Even before the coronavirus pandemic rewrote the rules governing public gatherings, many believed online dating apps and the general mainstreaming of queer culture had made gay bars a lot less important than they once were. Jeromy Ruot, co-owner of Just John, disagrees. “As long as there are Republicans in charge of Missouri who are trying…
Nightowls
Just John’s Joe Hedley is there for it — all of it
If Joe Hedley is any indication, seventy-five doesn’t look like it used to. The day after his big birthday, which was July 26, Hedley was surprised when he went to work and was greeted by flowers, cake, friends and co-workers. “It was great fun,” Hedley says. But he’s not one to sit still for long,…
Venus in Furs: Inside a Man-Free BDSM Play Space with GutterGlitter’s Elizabeth Van Winkle
On a rain-threatening Wednesday night in August, the Crack Fox downtown has a few indicators that something unusual is happening inside. A hand-lettered sign bears the quote people posted in the ’70s supporting Angela Davis: “Sister, you are welcome in this house.” Another right by the door handle is less subtle: “No Men.” Inside, past…
For Chuck Pfoutz, New Show at Third Degree Glass Factory Is a Triumph Over the Haters
Blacklisting is an art deeply woven into the culture of St. Louis, a city that produces cold winters, but even colder shoulders. The July and August 2017 efforts of a disgruntled rival to blacklist photographer and producer Chuck Pfoutz, however, completely lacked the hallmarks of our local style. There was no subtlety and intrigue, no…
SWITCH it Up
SWITCH is the newest 18+ queer dance party in the city. A monthly Saturday night pop-up, the party happens at the Livery (6728 South Broadway) in deep south city. To say it’s a comfortable and a low-key contrast to the scenier spots in the Grove is the understatement of the year. SWITCH provides underground…
Divas of the Grove Ignite from the Ashes
It’s a brisk Tuesday night and I’m sitting with my wife at Rehab Bar and Grill, home of Divas of the Grove, waiting for a quick chat with the Divas before their rehearsal. The name of the bar, located at the corner of Sarah and Manchester, could be interpreted as a cheeky take on the…
St. Louis Lesbian Bars Are Vanishing. Kristen Goodman Has Some Thoughts on That
Lesbian bars have been disappearing across the U.S. for decades, and St. Louis is no exception: In the past five years alone, Novak’s, R Bar, Absolutli Goosed and Lilly’s Music & Social House have all shuttered. We sat down with Kristen Goodman, former co-owner of Lilly’s Music & Social House, to find out why that…
A Candy Crush
Justin Allen knew from a young age that the line between genders was blurry. Though plagued by social anxiety, he began spending time at Van Ella Studios, that well-known local workshop of burlesque, vaudeville and variety entertainment. While there, he transformed himself into a female-presenting character, Sugar Rush, who will be one of many artists…
Crown Jewels: Meet our 2017 Diamond List
The history of drag in St. Louis is both colorful and politically important. The St. Louis LGBT History Project has unearthed examples of “female impersonator” news stories dating as far back as the 1870s — including one of a man who died from wearing a corset too tight, crushing his organs. St. Louis’ masquerading laws,…
What Five LGBTQ Bartenders Are Mixing This Fall
[THE SASHA’S SHOT] Cathy Thomure Sasha’s on Shaw 4069 Shaw Blvd., 314-771-7274 Cathy Thomure slung her fair share of shots during the seven years she worked at Novak’s, the legendary (and now-defunct) LGBTQ bar. Now she dwells in the more relaxed vibe of Sasha’s on Shaw, where she’s the general manager. But she still makes…