AUT BAR
Continued from page 5B
sidering the look and feel, it had to be one
that was 'positive and affirming."
The welcoming setting has made aut
BAR a second home for many of its visi-
tors. "So many people have come through
our doors and wished they had something
like this 'back home.' " Orr said.
Yet despite its all-encompassing feel,
aut BAR is careful to ensure its primary
clientele is given first priority as it contin-
ues to evolve and grow.
"First and foremost the bar must be a
safe place for the gay community," Con-
treras said. "Straight folks who understand
that are certainly welcome here."
Having achieved respectability and
loyalty among a diverse local communi-
ty, the bar continues to set goals on both a
local and national level. Its establishment

in Kerrytown fostered a "cool" label for
the area, one that it is eager to maintain,
and aut BAR hopes will help bridge the
gap between the gay and straight com-
munities. The bar also hopes to expand
its influence in creating acceptance for
variants of the gay community such as
the bisexual and transgender communi-
ties as well creating greater acceptance
beyond the safe, colorful world that exists
within aut BAR.
"Ultimately, our battles, like all civil
rights battles, are to raise the civil liberties
of everyone, gay and straight," Orr said.
"When the straight community 'gets' that
our battles are their battles, we'll stand a
shot at getting the liberty and justice that
all of us deserve."
"The bar is our place to celebrate
together, share joys and sorrows, raise
money for our causes, make friends and
build a community."

PHOTOS BY SHUBRA OHRI/Daily
The aut Bar opened in
1995 and has been a
community leader for
gay activism ever since

Firstline is hiring for our
summer sales division. You
can learn more and apply
online at gofirstline.com.
This is an extraordinary
opportunity so we are
looking for extraordinary
peop e.

-1

i

Ann Arbor resident Shaun Hale drinks in the aut BAR in Kerrytown. The
gay and lesbian community serve as the bar's main clientele.
M PIRE JIANCiAL GROUP
Are You in Debt'
We can hel!

Get hired before 01.01.06 and
receive a $500.00 early s

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EVERY OTHER SATURDAY NIGHT
edward
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 @ MIDNIGHT
FOR MORE INFO VISIT WWW.MICHTHEATER.ORG/STATE.PHP

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gof rstline.corn

12B - The Michigan Daily - Thursday, November 17, 2005

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