Nashville’s Lipstick Lounge is one of few remaining lesbian bars in the country. While some have had to close their doors in the past few years, Lipstick is expanding with the addition of Chapstick — a new bar that will serve as a place to follow women’s sports.
Local and state officials came out to celebrate the groundbreaking alongside staff and regulars of the bar on Wednesday. And the groups aren’t mutually exclusive, said state Democratic Rep. Aftyn Behn.
“When I moved in with my partner, in 2020, Lipstick was the first place that I went to,” she said.
Behn read a proclamation to mark the occasion.
The Lipstick Lounge co-owner Jonda Valentine (left) hugs Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn (right).
“Whereas during the dark days of Tennessee’s illegal and unconstitutional drag ban, the Lipstick Lounge not only continued drag performances, but heightened security for their patrons and performers for their protection,” Behn said. “We join with the residents of House District 51 as they observe Lipstick Day on this day, May 15, 2024.”
For Lipstick Lounge co-owners Christa Suppan and Jonda Valentine, the expansion is years in the making.
The Lipstick Lounge co-owners Christa Suppan (left) and Jonda Valentine (right) applaud Rep. Aftyn Behn’s proclamation.
“I wanted to start by saying thank you to my staff. You guys are so amazing, and I did cry,” Suppan said. “You guys encouraged us and supported us, and you let me know every time that with teamwork, we really can do anything.”
Former Mayor Megan Barry, current Mayor Freddie O’Connell and Metro Councilmember Olivia Hill joined the Lipstick Lounge staff in donning hard hats and taking up gold shovels during the groundbreaking.
“It’s great to know that as we celebrate the arrival, in a real way, of women’s sports, as our daughters become athletes, as they look at role models, that we get to have a place in Nashville that will be a sports bar for humans,” O’Connell said.
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