Marsha's, Philly Women's Sports Bar that Faced Controversy, Announces Closure
Owners said the bar will close after serving the LGBTQIA+ community for more than a year and did not give a reason.
- On Friday, Philadelphia's first queer women's sports bar, Marsha's, announced it will close this weekend, hosting a final 'last hurrah' through Sunday, October 18, 2026.
- Founder Chivonn Anderson opened the space on September 19, 2025, to create a dedicated environment for women's sports, naming it after activist Marsha P. Johnson.
- The venue faced significant challenges, including a February police raid by 12 officers and accusations from former employee Olivia Rhodes, which Anderson labeled 'false statements'.
- Public disputes hurt the business's reputation; Anderson stated the controversy 'really affected our business' and that it never rebounded from the backlash.
- Despite the closure, Marsha's will remain open this weekend to show the WNBA Finals and the Eagles' matchup with the Carolina Panthers, with owners expressing hope others will fill the void.
17 Articles
17 Articles
Philly women's sports bar named after transgender activist closes following claims it wasn't inclusive enough
A sports bar that called itself a hub of the queer community in Philadelphia is closing its doors after just over a year.The bar was meant to serve as a counter to businesses that prioritize male sports on its TV screens over women's, a common origin story for these types of bars.'More than ever this city needs more women/queer/BIPOC-owned businesses.'In September 2025, owner Chivonn Anderson opened Marsha's, named after Marsha P. Johnson, a man…
After a Year of Controversy, Philadelphia’s Queer Women’s Sports Bar Marsha’s Closes
After months of controversy, Martha’s, a queer women’s sports bar in Philadelphia, announced on Thursday in an Instagram post that it will close its doors this weekend after roughly a year in operation. “It is with heavy hearts that we have decided to close Marsha’s doors for good,” the post reads. “We have loved serving this community, and still believe that more than ever this city needs more women/queer/BIPOC- owned businesses. We sincerely h…
The Philadelphia women's sports bar Marsha's is closing after little more than one year in operation, owner Chivonn Anderson said in a social media announcement. The bar opened to great fanfare but its management was accused of foster a hostile work environment against female and minority employees.
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