Unearthing Norfolk's Queer Past: A Journey Through its Evolving Gay Bar Scene

Norfolk, Virginia, a city steeped in maritime history and vibrant culture, also holds a rich, albeit often overlooked, tapestry of LGBTQ+ history. For decades, its gay bars served as vital hubs for community, connection, and celebration.

From the early days of clandestine gatherings to the more visible establishments of later years, these spaces tell a compelling story of resilience, evolving social norms, and the enduring spirit of the queer community in Hampton Roads.

The closure of Hershee Bar, Norfolk's last remaining lesbian bar, sent ripples of emotion through the community.

Its final night on Halloween, amidst the poignant dismantling of its cherished decorations, was a stark reminder of how quickly cherished spaces can vanish. But the memories, the stories, and the impact of these venues live on, thanks to dedicated efforts to preserve and illuminate this crucial aspect of local history.

The Continental Lounge: A Jazz Club's Second Act

The mid-20th century saw Norfolk's gay scene begin to coalesce.

The Continental Lounge, originally an internationally known jazz club in the 1950s, transformed into a gay male bar by the 1970s. This shift reflected broader societal changes and the growing visibility of gay liberation. Situated in the downtown area, the Continental, along with other establishments, catered to gay men, creating a distinct pocket of queer social life.

However, these early havens were not immune to the prejudices of the time.

In January 1975, a raid on the Continental Lounge by vice investigators highlighted the precariousness of these spaces. Undercover officers, posing as patrons, observed what they deemed illicit behavior - same-sex dancing and affection. The ensuing arrests, often for vague charges like "frequenting a bawdy house," underscored the constant threat of legal scrutiny and societal judgment faced by the community.

The outcomes of these raids were varied.

Some individuals, facing more serious charges, paid fines or served jail time. Others successfully challenged their arrests, demonstrating the legal battles fought for basic rights. These incidents, while somber, are crucial to understanding the courage it took to simply gather and express oneself in these early establishments.

The Oar House and The Cue Club: Pillars of Community

As the decades progressed, Norfolk's gay bar scene diversified and grew.

The Oar House, fondly remembered for its welcoming atmosphere and lively times, became a popular gathering spot for decades, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s. It represents a phase of increased visibility and acceptance, where such establishments could thrive and become cherished landmarks.

Similarly, The Cue Club emerged as a historic staple in the late 1980s, opening its doors in 1989 on 46th and Killam Avenue.

For the local LGBTQ+ community, The Cue Club provided a much-needed space for social interaction and a sense of belonging.

Beyond specific venues, the late 1980s also saw the emergence of local LGBTQ+ publications. The creation of the newsletter "Friends," edited by figures from Mickey's, marked an important step in community organization and information dissemination, further solidifying the infrastructure of support and connection.

The Tidewater Queer History Project: Resurfacing Lost Narratives

The work of organizations like the Tidewater Queer History Project, often supported by local universities such as Old Dominion University (ODU), is vital in piecing together this intricate history.

Students and researchers meticulously comb through archival writings, photographs, and oral histories to bring to light the stories of Norfolk's LGBTQ+ past.

These projects often reveal the complexities and intersections within the community itself. Early community publications, while significant, sometimes centered on the experiences of white gay men and lesbians, inadvertently marginalizing people of color, bisexual individuals, and transgender people.

Recognizing and addressing these historical omissions is a crucial part of creating a truly inclusive historical record.

The project's walking tours, like the one that visited the former site of Hershee Bar, offer a tangible way to connect with the past.

Visiting these locations, even when repurposed or demolished, allows presenters to breathe life into forgotten spaces, sharing information and soliciting personal anecdotes from those who remember them.

One particularly poignant aspect of this historical preservation is the collection of oral histories.

These firsthand accounts provide invaluable insights into the lived experiences of those who navigated Norfolk's queer landscape in earlier decades. They capture the joy, the struggles, and the everyday realities of community life.

"Danny is Gay": An Enduring Symbol

The discovery of an etching on a slab of concrete near a Norfolk 7-Eleven, reading "Danny is Gay," became a powerful symbol for the enduring presence of LGBTQ+ individuals in every community.

Initially viewed as a potential relic of adolescent bullying, it was reinterpreted as an affirmation - a testament to the persistent visibility of queer lives, even in the most unexpected places.

The act of a listener chalking over the etching in bisexual pride colors, years later, further illustrates the ongoing dialogue and interaction with this historical marker.

It demonstrates how these fragments of the past can continue to resonate and inspire new forms of community expression and solidarity across generations.

The preservation of these stories, whether through written archives, oral testimonies, or physical remnants, is paramount.

As older generations pass, the voices and experiences they carry are at risk of being lost. Projects dedicated to documenting LGBTQ+ history ensure that future generations can learn from, connect with, and be inspired by the pioneers who shaped Norfolk's queer landscape.

The Future of Norfolk's Queer Heritage

The unearthing of Norfolk's gay bar history is part of a larger movement across the South and beyond to reclaim and celebrate LGBTQ+ heritage.

As academic institutions and community historians increasingly recognize the importance of this work, more stories are likely to emerge. These efforts not only honor the past but also provide a vital sense of identity and continuity for contemporary LGBTQ+ individuals and allies in Norfolk and the surrounding Hampton Roads region.

The legacy of Norfolk's gay bars extends far beyond their physical presence.

They represent courage, community building, and the relentless pursuit of acceptance. By continuing to seek out, preserve, and share these stories, we ensure that the vibrant history of Norfolk's queer community remains an integral and celebrated part of its ongoing narrative.