Henrietta Hudson is a landmark lesbian bar in New York City, founded in 1991 by Lisa Cannistraci and Minnie Rivera in the West Village. The bar quickly became an iconic space for the LGBTQ+ community, especially for queer women. Unlike many lesbian bars that have closed over the years, Henrietta Hudson has remained a resilient and essential part of New York’s queer nightlife.
In its early years, Henrietta Hudson stood out as a space dedicated to inclusivity, hosting a diverse crowd of women and queer individuals while supporting feminist and LGBTQ+ activism. It became known for its lively atmosphere, offering dance parties, themed events, and a welcoming space for self-expression.
Henrietta Hudson has adapted over the decades, evolving from a traditional bar into what its owners now call a "queer human space," inclusive of all gender identities and expressions. Despite the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ venues, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Henrietta Hudson continues to thrive as one of the last remaining lesbian bars in New York City, symbolizing the resilience and importance of queer-owned spaces in urban culture.
