‘This decision is final’: Queer bar The Bearded Tit to close its doors

Redfern queer bar and creative space The Bearded Tit is set to close its doors for the final time in November.

Owner Joy Ng said the decision came from a personal place and that she wanted to explore a career outside of hospitality.

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to be part of this community, to witness the joy, creativity, and resilience that has filled this space night after night,” Ng said in an Instagram post on Monday and on The Bearded Tit website.

The bar has become known for its alternative line-up that celebrates queer artists.

“I think people feel really safe there because we really prioritise making the place safe for the demographic that I built the space for,” Ng told Gay Sydney News.

She could not single out a moment over the eleven years it has operated that stood out, but said she felt love and joy every time the room was full.

“I get that [feeling] every time we put on a successful event … when I can see that people can genuinely let loose and not have to worry,” she said.

Within hours of the social media post being published, more than 400 people had taken to the comments section to thank The Bearded Tit and Ng.

“You’ve created the safest of spaces that’s also the coolest of places,” said Channel Ten news presenter Narelda Jacobs*.

Artist Jonny Seymour said: “So grateful for your vision in creating this space with community for community.”

Ng said the “outpouring of love and support” felt “fantastic and I’m just really glad that the beauty [of the venue] has had that impact on the community”.

In the bar’s Instagram post, Ng thanked her supporters but asked everyone to respect her decision to close the bar, saying she was not looking for the venue to be “saved”.

“The business will not be for sale. This decision is final and I ask that you respect this,” she said.

However, Ng told Gay Sydney News she hoped the closure of The Bearded Tit would inspire the younger generation to take up the mantle.

“I also really want … this to inspire other people to open other spaces as well, because The Bearded Tit is very much a reflection of me, you know – my generation, my politics and my values,” she said.

“And I would love if other people and younger people open up places that are reflective of themselves and their relationships and their generation; so that’s what I’m looking forward to as well.”

Fans of the venue still have a few months to celebrate the space – and there will even be a market day for those who “want to keep a piece of The Tit”.

“You will be able to purchase pieces of our fit-out or memorabilia for those of you … [who] want to take a tangible piece of this space with you,” Ng told the bar’s Instagram followers.

Ng said The Bearded Tit had been “so much more than a bar”.

“It has been a sanctuary for queer, POC [persons of colour], and other historically underrepresented communities,” she said.

“Through our arts, performance, and cultural programs, we’ve had the honour of showcasing Sydney’s most exciting emerging creatives as well as artists from beyond our shores.

“Every performance, every gathering, every moment of connection has been held by this community’s unwavering support.”

Editor’s note: GSN reporter Eliot Hastie works alongside Narelda Jacobs at Channel Ten.