A Vision of LGBTQIA Space in Fayetteville NC

Hello Everyone

We come to you with a mission after recent events in the NC General Assembly with HB 673 and the business decisions we will have to inevitably make by December 1st, 2023.

What is HB 673?

HB 673 was introduced on April 18, 2023. This law groups drag entertainers, regardless of male or female illusion, in the same category as strippers. This also criminalizes the art form in public spaces. Charges can range from a misdemeanor up to a felony charge with up to 12 months imprisonment.

How does this affect us?

Effective December 1st, 2023, we will no longer be able to do brunches at venues that are open to the public, which includes breweries, where most of our events happen. This will also prevent pride events from happening every year, as drag entertainment, trans, and non-binary individuals will be at risk of criminal charges.

What are we doing about it?

As many of you know, there are not many safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community in Fayetteville NC that bring in Drag entertainment. Walk downtown on Hay St and you will see there are no gay bars, while there are gay-owned establishments this bar, is what is missing for representation.

Many locations in Cumberland County have communicated they are safe spaces for the community, and while we appreciate their support, we must not take the risk, of putting them at risk as well as the community.

That being said, it is time for there to be a new space within Fayetteville NC that is owned and operated by someone in the community willing to use it to give back to the community. Many LGBTQIA Bars are owned by individuals who are not invested in the community, other than to fill the need and make money off the community, and that is not where our vision is.

Our vision for this location would be for a place that is inclusive of everyone regardless of how you identify, gay, bi, lesbian, trans, queer, non-binary, straight, EVERYONE is welcome.

Beyond just creating a physical space for the community to mix and mingle, the venue will create a community through many types of events which include late-night drag shows, drag competitions, and a permanent space for everyone to enjoy the best Drag Brunch in town.

Now speaking of inclusivity, we wouldn't want to exclude those in the community who do not drink, and would also want to be able to enjoy the space! We will be certain to carry NA beverages, so we will also be sure to cater to them because their needs matter too, by having a designated NA bar that serves only NA beverages!

BUT WAIT! There is more to this.

We take pride in our nearly decade of nonprofit volunteer experience. We will be using this venue to support them. How will we do this?

How can We make this successful?

We have nearly a decade of experience in the LGBTQIA nightclub industry. From bartending, to light programming, to also being a nightclub DJ. Alan is also a volunteer with a nonprofit that has been going for nearly 45 years, so he bring that passion for service to the community with him. Alan says "I believe that serving the community, is what will make the bar a success for many years to come. I also believe everyone should be represented, so we will be sure to include events for an under represented portion of our community, the Lesbian, Trans, and Non-Binary community."

We hope you can see our vision, and why the need for a space like this is essential in Fayetteville NC, and find it in your heart to help us start this small business! Its a large ask, but we need your help!

What is our fundraiser goal? We have it set at 20k, however, the startup cost is way more! 50k is the startup cost to get the bar going. This includes stock, remodeling, and upfitting of the location, permits, new hires, security etc. As far as sound and lighting go… we got that covered already, as Alan have invested nearly 20k himself into light and sound equipment over the last 4 years.

What will we call this bar?

We will call it Emerald Club. The emerald has a meaning behind it, Emerald and the color Green in general signifies abundance, prosperity and growth within all aspects of life, whether it's being expressed in nature, the business world, or inside ourselves.

Thank you again for your support!

Carolina Drag Brunch