Help Us Build Asheville's First LGBTQ Women's Sports Pub

JJ Pope is organizing this fundraiser.

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Help Us Build Q-Hall: Asheville’s First LGBTQ+ Women’s Sports Pub

Hello friends, allies, and supporters,

I’m JJ Pope, the founder of Q-Hall, and I’m reaching out with an exciting opportunity to help bring a much-needed space to life in Asheville: Q-Hall, Asheville’s first LGBTQ+ women’s sports pub!

Who We Are

I’m based in Asheville, NC, and have been deeply involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy and event planning for over a decade. From 2008 to 2016, I served as a co-chair for Blue Ridge Pride event planning, organizing community-centered celebrations and supporting LGBTQ+ visibility. Since 2011, I’ve also been a hairstylist, ensuring my salon is a safe space for everyone. I’m dedicated to providing inclusive and affirming services, respecting and celebrating all identities—whether you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally.

Q-Hall isn’t just a business; it’s a community-driven vision inspired by my experiences. As a middle-aged, married lesbian with a young child, I experienced firsthand the intense isolation and disconnection that the pandemic brought. It became painfully clear that Asheville lacked a central, welcoming space where LGBTQ+ women and families like mine could gather, connect, and feel at home.

Inspired by a visit to The Sports Bra in Portland in the summer of 2023, I envisioned a similar space for Asheville—one where our local queer community could feel seen, celebrated, and empowered. In November 2023, I registered Q-Hall as an LLC, and since March 2024, we’ve been hosting community-driven pop-up events to build awareness and foster connections.

Q-Hall is more than just a bar—it’s a hub where we champion camaraderie and empowerment by promoting women's sports, hosting engaging events, and embracing sustainable practices. In a city as vibrant and progressive as Asheville, it’s time we had a dedicated space where LGBTQ+ women, trans and non-binary folks, and the entire queer community can gather, celebrate, and truly feel at home.

Why Q-Hall Matters Now More Than Ever

The impact of Hurricane Helene has left a significant gap in community spaces across Western North Carolina, with many beloved gathering spots either damaged or lost entirely. This loss has only reinforced the urgent need for Q-Hall—a dedicated, resilient space where LGBTQ+ folks can come together to connect, celebrate, and heal. Now more than ever, our community needs a permanent home. This campaign is the next crucial step in realizing this vision—both despite and because of the losses brought on by the hurricane.

What Your Donation Will Support

We’re aiming to raise $25,000, which will cover 10-25% of our estimated startup costs to keep Q-Hall moving forward. This first round of funding is crucial for securing a location and creating a foundation for our community space. Here's how the funds will be used:

$7,000 for Lease Deposit: Securing a dedicated venue in Asheville.
$5,000 for Beverage Inventory & Equipment: Stocking the bar with curated beverages and purchasing essential items like TVs for screening women’s sports.
$5,000 for Marketing & Outreach: Expanding our reach within the LGBTQ+ community to build a strong base of supporters and patrons.
$3,000 for Furniture & Décor: Creating a welcoming, inclusive space that feels like moving in with your first girlfriend.
$2,000 for Licensing & Permits: Ensuring we meet all legal requirements to open.
$3,000 for Miscellaneous Startup Costs: Covering unforeseen expenses to ensure a smooth launch.

Your support helps us move forward in creating a space where the LGBTQ+ community and allies can come together and celebrate.

Q-Hall: More Than a Lesbian Bar

Q-Hall will be a place for everyone—lesbians, bi beauties, trans trailblazers, non-binary folks, all our gender-diverse and queer family, and, of course, allies. Together, we’ll create a space where everyone can enjoy:

Women’s sports on every screen—from WNBA games to NCAA Women’s Basketball.
Community-driven events like karaoke, drag, trivia, and more.
A warm, welcoming environment where every queer and gender-diverse individual feels at home.

Q-Hall – Celebrating women’s sports and queer culture is our game!

Join Us in Building Q-Hall Now

I know what it's like to feel disconnected and to long for a space where you can truly be yourself—surrounded by people who understand and celebrate you. This struggle inspired me to create Q-Hall. It’s a place where people will walk in and immediately feel like they belong—a place where we can watch women's sports together, enjoy performances, and celebrate our vibrant queer culture.

Together, we can make Q-Hall a reality—and we need your support now more than ever. Whether it’s $5 or $500, every contribution helps us move closer to securing a permanent venue, creating a welcoming space, and hosting incredible events for the LGBTQ+ community of Asheville. Donate today and be a part of something groundbreaking!

Thank you for your generosity, your love, and your belief in this vision. Together, we can make Q-Hall a reality!

With gratitude,

JJ Pope

Founder, Q-Hall ️‍

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