The Wildrose, Capitol Hill’s iconic lesbian bar, is celebrating an incredible milestone: 40 years as a cornerstone of Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community. With a claim as the longest-running lesbian bars in the nation, the Wildrose has weathered decades of change, remaining steadfast in its mission to provide a safe, inclusive space.

“The original owner was incredible,” recalls co-owner Martha Manning. “She was a civil rights attorney who created a safe space for women because there was a need for it.”

From its founding as a cooperative in 1984, the Wildrose was politically significant, establishing itself as more than a bar — it was a sanctuary.

Fast forward to today, and the Wildrose’s impact continues. Manning reflects on moments when the team felt defeated or jaded, only to be reminded of the bar’s vital role in the community on Capitol Hill — and beyond. “Sometimes you lose sight of what it means to people, but the community’s support has always shown us how much they want this space to exist.” Continue reading →