Jolene's is a queer bar owned by Jolene Linsangan. The bar opened to much fan fare in 2018 in the former Dear Mom space. Inside, a neon sign reads 'YOU ARE SAFE HERE' inside a pink triangle. Jolene's hosts Sunday brunch, queer karaoke, lesbian singles happy hour, and became the home for the UHAUL party.
Controversy
Allegations of employee mistreatment and discrimination surfaced in 2020 when a social media campaign was launched by anonymous employees to bring attention to their working environment. Claims of verbal abuse, failure to promote Black and brown people to management, cover-up of sexual assault, and discrimination against wheelchair-dependent people were among their allegations. Jolene eventually agreed to, and published, an action plan set forward by the employees consisting of an apology, placing Black and Brown employees in management positions, and a restorative justice circle. However, as of 2023 Jolene has removed all mention the controversy from the bar's website and Instagram.
Additionally in 2020, Ashleigh Wilson, an original co-owner of Jolene's, brought a suit against Jolene for breach of contract, slander and libel, false light, false imprisonment, and both intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Sources
Eater: Mission Queer Bar Jolene’s Hit With Lawsuit, Allegations of Abuse and Racism