We’re here, we’re queer, let’s have a beer

By Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

One day, Lauren Hildreth and some friends were sitting at a beer bar in Rogers, Arkansas and thought “where is the queer community here?” Alas, the idea for Beers and Queers was born.

“It’s essentially a roaming gay bar,” said Hildreth. “We change locations each time.

“The goal is to showcase a variety of establishments where all should feel welcome and continue to feel welcome even when it is not a Beers and Queers gathering.”

Rogers is about 15-20 minutes north of Fayetteville in NW Arkansas. Nearby cities include Bentonville, Springdale and Eureka Springs.

“Mistakenly, it seemed like Fayetteville had more offerings to the community, so no plans were made to branch farther south,” Hildreth said. “It will definitely expand to include more of Northwest Arkansas next year.”

Hildreth explained that Northwest Arkansas is truly lacking in queer spaces and still seems pretty under the radar.

“There is a dance club in Fayetteville, but nowhere for adults in the queer community to relax, enjoy company or solitude, and mingle with an implicit expectation of acceptance. After Beers and Queers was formed, an article was shared on social media that seems to sum up the idea pretty well.

“...gay bars are the one place where LGBT persons are sure to find other people like them in a non-judgmental arena. Gay bars are historically the original safe space — a place where people could gather without threat — and that is still true today, no matter how large and supplanting technology seems to be.”

But Beers and Queers has more to offer than just drinking. It provides community to the queer community in NW Arkansas.

“The first get together was [in] February, and more than 70 people attended,” Hildreth said excitedly. “It was an unexpected, heart-warming turnout.”

She said there were people from Eureka Springs, Fayetteville, Bella Vista, Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville, and maybe more in attendance.

“Some people are coming to spend time with friends in a different setting and make new connections, while others have had passionate conversations about increasing awareness and advocacy in the area,” she said. “Beers and Queers is a platform for whatever the person needs. Some host locations have expressed a desire to fundraise or dedicate sales towards a specific cause, which is incredible, but it is not expected.”

The group plans to meet every other month for 2019, meeting from 6-8 p.m. on various weeknights. Hildreth explained they are not trying to compete with weekend activities.

“I wasn’t sure about the turnout and people are just ridiculously busy,” Hildreth said. “There have definitely been questions about having it monthly, which will be planned for next year.

“Almost all of 2019 is booked!

Hildreth said she is excited to see the NW Arkansas area growing; both  in population and socially.

“As it continues to expand and attract people domestically and internationally, it’s increasingly important to offer experiences for diverse groups of people intentionally. Hopefully, this is just one of many steps in that direction.”

Want to attend a Beers and Queers event? You can find them at www.Facebook/Beers-and-Queers.

Copyright The Gayly - June 6, 2019 @ 7:40 a.m. CDT.