Rumours, a long-standing gay bar and safe space in Halifax, is currently facing significant financial challenges as it struggles to meet rising operational costs. In response, the owners are reaching out to the community for support to ensure the bar can continue its operations.

The establishment has launched a GoFundMe campaign with an ambitious goal of raising $18,000. This amount is intended to cover a month's worth of expenses, which encompass rent and the wages of event staff, including DJs. As of now, co-owners Gerald Mccowan and José have successfully raised half of the target amount.

Gerald Mccowan explained the financial difficulties faced by the bar, stating, “We were paying the rent, everything was fine. But now we’ve come to a new lease and [the landlord] wants to almost double the rent with extra charges, capital expenses, the plumbing, 15 percent service charge on anything he wants, and it’s just a lot of little extra charges in there.”

The $18,000 fundraising goal is composed of various essential expenses: approximately $12,000 for basic monthly rent, an additional $1,400 in rent, $1,200 for electricity, $800 for water, and $2,600 for insurance. This figure does not include taxes or additional costs such as payroll, security, DJ fees, entertainment expenses, inventory, cleaning, garbage disposal, licensing, repairs, and equipment, all of which are vital for the operation of Rumours.

Gerald Mccowan opened Rumours following a settlement from Veteran Affairs Canada due to harassment he experienced in the military for being gay. He describes the establishment as a "little legacy" that has had a profoundly positive influence on the local community. "We don’t have anybody going there because they’re angry or anything like that. They go there because they want to enjoy Rumours," he noted.

Mccowan emphasized the importance of safe spaces, especially as the landscape for queer businesses shifts and many are closing. He believes that venues like Rumours are becoming increasingly crucial in today’s society. Looking ahead to next year, the owners are excited about Halifax hosting the Canada Pride celebration and are committed to continuing the events that patrons have come to love over the years.

"We just want to keep the doors open. We want this for this community," Mccowan asserted. “That’s what it just boils down to is just being safe.” The deadline for reaching the fundraising goal is in two months, with the GoFundMe campaign having been created on August 30, 2026.