Said Matthew Mefferd, the owner of both AWOL and Cavan: “We have been a safe space for so long that I think the patrons want to help us stay open so we can continue that tradition.” I think when people come into a gay bar they expect it to be a safe space.” Everyone felt comfortable around each other. “Coming into this, I was very nervous,” said J.R. Those that opened their patios a week ago reported no problems with social distancing or other new rules.
That role, owners and managers say, makes bars protective of their customers and customers protective of their bars. Gay bars have always served as de facto community centers for LGBTQ individuals, a safe space where people can celebrate or commiserate together.
“It’s going to be a reframe of what comes to mind when you think of Axis,” said Chelsey Klube, chief marketing officer for Axis and its Short North sister venue, Union.Ī week after outdoor patios opened at a handful of Columbus gay bars, indoor spaces are about to reopen at most. There will also be fewer tables, no queueing up for drinks at the bar and digital tipping only for drag queens, who will perform via livestream during commercial breaks of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” (Virginia West will also remotely perform two livestreamed shows later Friday night.)
Leave it to RuPaul to plan a global pandemic, worldwide lockdown and the reopening of nonessential businesses all just to hype a season finale of “Drag Race.”īut as Columbus’ biggest gay bar gets back to business, eyes glued to television screens won’t be the only thing that makes the scene more reminiscent of the last 60-plus nights at home than the last 20 years on its crowded dance floor.įor one thing, there will be no dancing at Axis. After more than two months of literal Netflix and chill, people finally will return to Axis tomorrow night - to watch TV.