Lipstick Lounge

According to the Lesbian Bar Project, there were over 200 lesbian bars in the late 1980s, but that number has since shrunk to fewer than 30. In fact, the Lipstick Lounge is the only lesbian bar in the state. Opened on September 4, 2002, founders and co-owners Christa Suppan and Jonda Valentine opened the bar for “people who don't feel like they fit into any certain space can just feel welcome in our space.” They also sought to serve as a bridge across all communities. Valentine originally pitched the idea to her sister while living as a portrait artist in East Nashville. She wanted to create a place where gay women could be themselves in public. After opening the bar, Valentine asked Suppan (a server in the newly opened bar) to be her business partner.

Entertainment at the bar includes live music, karaoke, trivia, and drag performances. They've also been involved in the East Nashville community's transformation into an eclectic hot spot—hosting events like the Tomato King and Queen pageant and Craft: A Creative Community Sunday Fair. This LGBTQ+ bar and its owners have formed a community that takes care of each other. For example, after a major flood in 2010, the patrons and neighbors rushed to the Lipstick Lounge to form a bucket brigade to bail water out of the basement. Then, after a 2020 tornado, locals raised $17,000 to help cover the cost of damages to the building. With the help of their community, Lipstick Lounge survived temporary closure during the Covid-19 pandemic, and even managed to grow! The Upper Lip, a cigar lounge on the building’s second floor, opened in February 2022.

Fun fact: After the ceremony unveiling the Penny Campbell historical marker, friends and neighbors gathered here at Lipstick Lounge to remember her life and legacy. It was a fitting tribute to Campbell and the spirit of community that she, Valentine, and Suppan dedicated their lives to create and nurture.

Our next stop is Bianca Paige Way. From Lipstick Lounge, turn LEFT onto South Fourteenth Street. After a half mile, turn RIGHT onto Shelby Avenue. Follow Shelby Avenue for two miles, as it becomes Korean Veterans Blvd. and as you cross over the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge, turn LEFT onto Fourth Avenue South and drive for one and a half miles. Turn LEFT onto Bianca Paige Way and park in front of Trax at 1501 Ensley Boulevard.