Germany’s “oldest and biggest” gay dance club has declared itself bankrupt after nearly half a century in business, falling victim to inflation and an evolving party culture threatening Berlin’s nightlife.

Management troubles and dating apps were among the factors putting SchwuZ on the ropes last year and in May the club shortened its opening hours, laid off staff and asked regulars for help to plug a growing shortfall, to little avail.

On Thursday, the management team posted on Instagram: “SchwuZ has filed for insolvency. But: we don’t want to give up!”

The post noted SchwuZ’s integral role in Berlin’s LGBTQ+ scene since it was founded in Kreuzberg in 1977, helping two years