Marsha’s Opens as Philadelphia’s First Queer Women’s Sports Bar

Philadelphia is set to make history with the opening of Marsha’s, the city’s first-ever queer women’s sports bar and venue, on Friday, September 19. Located at 430 South Street, Marsha’s is not just a bar—it is a community hub designed to celebrate women’s sports and honor LGBTQ+ history. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is open to the public, inviting all to witness the launch of this groundbreaking space for sports fans, the LGBTQ+ community, and allies alike .

The bar’s name, Marsha’s, pays homage to Marsha P. Johnson, the iconic Black transgender activist and central figure in the Stonewall Riots. Johnson’s legacy is foundational to the LGBTQ+ movement, symbolizing resilience, advocacy, and the ongoing fight for equality. By naming the venue after Johnson, founder Chivonn Anderson aims to ensure that Marsha’s represents more than just a sports bar—it stands as a living tribute to queer history and the spirit of courage and inclusivity that Johnson embodied .

“South Street was the only place I ever felt comfortable growing up,” Anderson, a Philadelphia LGBTQ+ Hall of Fame’s Best Small Business Leader Award recipient, said, reflecting on the significance of creating Marsha’s in a neighborhood that has long offered belonging and safety to LGBTQ+ youth. “Creating Marsha’s on the corner of South Street and Passyunk Ave feels like a full-circle moment. It’s about building the kind of bar everyone feels welcome stepping foot in” .

Marsha’s is rewriting the playbook when it comes to sports bars in Philadelphia. At its core, the venue puts women’s athletic events front and center on its big screens—whether it’s the FIFA Women’s World Cup, WNBA games, or NCAA women’s basketball. Guests can expect a curated schedule of women’s sports broadcasts, with plans to highlight local teams and major national and international competitions. This focus reflects a growing national trend, as more women’s sports bars open across the U.S., meeting the surging demand for spaces where female athletes are celebrated and supported .

The inspiration for Marsha’s came to Anderson during the 2019 Women’s World Cup final, when she struggled to convince a bartender to switch the television to the women’s match—despite Team USA’s participation. “It kind of blew my mind that it’s the FIFA World Cup and that I have to argue with the bartender to put on the women’s final when it’s the USA playing in this match,” Anderson recounted, underscoring the need for dedicated spaces that prioritize women’s sports .

Inclusivity is at the heart of Marsha’s mission. The bar is designed to be a safe and welcoming environment for people of all gender identities and sexual orientations, with a special focus on uplifting women, transgender people, and nonbinary individuals. “Being a teenager, there were not a lot of spaces where I could be with my friends who were straight, who loved me and supported me," Anderson recalled. "So we would come down to South Street and hang out, and I could go shopping and be my crazy, unique self,” she said, highlighting the importance of queer-friendly social spaces .

The opening menu at Marsha’s features a blend of classic bar fare and inventive cocktails and mocktails, catering to diverse tastes and dietary needs. The food and beverage program is designed to foster community, with rotating specials and themed nights planned to coincide with major sporting events and LGBTQ+ cultural milestones. The commitment to elevated hospitality and neighborhood joy is central to Anderson’s approach, aiming to create lasting memories for every patron .

Beyond sports, Marsha’s plans to host screenings of queer film and television, offer educational programming, and partner with local LGBTQ+ organizations. The venue will serve as a platform for advocacy, visibility, and resource-sharing, reinforcing its role as a community anchor on South Street. Anderson has purchased the building and obtained the liquor license, demonstrating a long-term commitment to the space and its mission .

With Philadelphia set to welcome a new WNBA team and host the MLB All-Star Game and World Cup next year, Marsha’s is positioned to become a vital gathering place for fans and activists alike. Anderson envisions transforming Passyunk Avenue into a viewing center, inviting families and friends to watch major events live on South Street and celebrate the achievements of women athletes .

Marsha’s is part of a rapidly growing trend, with at least 17 women’s sports bars reportedly set to open across the country. This surge is driven by record-breaking viewership and attendance for women’s sports, reflecting changing cultural attitudes and a greater demand for gender equity in both sports and social spaces .