Hello, city enthusiasts! Gio here, stepping in for Aitor while he takes a well-deserved break.

This week, we focus on how local communities are banding together to protect their beloved lesbian and LGBTQ+ spaces. We'll also take a look at an academic institution's efforts to promote sustainable art.

CALL FOR STORIES: URBAN TERRORIn the spirit of Halloween, we’re reflecting on the ghouls that have plagued European cities. Who are the destructive figures—be they generals or politicians—who have turned cherished urban landscapes into nightmares? Share your thoughts with us!

METRO BRIEFINGQUEER SPACES IN DISTRESSThe COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted many LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, leading to a significant decline in spaces particularly aimed at queer women and transgender and nonbinary individuals. While the erosion of these venues has been ongoing for years, the pandemic dealt a devastating blow, closing not only places for drinks and fun but also essential community hubs. Fortunately, some patrons and local activists have taken action to save these spaces.

A Bar RevivedWhen Laïla and Axelle, the owners of the Crazy Circle bar in Brussels’ Ixelles neighborhood, announced their plans to step down last year, the city faced the potential loss of its only permanent lesbian bar. However, after the couple called for new management, a few locals stepped up to help.

“It started as a joke,” Agathe, one of the new owners, recounted. “And then it became reality.”

Fundraising SuccessIn fall 2023, a small group initiated the takeover process and launched a fundraiser to cover purchase and renovation costs. When they reached their €50,000 goal in March, Lou, another manager, expressed their joy: “We realized people were supporting us not just with ideas but with tangible actions.”

Positive VibesThe Crazy Circle, which describes itself as a feminist bar for those on the lesbian, bisexual, and transgender spectrum and their allies, reopened in April 2024. Agathe noted, “It felt like a mini Pride parade on the street,” adding that six months later, support remains strong, though long-term financial challenges persist.

Parisian StrugglesMeanwhile, La Mutinerie, a queer, feminist, trans, and lesbian bar in the heart of Paris, is facing its own challenges. After 12 years in operation, it recently sent out a distress call due to mounting debts. Jules, a trans man and founder of the bar, noted, “We were overwhelmed by the community’s response. It was incredibly supportive.” Although the bar’s situation has improved in the short term, it still faces legal hurdles. Jules explained, “We doubled our sales… but that doesn’t resolve the long-term issues.”

Beyond Just a BarEstablishments like the Crazy Circle and La Mutinerie offer more than just drinks. They host a variety of events, including stand-up comedy, karaoke nights, clothing swaps, and sexual health workshops, making them integral to the local LGBTQ+ community.

“Such spaces are unique — they allow people to connect over shared experiences and interests,” Agathe explained. Jules added, “They are becoming increasingly rare, and surviving economically is getting tougher.” Nonetheless, they continue to serve as vital meeting points for the community, especially in the face of rising anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment.

Emphasizing SafetyCreating a safe environment is crucial for the Crazy Circle's managers. “We are working to establish structures that ensure safety,” Agathe said, “especially since not everyone is openly LGBTQ+.” Lou echoed this sentiment: “We want to create a space where people can just be themselves without feeling threatened.”

CITY HIGHLIGHTSPEOPLE FIRSTMore than 90 city leaders from across Europe gathered in Strasbourg this week, calling for a new partnership with the European Parliament. During the Eurocities’ European Mayors Summit, they presented lawmakers with a 10-point declaration outlining priorities for European citizens and cities.

HEARING AHEADHousing Commissioner-designate Dan Jørgensen will be heard by the European Parliament on November 5 at 2:30 PM CEST (watch the live stream here). Ahead of the session, he submitted responses to lawmakers’ written questions.

OUTRAGE OVER DELIVERY DRIVERSPhotos of delivery drivers braving a rainstorm in Bologna, Italy, sparked widespread outrage, leading workers’ union CGIL to file a complaint with the public prosecutor’s office regarding the delivery companies that continued operations despite official warnings for residents to stay home.

ADDRESSING MISTAKESSpanish Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez suggested legislation to prevent the sale of public land and housing at market prices, acknowledging that Spain made a significant error by allowing rental and sale conditions on publicly funded homes to lapse, facilitating their privatization for speculative profit. Her comments come amidst growing protests over the housing crisis in Spain.

CULTURE CLUBSOUNDS OF THE CITYThis week, Leyla and Paul present a musical selection inspired by the establishments that provide safe spaces for queer women in our cities.

“Amid the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ venues, we’re highlighting music and artists that resonate with these spaces, including those who have established such businesses,” they said.

URBAN TRENDSEUROPE'S GREEN ARTS HUBThe Jan van Eyck Academie in Maastricht has evolved significantly over its 75-year history, transitioning from a Catholic art school to a global leader in sustainable art practices.

Navigating Crisis Through ArtSince taking over in 2018, Hicham Khalidi has pondered the role of art in today’s world and the challenges posed by multiple crises over the next decade. This reflection inspired the creation of the Future Materials Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at helping artists adopt more eco-friendly practices.

Future MaterialsThe foundation has established an online archive, the Future Materials Bank, featuring over 430 sustainable art materials, aimed at supporting artists in finding practical, ecological solutions.

Art Meets CommunityMany fellows at the Jan van Eyck Academie engage with the local community, exploring materials like cement and limestone, paying homage to Maastricht’s once-thriving limestone cement industry.

STATS & THE CITYThis week’s trivia challenge invites readers to identify a famous author whose skeleton was at the center of a fierce dispute between two cities. The rivalry was so intense that monks managed to hide his remains for several centuries. The first reader to correctly identify the author and the cities involved will receive a shout-out in next week’s newsletter.

LOCAL LIBRARY

• Elderly leaseholders in the UK face tough choices as their tenancies expire, with options to either move or pay increased rent.
• Check out this overview of how cities can mitigate climate impact and enhance residents’ health, courtesy of Mark Nieuwenhuijsen from the Institute for Global Health.
• Madrid residents can explore an analysis of rental prices by metro station, compiled by the Newtral team