Charlotte has a rich history of LGBTQ+ bars and clubs. Places such as Oleens and Scorpio allowed drag queens and LGBTQ+ individuals to ignore societal troubles and enjoy themselves. But for queer women, there is little space for community.
Today, there are about eight gay bars in Charlotte. Most of these locations serve a male audience, but anyone can attend, regardless of sexual orientation or gender. Spaces like Garbo’s, Hartigan’s and L4, which all focused on the Lesbian community have closed, leaving behind a void that has yet to be filled.
Said Bethany McDonald: “It’s really hard in any bar/restaurant scene to have any type of a niche business.”
Initially, lesbian bars were created as a place for entertainment and socializing in a safe environment. She added that LGBTQ+ bars “need[ed] to provide space” when people couldn’t find that security at home.
McDonald bought Hartigan’s in 2008. A couple of blocks from Bank of America Stadium, the building was a nightclub and bar owned by and for lesbians. McDonald made sure everyone was included and stated, “Anyone and everybody belonged there.”
That sense of belonging was felt throughout the building as patrons could be themselves. “Even introverts became extroverts” in Hartigan’s, McDonald added.
With events like pudding wrestling, drag brunches, country line dancing and more, people were never bored. “One night, some people came dressed as muppets just on a Thursday night,” McDonald stated.
As time moved on, so did people’s tastes. Hartigan’s grew older while the club’s audience stayed young. “You could see the trend, people didn’t need to only go to a gay bar every Friday and Saturday night.” McDonald continued, “people didn’t have to go to lesbian bars anymore…” The low number of customers and the building’s maintenance became too much for McDonald’s team. Hartigan’s closed on Mar. 14, 2014.
“People were devastated,” McDonald explained. “It was more than a bar, it was a home…nothing can take that space.” Not only did Hartigan’s closure create a massive loss in the community, but also for McDonald. “I don’t know where I would be without that bar.”
To anyone willing to create another bar or club, McDonald said, “[someone must create an] affirming and welcoming space for all. It can be designated for gay, lesbian and queer all together, but you have to be welcoming and affirming to everyone.”
Shifting from lesbian bars to group hikes
Instead of bars and clubs, sapphic groups are emerging around Charlotte. Groups like Lesbian Friends and The Sapphic Collective host events created by and for women. Whether they are meeting for a hike or to discuss topics within their community, it’s a space that is desperately needed.
McDonald believes events are an important shift in the queer women’s community. “We’ve always needed that, that’s always been something that there has been a big gap.” McDonald added, “ I love that they are taking it outside of the bars… I’m really excited that somebody is continuing that.”
Community curator of Lesbian Friends and founder of the Sapphic Collective, Heidi Hemphill Samples, ensures women of all ages have space to love and create connections. Though both groups have similar goals for women, the Sapphic collective focuses on women over 40. Samples explains, “I picked 40 because it’s a transitional age and at that age you’re starting to deal with adult children, aging parents, menopause…And I wanted to make sure that that community felt heard and seen.”
“Charlotte has always had an LGBTQ+ community; what’s changed over time is how that community gathers.” Samples continues, “I don’t think [there’s] a conflict…between gay or lesbian spaces. It’s really about different social histories and different communities evolving.”
She adds that gay spaces have more access and funding compared to lesbian groups in the 1970s. “Bars require consistent and weekly spending to survive…any bar is focused on the drinks. Most women prioritize conversation…and smaller group interaction…for the most part.” Samples stated, “That’s why smaller curated gatherings are thriving models now.” Samples refers to the countless pop-up lesbian events around Charlotte. “[The] lesbian community has always been relationship-centered more than venue-centered.”
“What we’re seeing now is an expansion of what queer women’s spaces look like. Not replacing existing venues…it just might look a little different.” Samples explained.
Though there aren’t any actual physical spaces for women, there are people who are creating a community where lesbians feel comfortable. “I think there’s an underlying level of stress [with the Trump administration] in the broader LGBTQ community–because when rights and visibility and culture seem uncertain, people internalize that. Even if it’s not always spoken out loud, it shows up in anxiety, hesitation, or a stronger need for sapphic spaces.” Samples concluded, “What I’ve noticed most though is not division but a deeper hunger for community.”