 S. Pine Ave., The Copa Nightclub stood as one of the few establishments where the gay community of Ocala and Marion County could congregate, feel welcome, and receive support.
'It was certainly there to aid the gay community,' stated Reynold Hawk, the original officer of the corporation that owned The Copa, Up and Coming Inc. 'And it served as a sanctuary. Fifteen years ago, being gay wasn't quite as accepted within this town. But presently, thank goodness, the LGBTQ community is able to go out, go anywhere, and be accepted, which is fantastic.'
Much like numerous small enterprises throughout the country, the COVID-19 pandemic affected The Copa, although this wasn't the sole cause for Hawk's desire to sell the building.
'There are several causes,' he expressed. 'I mean, it's simply much more vexing now. You are unable to find employees. And that is among the main problems.'
Marginalized groups frequently establish their communities wherever they can discover them. Bars and local public houses frequently become the preferred venues.
'The customary gay bar contributes to boosting visibility and acceptance within a community and oftentimes constitutes the initial space someone experiences LGBTQ culture and community,' elaborated Mary Emily O'Hara, rapid response manager of GLAAD, a national media monitoring organization accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQ community by addressing challenging issues and instigating dialogue that fosters cultural change.
'Bars and venues possess a significant history within the LGBTQ community, serving as secure and welcoming gathering spaces easily identified by locals and tourists alike,' they further elaborated, acknowledging that numerous bars closed throughout the pandemic. 'Even as mainstream culture becomes more inclusive and accepting, it remains critical that we bolster and maintain LGBTQ spaces, especially when census data demonstrates the community has been disproportionately impacted by financial strain during the pandemic.'
GLAAD doesn't possess data on the present count of LGBTQ+ bars that have closed throughout the pandemic; however, according to reports within the 'Daily Beast' and 'Marketplace,' Yelp counted fifty-nine gay bars that closed during two thousand and twenty alone.
Per Eric Hernandez, PR Coordinator at Yelp, who replied via email, updated closure data for two thousand and twenty-one remains unavailable.
While Marion County has become more tolerant of same-sex couples, connecting with each other remains challenging for many in the LGBTQ+ community.
'There&8217;s nothing around,' stated Ron Decker, proprietor of Proper Tease Salon. 'I'm not indicating there's prejudice occurring, but I've resided here for thirty years and have been gay the entire time, and it's not the friendliest city.'
Decker would sometimes visit The Copa over the years, albeit not frequently. He clarified that the nightclub was not designed for every individual within the LGBTQ+ community.
Besides the bar and light fare, The Copa offered a pool table for those so inclined and frequently hosted drag shows on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Daniel Easterday, a resident of Ocala, mentioned that The Copa represented the first gay club he ever frequented post-turning eighteen. In his view, the nightclub certainly helped the gay community in Marion County to locate a destination for enjoyment and recreation.
'When I was growing up,' said Easterday, 'I consistently desired to find a safe haven to be myself—and I invariably selected The Copa. It served as my safe space throughout the early stages of my gay adult existence.'
Easterday indicated he would go to The Copa at least a couple of times monthly alongside friends to witness all the drag shows.
'I believe it will be missed by most of us in the community,' he supplemented. 'The void it leaves is immeasurable, since it was among the few gay bars available. It holds cherished memories for those who frequented it.'
Some within the gay community aspire to see establishments like The Copa thrive, but like anything else, consistent demand must exist to facilitate the success of such a venue.
'The primary reason it is unfortunate to witness The Copa close stems from the fact it constitutes a ‘safe space' for the community to congregate and connect, particularly for younger community members,' states a local gay man who requested anonymity. 'The individuals who constitute the LGBTQ community encompass a diverse group with origins from all walks of life, exhibiting varied tastes and approaches to socializing.
'The majority of the community members I know possess their own small social circles and don't necessarily seek out LGBTQ-specific venues,' he added. 'They socialize at many of the same bars and restaurants that are favored by heterosexual patrons, because they feel comfortable there or because it's an excellent place.'
Presently, the community has forfeited the single outlet—even if it wasn't precisely tailored for everyone within the LGBTQ+ community—that Ocala had to provide.
Framing it more personally, Decker offered, 'As a gay male, discovering someone to love within this city proves more difficult than locating a cocktail, for sure.'