The common theme of all the headlines is that gay bars are deliberately being targeted. Adding to the confusion have been several superficial articles, riddled with inaccuracies, in the local and national media. For example, one far-fetched theory is that the city would not allow the new Starbucks across the street from the Phoenix to open unless the upstairs bar was closed. And, of course, absurd conspiracy theories abound. Many people have made assumptions that are unfounded and erroneous. While many in our community lament the ending of an era, there has been much misinformation surrounding the crackdowns at Rawhide and Phoenix. Some are hoping things will eventually return to the way they were before the ATC investigations. Still others are mobilizing to fight back. Others have resigned themselves to the conclusion that the crackdown was probably inevitable. Many in the gay community are outraged by what they perceive as homophobic attacks on safe queer spaces. As most Ambush readers know by now, the Alcohol and Tobacco Commission (ATC) has cited Rawhide and the Phoenix for numerous violations which have resulted in the cessation of sexual activity in those bars.
