The Official Virginia Pride Guide 2023

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happy pride virginia!

CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY NOW, AND ALL YEAR LONG.

STEVE DAVIS

Licensed Realtor

steve@riverfoxrealty.com

804-787-0636

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VIRGINIA PRIDEFEST 2023

Proud supporter of VA PrideFest 2023

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It’s time to talk about aging in the LGBTQ+ community.

As we celebrate PrideFest, let’s take the time to discuss the unique care needs of the LGBTQ+ community as we age.

Starting a conversation about potential long-term care needs isn’t always easy.

Honest conversations now are essential to making sure you— and the people you love— can live life on their terms.

Visit genworth.com/aging-and-you.html for conversation starters.

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Fostering well-being and community— at home and abroad.

At Allianz Partners, we’re dedicated to helping people from all walks of life feel safe, included, and celebrated.

That means caring for our employees and 70+ million customers each year, but it also means caring for our community by supporting organizations like Virginia Pride.

We support travelers, concertgoers, and students as they set off on their journeys—and we hope we can support your journey, too. → Learn more about our commitments to our customers and our community at AllianzRVA.com.

Insurance + Assistance

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Virginia Pridefest 2023 — We’re proud to support you Bank of America is proud of its roots in the LGBTQ+ community and looks to strengthen them by supporting Pridefest 2023. We stand with Virginia Pride and all it does to inspire future and current leaders. By working together, we are able to ensure that our LGBTQ+ family thrives.

Visit us at bankofamerica.com/about.

©2023 Bank of America Corporation | MAP5482412 | ENT-297-AD

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STANDING PROUD WITH THE LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY

We’re dedicated to building a more equitable and inclusive future for the LGBTQ+ community globally. To deliver on our mission, we’re: • Expanding programming for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses • Developing professionals to thrive and advance their careers • Building consumer financial health with targeted resources and tools • Investing in partnerships and policies to strengthen LGBTQ+ communities To learn more, visit jpmorganchase.com/LGBTQ

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The nation’s newest

COMPREHENSIVE Cancer Center

We rank among the top 4% of cancer centers in the U.S., a point we take pride in.

Thanks to you, we are UNmatched in our community-centric approach to eliminating cancer. Now with our National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center designation, Virginia Pride knows it too. Learn more at MasseyCancerCenter.org/Comprehensive.

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VIRGINIA PRIDEFEST 2023

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VIRGINIA PRIDE GUIDE 2023 R. ANTHONY HARRIS ASH GRIFFITH ANDREW BONIESKIE WRITING

15 SPONSOR THANK YOU

AUDREY MCGOVERN WRITING

17 LETTER FROM PRIDE

KAYTE STRACENER ADVERTISING KIMBERLY FROST JODY ADAMS ASH GRIFFITH PHOTOGRAPHY KIMBERLY FROST COVER PHOTO

16 VA PRIDE COMMITEE OF DIVERSITY RICHMOND

18 VA PRIDE FEST SCHEDULE 23 MR. AND MISS VIRGINIA PRIDE: THE COUNTDOWN TO FABULOUS 28 GODFREY’S: HOME OF THE WORLD FAMOUS DRAG BRUNCH 36 FALLOUT: BE WHO YOU WANT TO BE, JUST BE RESPECTFUL 42 THIRSTY’S: CHEERS WITH QUEERS 46 BETH AUSTIN: WITHOUT APOLOGIES

P R I D E PUBLISHED 2023 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH INKWELL VENTURES PUBLISHER OF RVA MAGAZINE & GAY RVA

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VIRGINIA VIRGINIA PRIDEFEST PRIDEFEST 2023 2023

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VIRGINIA PRIDE COMMITTEE OF DIVERSITY RICHMOND

HALI GOAD

JAMAL BROOKS

ALVION ARNELL DAVENPORT

JEREMY KELLEMS

SEAN PAUL MAYFIELD

JAMIE HARRIS

JAMES HARTMAN

MARIEA TERRELL

MARQUIS MAPP

LATONYA WHITAKER

REINA “REI” PALENCIA

JAMES MILLNER

16 NOT PICTURED: MAUREEN SCOTT & KATE LEWIS 16

VIRGINIA PRIDEFEST 2023 VIRGINIA PRIDEFEST 2023

To our community-On behalf of the 2023 Virginia Pride Committee and the Richmond City Mayor’s Office, it is with immense pride and heartfelt pleasure that we welcome you to what we hope is the best Pridefest yet! Additionally, we would like to invite you to embrace this year’s Virginia Pride theme “Pride is our Resistance.” Each year we come together to share in the joy that Pridefest brings and celebrate the vibrant, diverse, and resilient LGBTQ+ community here in Virginia. This year we want to impress the urgency in which we need to not only show up but to also be active in the continued fight for equality for our LGBTQ+ siblings.

In a world where adversity and challenges continue to test our strength, “Pride is our Resistance” serves as a powerful reminder that our community stands united, unwavering, and unapologetic in the face of discrimination and inequality. Together, is the best way to rise above adversity, break down barriers, and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive Virginia.

As the organizing committee, we have worked tirelessly to curate a day filled with love, solidarity, and empowerment. From the lively performances of our talented local artists, to the inspiring change makers we recognize throughout the day, and the explosive entertainment crafted by our headlining performers that will surely keep the spirit high – this year’s Pride promises to be a memorable celebration of who we are and how far we’ve come.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to our sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who have made this event possible. Your dedication and generosity have helped us create a space where everyone can feel seen, heard, and loved.

Let us come together on this special day to not only celebrate our victories but also to reiterate our commitment to a world where love, equality, and acceptance are the norm, not the exception. Our resistance is not just a celebration; it’s a call to action to continue fighting for a more just and inclusive society.

Virginia Pride is not just an event; it’s a movement. So, bring your pride, your passion, and your resistance to the forefront as we unite to make a powerful statement about who we are and what we stand for.

Again, thank you and see you at Virginia Pride 2023!

With Love and Gratitude, The Virginia Pride Committee + Richmond City Mayor’s Office

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PRIDE FEST 2023 SCHEDULE SEPTEMBER 23RD, 2023

MAIN STAGE

PRESENTED BY OUTRVA TIME START

ACT!

12:00 PM DJ Ease 12:30 PM Welcome & Firework Award 12:50 PM Richmond’s Allied Voices 1:10 PM Landon Elliott 1:45 PM Mr. VA Pride 1:50 PM Ms. VA Pride 1:55 PM Mx. VA Pride 2:00 PM Trap Cry 2:35 PM RVA Drag Superstars 2:40PM RVA Drag Superstars 2:50 PM Anthony Cosby, Jr. and the Band 3:20 PM RVA Drag Superstars 3:25 PM RVA Drag Superstars 3:30 PM Zee Machine 4:30 PM Riley Knoxx 4:45 PM House of Prodigy 5:10 PM Cookiee Kawaii 6:15 PM Alvion Arnell Davenport 6:30 PM Naysha Lopez 6:50 PM Tinashe

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ALLIANZ YOUTH PRIDE PAVILLION TIME START

ACT!

12:00 PM DJ BearBonez 12:35 PM Disney Drag 1:10 PM Drag Story Time 1:45 PM Comedy Sports 2:05 PM Intro to Ballroom + Battle

(feat Ally Marc Jacobs) 2:25 PM DJ BearBonez 3:00 PM John Levengood 3:35 PM Hoop Performance / Hulu Hoop contest 3:55 PM SPARC 4:15 PM DJ BearBonez 4:45 PM Drag Performances 5:15 PM Lip Sync Contest

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BRINGING DIVERSITY TO THE TABLE

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VIRGINIA PRIDEFEST 2023

THE COUNTDOWN TO FABULOUS

MR. AND MISS

VIRGINIA PRIDE INTERVIEW BY ASH GRIFFITH PHOTOS BY KIMBERLY FROST

As September draws upon us, so does fall, back-to-school season, pumpkin spice lattes, and above all else—the return of Virginia Pride.

by people I love and adore, and that they are getting to see a different aspect of my drag now that I’ve won the title I’ve always wanted all these years.”

Among those to make an appearance at the annual event are the current reigning title holders of Mr. and Miss Virginia Pride, Tiffany Hunter Monique and Onyx Spaulding. Crowned in May of this year, they will attend not only as part of their duties to make the rounds, but also to perform.

It goes without saying that the decision to compete for such a title is not an overnight task, akin to deciding to buy cereal at the grocery store. Monique committed to the decision to compete as far back as March 2022 and spent a year planning with her team.

Between the gown and the performance, a lot of work went on behind the scenes. Yet, as is the case with live performances, you can’t always be prepared for everything, no matter how hard you try.

Tiffany Hunter Monique (Reshad Horton) has been doing drag for about ten years. Originally f rom further down south in Louisiana, she moved to Virginia in 2013 after a year of doing drag in her home state. After taking a break to acclimate to her new home, she returned to drag at the request of a f riend, and with a specif ic goal in mind: to enter and win her f irst pageant. Consider that goal smashed.

“To go f rom being completely unknown once I moved here ten years ago to being on stage representing VA Pride is a huge milestone for me,” said Monique.

“It feels very surreal, and it comes in waves. Like, ‘Oh, that’s right. I won my f irst pageant, and I have a title and a crown.’ It really feels so humbling as well, especially after all the hard work I’ve put into my drag in general. It’s humbling to know that I am being recognized BE SAFE, BE HAPPY, BE PROUD! PRIDE IS OUR RESISTANCE

“The night of, I got to registration and the nerves immediately hit,” said Monique. “I looked around the venue and f igured out what needed to be done. I took a look at the stage and realized it was smaller than I had hoped. When I choreographed my talent, I had envisioned a larger stage with me and four dancers. So, I had to make the tough decision that day to cut one of my dancers and rework much of the choreography.

Thankfully, my dancers were able to f igure things out themselves while I was getting ready. When it came time to get on stage, the noise faded and all I had to do was walk, be beautiful, and showcase all the hard work I’d put in. When it came to talent, all I had to do 23 23

was get out on the stage and shut it down, like only I can.”

Onyx Spaulding (Anthony Harden) has been performing for over twenty years and has been a pivotal force in the RVA Ballroom scene since 2003, helping it grow f rom a once-smaller scene. By taking the Spauldings he already knew and forming a house together, they were able to revamp the scene. In speaking with other houses, he was able to bring together the House of Lanvin, of which he is now a member and which is also celebrating its tenyear anniversary.

If you know nothing else about Spaulding, it should be that community is everything to him.

He is always asking himself, “What more can I do?” From raising awareness for various causes to helping locally at places such as the Fan Free Clinic, he keeps his focus on home. While he still participates in pageants, he does so specif ically to raise awareness about various causes that need attention. Causes he has used his platform to highlight include depression among youth, HIV awareness, trans rights, and abuse of LGBTQ youth. Not all pageants offer the opportunity to promote causes that need attention, but VA Pride does, which is why Spaulding enjoys participating.

“I actually stopped doing pageants and would only enter under certain circumstances,” said Spaulding. “The only reason I entered this pageant is because I loved the presentation. If anyone knows anything about me, it’s that I am a community person. My work has always been with nonprof its, for 18 years now. Any time I get an opportunity to express that, I’m going to take it, and this 24 24

pageant allowed me to do so.”

One of the biggest points he emphasized about entering a pageant is ensuring you have the right mindset, not just because of the commitment required if you win, but also the time, work, and even the f inancial commitment often unmentioned in relation to events of this nature. Between the outf it and the performance alone, it’s a considerable undertaking and should not be taken lightly.

Spaulding agrees with Monique that no matter how well you prepare for a pageant, you must also prepare for something to go awry. Even with a year of meticulous focus and dedication, it’s almost guaranteed something will happen when you put on a live show.

“That’s one thing about a pageant—always expect the unexpected,” said Spaulding.

“Even up until the day of the pageant, something can go wrong, so be prepared with a backup. I had these beautiful, six-foot-tall wings that were stoned and ready.

They were amazing; I wore them for a ball, too. But things fell apart the week of the pageant, and I had to spend a signif icant amount of money to get another outf it. I reached out to family and f riends in the community, and they made it happen. My cause was ‘Trans Lives Matter,’ and I used my talent segment to display it.”

Tiffany Hunter Monique and Onyx Spaulding will both be appearing at VA Pridefest 2023 on September 23, 2023, f rom 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Brown’s Island. For further information, please visit vapride. org.

VIRGINIA PRIDEFEST 2023 VIRGINIA PRIDEFEST 2023

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Baseball is for ALL

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GODFREY’S

HOME OF THE WORLD FAMOUS DRAG BRUNCH INTERVIEW BY ANDREW BONIESKIE PHOTOS BY JODY ADAMS

Downtown in Monroe Ward, in an unassuming building nestled in a strip, lies a club labeled simply, “Godfrey’s.” Occupying two spaces, 308 and 310 E Grace St, Godfrey’s stands as a staple of the Richmond queer community, serving as a platform for expression and the cross-generational sharing of ideas.

For over 25 years, it has provided a haven for those during times of turbulence. For those new to the city or perhaps those who are just looking to get into the community but don’t know where to start, allow us to provide you with a glimpse into what this place is, where it came from, and what it’s all about.

We spoke with Alvion Davenport, the entertainment director at Godfrey’s for the last 20 years, about everything related to Godfrey’s.

Godfrey’s began hosting drag shows, and not just any drag shows, but what at first sounds like the strange combination of drag brunches. As Davenport put it, “We are worldrenowned for our drag brunches.

We were one of – if not the first venue – to start drag brunches back in 1999… They, to this day, run strong; we seat 400 people on Saturday, 400 people on Sunday, and they are world-renowned.” Godfrey’s has since become a staple of the drag community, continuing to stage shows regularly and promoting new talent. “It’s just about where every baby drag queen in the city gets their start,” said Davenport.

About 12 years ago, Godfrey’s continued to expand until Willis decided to sell the business.

Rather than waiting around, who Godfrey’s opened on the July 4th should step in but the team of weekend of 1997 under the watchful Mark and Brian, who remain the eye of founder Jeff Willis. Originally current owners. The pair served occupying just the 308 side of the as bartenders and bar managers building, Godfrey’s started as a lunch during the early years. Rather than spot with a queer mission as a safe allowing an outsider to potentially space. “It came around at a time change the niche they have been when not only the city but the world carving for themselves, the two needed more safe spaces for us to decided that it would be “better to gather and party in fellowship with keep it in the family,” said Davenport. one another,” said Davenport. After Though they’ve been doing drag a period of growth in popularity, the since near the very beginning, business eventually expanded to Godfrey’s has recently been opening include the 310 side of the building. its doors to a number of other artists, Willis decided to diversify the from bands to poetry artists. This, model and put in a dance floor and along with hosting the Virginia Pride built the bar. However, it was the entertainment he chose to put on as Pageant and numerous benefits and memorials, such as the one they expanded that really brought they hosted for the victims of the Godfrey’s to the forefront of the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, queer community.

Florida, has turned Godfrey’s into a hotbed of queer culture and local BE SAFE, BE HAPPY, BE PROUD! 29 art.

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That brings us to today, where Godfrey’s stands as a clear kingpin among queer clubs in the city. The fact that Godfrey’s is queer-owned is important to the staff, as Davenport said, “The gayest gay-owned establishments are now few and far between, and I think they last the longest because they have the heart in them.” Without being in it for the money, queer-owned businesses have the freedom to open up their space as a place of respite. Talking about the importance of having these safe spaces, Davenport said, “It’s a safe haven. With so much going on in the world, especially nowadays with the laws and legislation attacking things like drag, gay marriage, and affirmative action, it’s a place where we can all gather and either discuss it or support one another because of it, or express ourselves – feel free to come here and be yourselves.”

But what does one say to their friends who are reticent when it comes to going to a “gay bar?” Well, Davenport had a lot to say on that: “If we had to sort it, ‘Why would I want to go to a straight club? Why would I want to go to a gay club?’ We play the same music. There isn’t a gay soundtrack. We play the exact same music you would hear at any straight club. We serve the exact same liquor they would serve at any straight club. We cook the same chicken wings and bar food you would get at any straight club. So, unless it’s your own fear of ‘If I dance with a gay person, then I’m gay,’ or ‘If I’m in the same room with a gay person, I’m gonna be gay,’ it’s a building.

It’s a place to party. It’s designed for [LGBTQIA+], but it’s open to everybody… It’s a place for us to feel comfortable. Because in your spaces, you don’t make us feel comfortable, but in our spaces, we’ll make sure that you’re comfortable.”

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Davenport was incredibly passionate about breaking down barriers and continuously spoke about Godfrey’s as the kind of place to leave preconceived notions at the door. “You’re not born [with hate]. That’s taught. If we take out all the labels… then what do we have to hate each other for?” said Davenport.

And if there is still reluctance in getting some straight friends to drop in on this happening spot, then perhaps the drag brunch might be a perfect intro for them.

As Davenport sees it, the drag brunches are a non-committed, low-stakes environment to introduce people to the queer community in town. “The drag brunches are the bread and butter here… It’s a seated event… It’s an opportunity that takes the gay club narrative away. 90% of our clientele are straight people – straight men, straight women – who come to just enjoy the drag show. Who might not feel comfortable at a gay nightclub, but they feel more comfortable in a daytime seated environment that’s at a gay nightclub.”

We all know it can be difficult to find a place to fit in, and that holds especially true for young queers who are in a new environment without a support network. So, for those people in Richmond, Godfrey’s might just be the place.

And though it is designed as a safe space, Godfrey’s is not a place specifically for queers. As Davenport sees it, “Godfrey’s is almost like the crossroads between the gay nightclub and the straight people...

It isn’t what you think it is; we ain’t in here harming babies, we ain’t in here stealing anybody’s husbands.

Well, we might steal some husbands.”

VIRGINIA PRIDEFEST 2023 VIRGINIA PRIDEFEST 2023

BE SAFE, BE HAPPY, BE PROUD! LIVE FREE. LIVE PROUD. PRIDE IS OUR RESISTANCE

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VIRGINIA PRIDEFEST 2023

NEW EXHIBITS FREE & FOR ALL OPEN TUES−SUN 10−4PM AT THE CORNER OF BROAD AND BELVIDERE BE SAFE, BE HAPPY, BE PROUD!

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FALLOUT

BE WHO YOU WANT TO BE, JUST BE RESPECTFUL INTERVIEW BY R. ANTHONY HARRIS MAIN PHOTO BY JODY ADAMS, PHOTOS BY ALICIA HELM

Who are you? And what do you do?

Jackie Bishop Wells. And I’m the owner and general manager of Fallout.

To people who don’t know, how would you describe the scene at Fallout?

It’s kind of hard to describe at this point because we’ve evolved. It’s queer, it’s a little bit kinky, you know, it’s basically a space for everybody that’s just trying to find a place to belong.

Fallout is a safe space for every kind of alternative lifestyle in the city. Why are safe spaces important?

I think the most important thing, 36 36

when it comes to socializing, is that everybody has a place to go where they feel that they can have a good time and feel okay with being themselves. So, that’s the type of environment that I try and create.

Yeah, I bring that up with Fallout because there are so few here. I mean, overall Richmond City feels inclusive, but there are very few dedicated spaces. You, Godfrey’s, and Babes are probably the main three.

Yeah, I just try to be mindful of how I talk about it because I’m very honored that Fallout is considered one of those spaces.

I feel like you really protect that every time I talk to you.

That’s my goal. As long as you VIRGINIA PRIDEFEST 2023 VIRGINIA PRIDEFEST 2023

respect us, we’ll respect you.

How did Fallout start?

Well, I’m not the one who started it, but I think that the original owner wanted to start something different than anything else in town, and it’s taken on so many forms since then.

That’s what it used to be, and it could be that again, for sure.

Definitely. What is it like managing Fallout? What kind of hours do you run?

I personally work somewhere between 70 to 90 hours a week.

Didn’t it start as a private lifestyle club?

Do you go in at four p.m. and get out at four a.m.?

It was more of a private lifestyle space but over the years it morphed into what it is now. I think that any business that has been open as long as we have is going to change over time, just due to the nature of people. Tastes change over time.

It depends on the day. I had a baby during COVID so I try not to go in until a little bit later so that we can eat dinner as a family. I’m kind of never not working like, right now I’m working. As soon as I wake up, I immediately go to my phone and start answering emails. I’m usually there, depending on the night, until sometime between two and five.

So does society, right?

Yeah, as you know, you adapt to what the new generations want.

When I took over the space I thought long and hard about how I wanted to run it. Ultimately, I decided I wanted a community center– but with drinks.

And when did you take over?

A lot of what I do is organizing events. So, it’s conferring with the DJs or having meetings about how we will construct a lube wrestling ring. Did you hear about that?

No, but that sounds awesome.

So that was right when gay marriage was legalized. How has Shockoe Bottom changed in that time?

We had an event a couple of weeks ago, called Butch Lube Wrestling. It was a fundraiser for a person who was trying to get gender-affirming surgery. We set up a wrestling ring inside the bar for people to wrestle in gallons of lube.

Shockoe Bottom has changed a lot, and COVID especially changed a lot of things. Luckily, a lot of our businesses hung on during COVID, but I lost my direct neighbors. We got some new folks that are all really great. It’s cool seeing the 17th Street marketplace come to fruition finally.

Hilarious! You know, that brings me to another question. I see the social media posts on your pages and you have so many crazy events, you seem like you’re open to anything.

Can you give me two or three events that really stick out in your mind?

Shockoe Bottom has really grown over the past 15 years or so, though there’s definitely some more that could be done to make it the best entertainment district in town.

I love being the person who’s willing to do stuff that nobody else is. So when my friend came to me and said, “I want to do an event,” I was like, “What event do you want to do?” When they literally said, “Butch Lube Wrestling,” I was like, “I’m in.”

Late 2014.

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It sounded like a challenge to me– to try to figure out how to accommodate that, and that’s fun to me. One of my all-time favorite events that we do is called Gagged, which is something that we wouldn’t let you come to with a camera.

It was a concept that I developed years and years ago. I couldn’t get anyone to do it with me at first, because nobody wanted to step outside this format of a standard drag show. Finally, I was speaking with Chicki Parm one day and I was like, “Chicki, I want to do this event.”

And she was in. So we developed a cast, which has since changed over time. Now we have three solid cast members: Jasmen Clitopatra, Chicki Parm, and Sweet Pickles. And then we always have one guest person.

It’s not a drag show, it’s a dance party with drag queens.

So rather than watching a drag show from a seat, you’re dancing and then all of a sudden, drag performances are happening around you. There’s not really any one performer hosting. And after the performances, it goes right back into dancing.

I love that. You have the theatrics, but you take away the pauses in between sets.

Also, from a bar standpoint, we’re serving all evening instead of just in between acts.

Yeah, that’s a great idea.

But that’s one of my all-time favorite events we do, partly because every group of queer people in Richmond comes to that event. It’s not just one specific group– it’s everybody.

Is it a members-only event?

It is not, but it is definitely more of one where people are a bit more BE SAFE, BE HAPPY, BE PROUD! PRIDE IS OUR RESISTANCE

free with themselves– that’s why we wouldn’t want cameras. Like, people are wearing their harnesses, so we want them to feel comfortable.

Understood.

Yeah, let me think of another super fun event. Oh, well, there’s a night in the middle of the summer when we make it rain inside the building.

Whoa. So you must have drainage on the floor, right?

We do!

That sounds awesome. I need to come by there more often, I guess.

You really do.

Do you have anything planned for Virginia Pride that we can tell people about?

Yeah, we don’t have 100% of it finalized yet, but I did confirm that we are doing a dance party after everyone leaves Browns Island with Bedspread. I love them, we had a party with them last year as well. A lot of the other spaces do drag-focused events during Pride weekend, and while we absolutely know that I love drag, we just wanted to host a big dance party.

That way, people have options to either go to a drag show, go to a dance party, or do both. You know, I think everyone should definitely make the rounds on Pride weekend night and check out all the different spaces.

I think that’s usually the plan for most people– to bounce around, right?

Yeah, if we could open a teleporter in between Godfrey’s, Barcode, Babes, and Thirsty’s– that would be the ultimate night.

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experience!

Come enjoy our e, ad brews, bites, arcw ith and beer garden . the whole fam

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THIRSTY’S C H EE R S W I T H Q UEER S STORY & PHOTOS BY ASH GRIFFITH

Just over the bridge, past the river, and tucked away amongst the beautiful foliage, down the hill, and beside the wafting smell of coffee next door at Crossroads, is a little bar with a huge alligator on the side of the building. Smiling with his Raybans, he welcomes you into a home away f rom home for the queer community of Richmond - Welcome to Thirsty’s Bar and Grill.

Originally opened in 2018, and then off icially taken over by Keyan Herron and his husband, Cameron, in 2019, Thirsty’s was never originally intended to be 42 42

specif ically a gay bar, but as things sometimes happen - it just kind of formed organically as one due to the clientele who gathered.

“It was effectively a gay bar already; we just admitted it,” joked Cameron.

“When I was managing the place, that was my clientele I developed,” said Keyan. “It just kind of went f rom there, and we embraced what the place was.

There’s only so much control you have over that. You can foster the environment you want, but eventually, people are going to come and be what they are.”

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Originally serving up various Louisiana-inspired dishes (hence the gator f riend in the logo), such as f ried shrimp po’ boy and gator bites (naturally), there is also a pretty good drink menu. Between various things on tap and a healthy variety of cocktails to choose f rom, Thirsty’s knows how to bring a smile to your palette while crafting a very quiet, relaxed environment option as opposed to the club atmosphere.

return to normal, Thirsty’s has returned their events during the week, including karaoke (Herron notes one of his go-to songs is “Closing Time” by Semisonic, naturally), and even a vinyl night where folks can bring in their goto records to spin.

“To me, gay bars are one-third community center, one-third place to meet other people like you, and one-third a place to get drunk,” said Cameron. “I think being where we are, we are not seen as a let’s go out place as opposed to a let’s chill place. Honestly, the south side is quickly becoming the gayest of Richmond. And that whole idea of sin and iniquity needing to be focused on the city and kept out of the suburbs is, no. Gay people are everywhere, and the whole queer community can come anywhere.”

He also noted that someone will sometimes bring Rasputin, which is one of his favorite songs.

“We do bring your own vinyl night every Tuesday,” said Herron.

“We set up a couple of old school turntables, and people can bring in their record collections. People who run it, who are relatively I went so far as to joke about experienced DJs, will teach you how I felt like I was in Forest how to spin and mix music.

Hill’s very own Cheers, between What I love about it is it brings the regulars, nerdy posters, and in completely diverse collections. the cozy atmosphere. Funnily We’ll hear all kinds of music in enough, Herron laughed when I one night: 50s to Motown to said this as Cameron noted that their very own Norm happened to House to records that came out this year that I’ll hear.” walk in moments later.

Prior to the pandemic, you could always count on Thirsty’s to host events during the week, such as karaoke, drag, and even an open mic if you wanted to test your best material on someone other than Sandra in accounting. As everything continues to try to BE SAFE, BE HAPPY, BE PROUD! PRIDE IS OUR RESISTANCE

As much as we point out the fun parts of gay bars, such as cheekily titled cocktails and drag shows by your favorite local queens, there is always the underlying message of safety and support.

As another day goes by where the morning news discusses more laws either being proposed or passed that threaten members of our community, especially our trans siblings, some days are more diff icult than others to go out.

Gay bars and establishments have always been symbols of def iance and safety for our community, and that hasn’t changed even in 2023.

“There’s def initely space in the community for both places,” 43 43

added Cameron. “We had a long discussion about putting a trans flag up f ront, and unanimously agreed that if that makes us a target, then so be it. We changed all of our branding to be more inclusive.”

“One of the most upsetting and uplifting times we’ve had recently was when we had a group of trans customers who said we were the only place that they felt safe in Richmond,” added Herron. “And the fact that that would occur to somebody makes me proud of what we’re doing, but also worried about what’s on average available in Richmond. I can only hope there are more places.”

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As 2023 marks f ive years with Thirsty’s, and four for Keyan and Cameron at the helm - what does the next f ive hopefully look like for our own local Norm and the gang?

“For us, we’re always trying to improve the place,” said Cameron. “We know it’s kind of a dive bar and run down, but when I put everything into repairing the place and being more inclusive and being a place for the community to express themselves. And we want more subcultures in the LGBTQ community to have a place. We’re trying to put together an alcoholf ree night so that way folks who are not drinking do not have that as a temptation. We’re trying to give more opportunities for people to connect.”

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PHOTO BY LORIELY LAYNE

BETH AUSTIN WITHOUT APOLOGIES

STORY BY R. ANTHONY HARRIS, PHOTOS BY BETH AUSTIN

There’s a pulse beneath the pavements of Norfolk, and a lot of it is set to the rhythm of its thriving queer community. Beth Austin, a local photographer whose connection to the area is as vivid as her images, recently spoke with us about her experiences, her photography, and her newly published book, Without Apology: Portraits of Pride.

Austin’s tale is one of rediscovery and resilience. Beginning her journey with photography in high school, she spent long hours in the darkroom only to abandon her craft. But a chance moment at a concert in 2009, snapping a picture on her cell phone, rekindled her love for photography. What began as a point-and-shoot experiment transformed into a passion that became her lifeline.

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“It kept me sober is what happened,” Austin recalls.

Her initial love for capturing bands led to street photography and more personal projects, including photographing her friends and the local music scene.

It was through her immersion in the local music community that she found herself writing and even going on tour with a local band. “Good times, it was a really good time. So I got to go on tour with one local band here years ago, and that was something else. So we were gone for about two weeks going up the East Coast and back. And that was really fun. And it’s man, it’s a lot of work.

It’s a lot of running and gunning, and all of that. But I wouldn’t have traded that experience for the world for sure.,” she says, reflecting on the experience.

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The path to her book began with an email after the 2016 election. A local media company, drawn to her art and her connection to the LGBTQIA community, approached Austin to work on a project for Hampton Roads Pride. What began as a social media campaign quickly grew into something larger.

“It was bigger than a social media campaign for Hampton Roads Pride,” Austin explains, realizing the potential of the diverse and varied stories she was capturing. “I thought it might help people if more people could see it.”

The result is Without Apology, a powerful celebration of queer culture in love in Virginia. It’s not just a series of coming-out stories or an exploration of gender identity.

It’s an honest portrayal of real-life experiences, like the story of Miriam, a single mom whose narrative resonates with many.

“I’m hoping that it’ll change some hearts and minds,” Austin says. “Opening hearts and minds across the board, even in our own community because we don’t always understand each other.”

Her insights into the Hampton Roads area reveal a nuanced tapestry of acceptance and community. With Norfolk as her stomping ground, Austin has witnessed the region become more accepting over the years. But she also recognizes the critical role allies play, especially in a region with a significant military presence.

“We need them, especially right now, the way things have been going,” she emphasizes, alluding to the broader political climate.

In discussing the local queer spaces, Austin mentions the closure of one of the country’s oldest lesbian bars, Hershee, a significant loss for the BE SAFE, BE HAPPY, BE PROUD! PRIDE IS OUR RESISTANCE

community. However, she is hopeful about the future and recognizes the support and diversity within the local scene, including the availability of allied bars where everyone can feel comfortable.

As Austin reflects on the many stories that stick out to her from the creation of her book, one can sense the profundity of her connection to the people and places she has encountered.

“So many of them do, stick out” Austin says, as if each story were a beloved photograph in a cherished album. Her voice teems with affection, whether discussing the Knight Hawks of Virginia, the leather, levi, fetish club or the resilience of the community following the loss of a landmark lesbian bar.

Austin’s work, published by Cesca Janece Waterfield of Honey House Press, transcends mere imagery.

It’s a call to empathy, a celebration of diversity, and an unapologetic acknowledgment of the vibrant queer community that exists in a part of the country often defined by its military roots rather than its artistic heartbeat.

Her art transcends boundaries, opening up conversations about identity, acceptance, community, and, most of all, love. Whether capturing the gritty excitement of a punk concert or the soulful gaze of a community member, Austin’s lens focuses not just on subjects, but on stories.

Her work in Without Apologies is a reminder that beneath the layers of politics, military, and conservative values, there is a thriving community rich in diversity and love. It’s a portrait of Virginia that is, in many ways, a portrait of America itself — complex, colorful, and unapologetically proud.

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FROM WITHOUT APOLOGY: PORTRAITS OF PRIDE

HOWARD BUNGER & PATRICK HARVEY I joined the Knight Hawks of Virginia because I missed the camaraderie I had when I was in the Navy. The Knight Hawks are more than a leather Levi fetish club, we fundraise for all of the local LGBTQ charities in town as well as Toys for Tots during Christmas, and a canned food drive to support the local food bank for Thanksgiving. There’s a whole world of leather clubs that do the same, and it makes me proud to be part of it! –Howard

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SERGEANT SHELLY MEISTER & SERGEANT MICHELE WYATT We both entered into the law enforcement profession with the goal of helping people in their time of need. Being open and honest about our relationship has led to incredibly rewarding experiences and allows us to perform our duties without constraint. Knowing how fragile life is puts a lot of things in perspective, and we know how important it is to let the little things go and live life in the moment.

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Celebrating Every One Macy's is proud to participate in

2023 Virginia Pride Festival

and support Virginia's LGBTQ+ community.

Learn more about our social impact purpose atmacysinc.com/purpose.

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Our Pride Speaks For Itself.

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