11/16/2009 Update:

Hoboken’s only gay bar gets cosmetic makeover

For those interested in what’s going on over at The Cage (32 Newark St.) should be excited to know that it should be re-opening this week or next.

In addition to the typical “face lift” a business might go through (restoration, etc.), The Cage is also updating the venue with new televisions, video trivia, and Nintendo Wii games. It’s safe to expect some kind of grand re-opening celebration sometime soon.

See other updates, reader mail, etc. – after the jump…

cage-logo.jpg

Description – All Gay / Alternative Bar, Lounge, Club
Website – www.thecagehoboken.com
Address – 32 Newark St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Telephone – 201-216-1766

3/8/2007:
Here’s an interesting viewpoint from Hoboken411 reader David:

Why change tunes before St. Patty’s Day?

Hello Hoboken 411,

I read your site regularly (can’t depend on the paper for real news!).

Anyway, since your site does list the Cage in your bar directory I feel this is newsworthy for the site.

Every year since the Cage opened as “Hoboken’s only Gay bar” they have ripped down the Gay Pride flag and “de-gayed” the place and put up a plastic sign with the bar’s former name (Hennessey’s) on St. Pats Day in Hoboken. Ironically, every year since they opened, the Cage has held an “after party” on the day of the Gay Pride Festival at Exchange Place each August.

Last year, numerous people complained and the Cage started including the line “Gay everyday” in its e-blasts.

No one is campaigning to have a gay contingent in the parade (I think we’d all be afraid of the reaction anyway), but it really is an unconscionable for a business to market itself to the Gay and Lesbian community and then put up a “not welcome” on a day when the owners think the straight crowd will earn them more money.

What is ironic is that there are many gay people who would want to party in Hoboken today (and given the boorish crowds that attend the St. Pat’s parade, would most likely not be welcome in many bars). I know that many people in Hoboken have gay and lesbian friends and would have appreciated a place to party with them as well.

Perhaps I am just sensitive after recent events:

Last Week: Civil Unions come to NJ;
State Supreme court supports right to sue for anti-gay bullying in public schools; A young man is bashed and taunted with anti gay slurs in Hoboken (just for wearing pink) on the SAME day that a big LGBT event in Jersey City is attended by numerous politicians (including those from Hoboken) and supporters from around the county.

This Week: The Cage kicks Gays and Lesbians in the teeth.

Sincerely,
David

Technorati Tags: , , , , , , ,