Famous Chicago club Berlin closes after 40 years
Berlin, a legendary Chicago nightclub, stood as a beacon of queer nightlife and alternative subcultures since its inception in 1983.
Credit: Amber Stoughtenborough
Berlin, a legendary Chicago nightclub, stood as a beacon of queer nightlife and alternative subcultures since its inception in 1983. A vibrant mix of drag, goth, punk, rave, techno, house, and local kink scenes thrived within its walls. To those who frequented it, Berlin was a diverse melting pot of different cultures, an anomaly that defied norms and expectations.
However, beneath its colorful facade lay a complex web of internal dynamics. A former employee sheds light on the backstage drama, shedding light on the tumultuous relationship between management and workers.
"Management and worker relations were, at best, tense and, at worst, antagonistic. Older gay males largely managed the club, content with maintaining the status quo despite diminishing returns. The atmosphere turned toxic, with instances of verbal abuse and passive aggression. Workers faced obstacles in performing their duties, from interference with security handling harassers to tolerating disruptive individuals due to personal connections with management."
The labor conditions were far from ideal. The absence of proper training for staff and inadequate safety measures made it a risky workplace. The performers, integral to the club's identity, often faced discrimination ranging from verbal abuse to physical violence. Instances of chasers preying on vulnerable patrons loitering outside further added to the distressing environment.
This hostile atmosphere ultimately led to a strike. "The owners showed no willingness to negotiate terms with the workers. No counter proposals or meaningful discussions took place. A boycott seemed the most viable option. However, post-boycott, workers faced reduced hours and were practically removed from the schedule."
The struggle to unionize faced strong resistance from the owners. "Efforts to unionize were met with minimal engagement. A brief appearance by one owner to dissuade the workers preceded a misleading public statement, deflecting from the lack of negotiation attempts."
The news of Berlin's closure came as a shock to its workers. "The announcement was made via social media. There were prior assurances from management that the club had no plans to shut down, but the reality proved otherwise. Rumors suggest the intent to close existed since the boycott, regardless of official statements."