courtesy of Redfield s Tavern
Upon its reopening, Redfield’s has joined the North Texas LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and it will host a New Year’s Eve event with the band Bandolero to raise money for the AIDS Interfaith Network.
Despite Redfield’s efforts, many are still skeptical about returning to the bar. Although he feels that hiring a gay chief operator is a step in the right direction, Mike Karbowski, who frequented Redfield’s this past summer, admits he feels “cynical” about Redfield’s.
“I was shocked and saddened [upon hearing the recording,]” Karbowski says. “I remember thinking . how cool it was to be [at] a ‘straight’ establishment that was so inclusive. First time I went was with a straight couple, and I quickly realized it was full of gays I recognized. That’s why we went back. That’s why hearing the recording was so upsetting.”