This city lost both of its LGBTQ+ spaces in the last two years. Now the community is rallying.

In Colorado Springs, months have passed now without a dedicated social space for LGBTQ+ people. That’s about to change, with a little help from the community… and Gloria Estefan.

A year after the devastating Club Q shooting in November 2022, fire shut down the only other gay bar or club in the city of 500,000. Icons bar closed its doors for good after smoke damage forced the building’s owner to end all tenants’ leases prematurely.

Related:

How Colorado Springs celebrated Pride seven months after the deadly Club Q shooting

Seven months ago, a tragedy struck. But instead of going into hiding, its Pride has gotten bigger, louder, and more loving.

After a months-long search, Icons’ owners have settled on a new home for the Colorado-famous “bar with the singing bartenders.” And they’re hoping the LGBTQ+ community and allies will rally to help make the new space a reality.

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“The Icons team has an unbelievable opportunity to reopen in a new location, close to our original home, and ensure that we will thrive on our own terms,” owners Josh Franklin and John Wolfe write on a GoFundMe page dedicated to the new space.

“But it is far from cheap. This would require support like we’ve never seen and a build out of 300 thousand dollars or more. We cannot do this on our own, this is bigger than us. This will take an army of support.”

Just days after the fundraiser went live, more than 130 supporters have donated to the effort, raising over $15,000 toward a $75,000 goal.

The biggest name with the biggest donation to date: Latina legend Gloria Estefan with a $1000 contribution.

“Currently, there is no gay bar in Colorado Springs, and I think that sends the wrong message,” Franklin told CBS 11 News. “I think we’ve grown so much and there’s such a huge community here, and I would hate for the community to feel like there’s not support, not a safe space to gather.”

The community was out in force on Insta to applaud Icons’ new incarnation.

“I’m pretty new to the springs and wasn’t able to visit the first location… but I’m so excited to be able to help build the next one and find my community! 🥳🥳”

“LESSSS GOOO, we’re gonna run it up for sure 😌🌈”

“Icons will be back with a vengeance! ❤”

“Oh man we’re gonna party SO hard when it reopens”

Last February, leadership at Club Q announced plans to reopen in the fall as The Q, but no opening date has been announced. The mass shooting 15 months ago took the lives of five patrons and staff and wounded 25.