A beloved LGBTQ+ nightlife institution in downtown Los Angeles is warning it may soon be forced to close its doors, citing financial hardship caused by a recent lawsuit filed by a former employee.
Precinct DTLA, a popular gay bar located on South Broadway, has long been a safe space for the queer community, known for its high-energy dance floors, drag performances, themed nights, and celebration of queer expression. But in a recent Instagram post, the bar’s owners revealed the business is on the brink of collapse.
“We’re a couple of slow weekends away from having to close our doors,” the post read. “Like many small businesses, we’ve taken hit after hit — from COVID shutdowns and ICE raids to citywide curfews and the ongoing decline of nightlife. But what we’re facing now is even more devastating.”
The latest challenge comes in the form of a lawsuit filed in May by former employee Jessica Gonzales, who worked at Precinct for eight years. Gonzales alleges she was subjected to discrimination and harassment as a cisgender, heterosexual woman working in what she describes as an unsafe and hostile work environment.
Discrimination Allegations
According to court documents filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, Gonzales claims she was retaliated against for speaking out about inappropriate behavior in the bar. The complaint states she reported that patrons and employees were engaging in sexual acts inside the venue, but was allegedly dismissed by management. Gonzales said she was told to “stop complaining” by one of the bar’s owners.
The suit also alleges Gonzales was forced to work coat check at a weekly “jockstrap/underwear party” without compensation. She claims management eliminated the coat check fee, hoping to “incentivize more patrons to drop their pants,” which she argues made the environment more uncomfortable and sexually charged.
In another incident described in the complaint, Gonzales said she began bringing stress balls to work to cope with the anxiety she was experiencing. During one shift, a co-worker allegedly took one of the stress balls from her, leading to a physical altercation in which Gonzales claims two of her fingers were broken.
She further alleges that following this incident, she was pushed out of her role and effectively terminated so that the bar could replace her with a gay male employee. Her legal team argues this was discriminatory and retaliatory in nature.
Bar Denies Allegations
Precinct DTLA has strongly denied all allegations made by Gonzales. In its Instagram post, the bar labeled the claims as “completely false” and accused Gonzales’ attorney of having “a clear anti-LGBTQ agenda.”
“There are multiple reports — including from individuals who previously worked with him – that he used anti-LGBTQ slurs in written emails while at his former firm,” the post stated.
Gonzales is represented by attorney John Barber, who was previously a partner at the law firm Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith. In 2023, the Los Angeles Times reported that Barber and fellow attorney Jeff Ranen exchanged numerous internal emails that included racist, sexist, and anti-LGBTQ+ language. The firm later released hundreds of these emails after both lawyers left to start their own firm.
In a joint statement issued at the time, Barber and Ranen expressed remorse, saying they were “ashamed” and “deeply sorry” for their behavior.
Nicole Davidson, Barber’s current law partner, issued a statement responding to Precinct’s Instagram post, calling its characterization of the lawsuit “false” and the public defense campaign “crass opportunism.”
“To debate or even acknowledge these false allegations on social media would distract from what matters: that our client was wrongfully fired, retaliated against, and physically abused while employed by Precinct,” Davidson said via email. “We will allow the judicial system to serve as the forum for resolution, not social media.”
A Fragile Nightlife Ecosystem
The legal dispute comes at a time when LGBTQ+ nightlife in Los Angeles is facing increasing pressure. Earlier this summer, the historic Mayan nightclub in downtown L.A. announced it would close this fall. Rising rents, shifting nightlife habits, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have left many venues struggling to stay afloat.
Precinct DTLA, which opened in 2015, quickly became a cornerstone of the queer nightlife scene in Southern California. Known for hosting iconic drag shows, political fundraisers, and community events, the venue has played a vital role in providing space for self-expression and queer celebration in the heart of the city.
“Defending ourselves from these allegations is draining us emotionally and financially,” the owners wrote in their post. “If you love this place and want to see it survive, now is the time to show up. Come to the bar. Buy a drink. Order some food. Tip the staff.”
The bar has not launched a formal legal defense fundraiser, but the plea has prompted an outpouring of support from patrons and nightlife regulars who see Precinct as more than just a bar – but a home.
Still, the lawsuit looms large, and the owners have acknowledged that if foot traffic doesn’t increase, the venue could be forced to shut its doors for good.
It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold, or whether the community’s support will be enough to keep the doors open. As nightlife continues to evolve, the situation at Precinct DTLA serves as a reminder of the fragile ecosystems LGBTQ+ spaces often operate within, especially in cities where gentrification and cultural shifts are changing the face of entertainment districts.
For now, Precinct is open and operating, with events and performances still on the calendar. But for a space that has long thrived on joy, creativity, and resilience, the stakes have never felt higher.
