Chicago Bakery Forced to Close Due to Homophobic Attacks

UpRising bakery and cafe, located in Lake in the Hills, Chicago, will be closing its doors at the end of March. The owner, Corinna Sac, cited the continuous homophobic attacks on the premises as the primary reason for the closure.

The bakery had been a victim of harassment and negative misinformation due to its support for the LGBTQ+ community and hosting drag performances. The establishment was labeled as ‘gay only’ and ‘paedophiles,’ which not only tarnished its good name but also drove away local customers.

Despite offering gluten-free and vegan options and donating to local organizations, the bakery faced a severe attack in July 2022, and hate messages were painted on the building. Ms. Sac and her staff were also threatened on social media. These incidents severely impacted the bakery’s sales and patronage, eventually leading to its closure.

Ms. Sac expressed her disappointment over the bakery’s closure and the impact it would have on her staff, many of whom are members of the LGBTQ+ community. The bakery had served as a safe space for the community and had provided employment opportunities to its members.

In response to the closure, fundraisers have been set up to provide financial support to Ms. Sac and her staff to prevent the bakery from shutting down. The support from the community has been overwhelming, with many expressing their outrage over the homophobic attacks and their commitment to standing with the LGBTQ+ community.

The closure of UpRising bakery and cafe highlights the ongoing discrimination and hate faced by the LGBTQ+ community, and the need for more significant efforts to combat such bigotry.