Love and Regret: Canton, Baltimore's Resilience in the Face of Hate
The owners of the Canton, Baltimore bar and restaurant, Love and Regret, recently found themselves the target of hateful acts. What began with a homophobic slur on their Facebook page escalated to vandalism.
Pride flags, proudly displayed to celebrate 13 years in business and Pride Month, were ripped down, and a racist comment was scrawled on the sidewalk in front of their establishment.
The owners, however, are not backing down. In a video response, they condemned the hateful actions, stating, "Take your hate and throw it in the trash." Amanda Bourgeois, President of the Canton Community Association, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that such hatred has "no place here or anywhere in this city or anywhere else in this world." The message from Love and Regret remains consistent: kindness.
As co-owner Philipkowsy adds, "Lead with kindness."
Pride celebrations will continue at Love and Regret throughout the month, a testament to their unwavering commitment to inclusivity.
Baltimore's Vibrant LGBTQ+ Scene
While the original content mentions a specific bar, the wider point is clear: Baltimore has a thriving and welcoming LGBTQ+ community.
Here are some other popular destinations in the city:
- The Rowan Tree
- The Club Car
- Leon's of Baltimore
- Sinners and Saints
- The Lodge
- Bunker
- Baltimore Eagle
- Freddie's Beach Bar & Restaurant
- The Drinkery (a gay dive bar with karaoke)
Baltimore embraces diversity, fostering a safe and welcoming environment, especially in neighborhoods like Mt.
Vernon, which is known for its vibrant arts, culture, and theatre scene.
The city welcomes visitors of all backgrounds.
A recent experience in Mt. Vernon highlights the welcoming atmosphere. Two straight women were initially hesitant to enter a local gay bar, but were quickly embraced by the friendly and inclusive atmosphere. One drink turned into five, and a great time was had by all.
As the city has adapted to a more accepting climate, it is important to acknowledge the existence and importance of specific LGBTQ+ spaces.
These spaces provide a sense of community, safety, and belonging.