Cheers! Drinks in West Hollywood tonight to support gay rights in Russia

It’s the end of a long week, and your favorite bourbon, neat, sounds like a fantastic idea. If you happen to be in West Hollywood for drinks tonight, that cocktail could help support gay rights in Russia.

Some of the bars and restaurants in the area are establishing their own versions of Pride House, a place for LGBT athletes and fans to watch the Olympic Games. During the previous two Olympics, Pride House was set up in the host country.

With its current stance on homosexuality, there will be no Pride House allowed in Russia. Businesses in cities around the world, including Atlanta, Dallas, Boston, Chicago, Nashville, San Francisco and even a venue in Ireland are establishing their own versions of LGBT-friendly places.

In West Hollywood, participating venues include Here, Revolver, Micky’s, Fiesta Cantina, Sur Lounge, Tortilla Republic, Gym sportsbar, Elevn bar and nightclub and V wine room. Each business will donate $1 of every drink sold between 9 p.m. and midnight to the Russia Freedom Fund, an organization that supports LGBT organizations in Russia.

The Abbey has also pledged a $500 donation and Block Party Weho, Beauty Collection and LASC clothing store will all donate a portion of their sales.

Business owners who would like to establish their own Pride House can find information online.

This isn’t the first time businesses in West Hollywood have showed support for gay rights in Russia. Some bars, including Micky’s, protested Russian President Vladimir Putin’s siging of anti-gay laws last summer by boycotting Russian spirits.

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