ALLENTOWN, Pa. – A safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community has ended operations in Lehigh County.
Vogue Lounge, a nightclub catering to the LGBTQ+ community, has closed at 28 N. 10th St. in Allentown, Vogue bartender Jack Monteiro confirmed on Monday.
“To All of our Patrons, we thank you all for your continuous love and support throughout the years!” reads an announcement posted Monday on Vogue’s social media pages. “We will see each other again.”
The business held its last day of operation on Sunday, hosting the “Pride After Party,” which followed the Lehigh Valley Pride festival, an annual event celebrating the local LGBTQ+ community.
Vogue Lounge operated at 28 N. 10th St. in Allentown.
Ryan Kneller
The Lehigh Valley Pride event, presented by the Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, was held from 1 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the SteelStacks campus in south Bethlehem.
“Tonight we celebrate After Pride hosted by Warren Love,” reads an announcement posted Sunday on Vogue’s social media pages. “Please join us, as this is the last night of Vogue.”
Vogue Lounge operated at 28 N. 10th St. in Allentown.
Vogue was the Lehigh Valley’s last gay nightclub, opening in 2022 at the site of the former Stonewall Lehigh Valley, a gay bar and nightclub that closed in 2021 after nearly 50 years.
The nightclub operated on two floors, and the lower dance floor level was updated with new lighting and other upgrades prior to Vogue’s opening.
Vogue’s closure follows the departure of a handful of other gay bars and nightclubs in the Lehigh Valley over the past decade.
Candida’s Bar closed in 2017 at 12th and Chew streets in Allentown, a few blocks away from the then-Stonewall club, and Diamonz Nite Club closed in 2016 on West Broad Street in Bethlehem.
The exact circumstances surrounding Vogue’s closure are unclear, but Monteiro and Vogue manager Nichole Meixell noted that the North 10th Street building’s owner has put the property up for sale.
Monteiro had been a fixture at the North 10th Street space for more than three decades, starting his career at Stonewall in the early 1990s before continuing to serve drinks at the site under the Vogue name in 2022.
Meixell came on board a couple of years ago to help with overall operations, including organizing and promoting nightclub events.
She noticed a decrease in club foot traffic in recent months.
“I think it was due to the economy,” Meixell said.
“People just don’t seem to have money like that anymore. People were coming in, but it just wasn’t like it was before. So, we kind of knew [the closure] was coming, but we didn’t know it was going to come like this. Literally, we were told the night before that it was definitely closing.”
In 2021, 28-30 N 10th Street Landholdings LLC purchased the North 10th Street property for $335,000.
At the time, new owner Osiris “Tito” Guzman announced the following on Facebook: “Donde estaba stonewall ahora será más moderna y mucho mejor para la comunidad gay,” which translates to “Where Stonewall was now will be more modern and much better for the gay community.”
Vogue Lounge operated at 28 N. 10th St. in Allentown.
Guzman also operates other Allentown businesses, including VIP Room Lounge on Hamilton Street, Nova Restaurant & Lounge on South Fourth Street and Empanadas Monumental on Hanover Avenue.
Guzman did not immediately return a message seeking more information, including possible future plans for the former Vogue property.
In 2024, Vogue announced new management, promising to “bring fresh energy and innovative ideas to enhance the beloved nightlife destination,” while “maintaining its reputation as a safe, inclusive, and exhilarating space for the LGBTQ community and its allies.”
“Guests can look forward to an array of thrilling events, including themed nights, live performances, and community gatherings that celebrate diversity and unity,” the announcement continued.
“… To further enhance the experience for our guests, we are introducing more affordable drink prices, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a night out without breaking the bank.”
Vogue Lounge, center with the rainbow steps, operated at 28 N. 10th St. in Allentown.
Vogue employees and performers took to social media in recent days to lament the nightclub’s closure.
Among them was Ariel Torres, a prominent Lehigh Valley LGBTQ+ community leader and drag performer who performs as Elektra Fearce St. James.
“So the news is true, VOGUE Lounge has closed it’s doors,” Torres stated.
“Thank you to everyone who made it possible, especially Nicole Chosen Ones Meixell, Janira Lee, Jack Monteiro, Krishnara Diamond, and Celest Huertas Milan. To all of the DJs, security, and patrons, you are loved and I hope to see you when we find a new home again. I appreciated the time I got to spend at Vogue because of the memories made there during the Stonewall era, and we will continue to make memories as a community wherever we show up and take up space.”
Community members also lamented the loss of Vogue, commenting on Vogue’s announcement.
“Thank you Nicole and team for making such a wonderful and inclusive space in the Valley where many good times were had,” one person stated. “Vogue will be missed!”
“This breaks my heart, this was the safest place in the LV,” another person wrote. “Thank you for making this place as amazing as it is!”
“So many great memories made there these past couple years,” another person commented. “Hope someone buys it up again real soon. Thank you to everyone who put in so much of their time and effort to make it such a fun and welcoming space for all.”
The account for Pride Social, a monthly event in downtown Easton “where the LGBTQ+ community gathers for conversation, meaningful connection and community,” also commented.
“Unfortunately, we no longer have a dedicated queer space in the Lehigh Valley,” the comment reads.
“But successful pop-up events continue. One example is Pride Social, held monthly at Tapestry Lounge Cafe Bar, a combination lounge/cafe/art gallery in downtown Easton.”
Meixell said she also plans to post an online statement regarding Vogue’s closure. She’s taking some time to reflect on the experience.
“I just wanted to take a moment to sit down with it all,” Meixell said.
“There’s so many people to thank for helping out and being a part of it. I’m also happy that so many people came to support us, and I couldn’t have asked for a better journey when it comes to that.”