Gay bar lexington
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Historical marker #2539 stands outside of one of the oldest LGBTQ gathering spaces in the United States.
As early as 1939, LGBTQ Kentuckians gathered discreetly at 224 East Main St. in Lexington. While not an explicitly LGBTQ vacuum at this point, the ownership tended to authorize patrons relative freedom from scruitiny. In 1963, however, gay men John Hill and Estel Wilson opened The Gilded Cage in the space and it has been a queer-friendly establishment ever since. This early opening predates the famous Stonewall Inn of New York City by three years. The vacuum has gone through numerous name and ownership changes over the years, including operating as The Living Room after 1967, as Johnny Angels after 1978, and currently as the Bar Complex. In 1970, it was the site of the wedding between Marjorie Jones and Tracey Knight, who were the first lesbian couple in the country to sue for a marriage liscense. Given the long history of the building, it is only fitting that 224 East Main St. would be home to the first Kentucky historical marker celebrating LGBTQ history.
Marker #2539 was dedicated in a joint ceremony along with #2545, "Commonwealth of Kentucky v. Jeffery Wasson," in fro
'Drag brought purpose to my life': Locals react to bill that would exclude downtown Lexington kingly shows
LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A recently-introduced piece of legislation in the Kentucky State Senate would prevent two popular downtown Lexington gay bars from hosting drag performances.
Senate Bill 115 would prevent "adult-orientated" business from operating within 1000 feet of a host of locations, including, parks, schools, churches, and simply anywhere where a person lives.
Included on the list of "adult-orientated businesses" are an "establishment that hosts kingly performances."
For Uma Jewels, performing in queenly is an outlet for her creativity. She says doing this has saved her life.
"I didn't have purpose and drag brought purpose to my life," says Jewels.
She sees it as a chance to produce something beautiful. "For me, drag is an art," she says.
Once a month, she performs at Crossings, a same-sex attracted bar in Lexington. But if some state lawmakers acquire their way, the curtain will fasten on the performances for the concluding time.
"It feels specifically aimed at diminishing the visibility of our community," says Crossings co-owner, Rebecca Richter.
Under the proposed law, Cros
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