Bambe and Sam Johnson pose in front of North Main Kava Bar. Credit: Facebook
In Gaston County, where there are few if any LGBTQ+ welcoming establishments, one venue seeks to show love in any way it can to people looking for an affirming environment. As of August 18, Lowell’s North Main Kava Bar added a new event in the form of church services each Sunday.
To the small coffee house, Pastor Castello Vore works to bring Catholic teachings to the openly LGBTQ+ congregation.
In an interview with Charlotte television station WCNC about his services, Vore explained where he places the pain felt by those he preaches to. “One of the greatest crises in humanity is spiritual homelessness and we want to provide a cure for that,” Vore told reporters. “The art and the movement of conversation that flows through this space gets people that don’t understand us to hear our stories”
Bambe Johnson, the co-owner of North Main Kava Bar, agreed with Vore’s words in the same report. “We are here for a purpose,” she told WCNC. “The church brings in those that are maybe outcasts or aren’t well received in other places.”
Bringing the church services to the under served LGBTQ+ residents of Lowell is the latest way that Johnson has pursued making North Main Kava Bar a home for everyone. The alcohol-free coffee bar has also been home to quarterly drag shows and the Bolivian Mystic Maya, who celebrated a year of doing card readings this past August 23.
Johnson has remained strong on her vision for a more open community at her bar. While residents of Lowell attempted to push for a city ordinance against hosting drag shows last February, Kava Bar was about to host their first one.
During a city council meeting held on February 13, Lowell Mayor Larry Simonds pushed back on the comments surrounding the request. “I think it’s the most ignorant thing I’ve ever heard in my life and for people to have to come up here tonight and express views about something like that, either side, that’s not the place for it. This is a City Council meeting trying to better our city and go forward in the eyes of Christ.” Despite what at first seemed like defense of the performance, Simonds asked Johnson to cancel the event slated for March 9.
Johnson’s reply? Not only did the show go on, Johnson reportedly informed the Lowell City Council if any moves were made to prevent the show going forward, she would get “the gayest lawyer she could find,” and sue them.
For North Main Kava Bar, which touts the business as woman and LGBTQ+ owned on their Facebook page, all who come through their doors with love and a positive attitude are considered family and a blessing, especially allies in rural places for the LGBTQ+ community.