As a wheelchair user, I am very used to having to make enquiries as to whether or not a venue I haven’t visited before has step free access.

As Candy Bar announces that it will be closing its doors for the last time in January, it is the latest in a long list of lesbian bars and clubs who have lost their homes in recent years including G Spot, Glass bar and Chocolate Lounge. This leaves a significant gap in the market, as it is currently the only remaining female only space in Soho (men may enter, but not unaccompanied). This is a fact that I find shocking and saddening in such a diverse and cosmopolitan city as London. Candy’s motto is ‘Run by Girls, For Girls’, which really emphasises importance of a space in which women can feel safe, and are protected from the negative attention which sadly follows same sex encounters in many environments.

In response to the closure of Candy Bar, the KuBar plans to radically overhaul its premises to make the entire lower ground floor into "KuBar Girls", which while decreasing the size of the women only space, aims to remain in keeping with the original ethos of Candy: being run by girls, for girls. The new bar will have only female bouncers, and a separate entrance. However, the space is being created through the renovation of the existing premises, which do not currently provide wheelchair access to the lower level.

I, as well as several others, have written to KuBar (info@ku-bar.co.uk) asking them for reassurance that they will be putting a lift in as part of the refurbishment. I have not yet received a response! If this adaption is not made, this will place severe limitations on women who wish to go to gay bars but require step free access.

I would ask others who care about LGBT rights, and wheelchair users having access, to write to the KuBar as well. To keep up with the campaign please join the Facebook group (Make Ku Bar Girls Wheelchair Accessible) https://www.facebook.com/groups/584764861571151/