Iconic NYC Gay Bar Given “Historic Landmark” Status

Everyone knows the modern day LGBTQ+ movement “officially” started with the Stonewall Riots of 1969. What far too many people need to be reminded of is that three years before the Stonewall Riots, the “Sip In” took place just around the corner at Julius’ Bar. Now, to honor the one of the earliest locations of The Mattachine Society, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) has designated the building a Historic Landmark.

 

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As a quick history lesson, The Sip In was staged in 1966 by Dick Leitsch, Craig Rodwell, and John Timmons in protest of New York State Liquor Authority’s ban on serving LGBTQ+ patrons. Yes, as recent as 1966, bars in the US could lose their liquor license for serving gay people. The three men walked in, ordered their drinks, and then stated that they were gay. Their drinks were then refused by the bartender, the moment of which was captured in the below photograph.

Though Julius had been added to the National Register of Historic Places, the move by the LPC solidifies Julius’ status as one of the most important places of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Also, not for nothing, the small corner bar has one of the best goddamn cheeseburgers in the city. Stop by for a sip on your next visit to the West Village in NYC.

Cybersocket: Plug In. Get Off.
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