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In this special on-site episode of the QBurgh Podcast, we take you inside Brewer’s Bar, Pittsburgh’s oldest gay bar, just days before its final farewell. Host Jeff Freedman sits down with Carol Usner-Held, the longtime owner, to reflect on Brewer’s incredible 44-year legacy—from its founding by her father, a Pittsburgh police officer who turned a neighborhood bar into a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community, to its unwavering role during the AIDS crisis, and its continued impact on generations of queer Pittsburghers.
Read the article in the Pittsburgh Press from 1989
Today’s sponsor:
Fresh off their highly successful No Refunds World Tour, comedic married duo Darcy and Jer are bringing their “Average at Best Tour” to the Byham Theater in the heart of Pittsburgh on February 24th —- a brand-new show packed with the same old disappointments. Get tickets here.
Carol shares heartfelt memories, emotional stories of resilience, and the bar’s incredible holiday traditions, including the Andy Usner Christmas Drive, which has provided hundreds of gifts to those in need. We also discuss the evolution of LGBTQ+ spaces, the importance of visibility, and what’s next for Carol as she prepares for a new chapter.
💔 It’s the end of an era, but Brewer’s Bar’s legacy will never be forgotten. Join us for this touching farewell to a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s queer history. 👉 Listen now and share your favorite Brewer’s Bar memories with us!
Watch above or listen on your favorite podcast app!
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