by William Smythe
photo by Maggie Trisler
On a rare night off, I went to Lamplighter Lounge. They were playing a movie: Vegas in Space. Hunny Blunt and India Taco, the drag mothers of Lamplighter Lounge, provided snide, snippy commentary. Couples gathered in the side room, laughing and cackling, making comments of their own. This same room has harbored gothic burlesque, drag performances, and riotous, rollicking musical acts. But tonight, it’s full of more queers than a nightclub in the nineties.
Another great piece of queer life: the karaoke. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, local burlesque talent dances along. My usual song is “Andrew in Drag” by The Magnetic Fields. At this point, some even call it my song. I’ve certainly tried singing it at other karaoke nights and get looks. But here, my low bass Merritt impression is welcomed warmly.
Afterwards, my pal Amy takes the mic and belts out Chappell Roan. Once in a while, a sea shanty follows, received just as warmly. “I like that this place doesn’t need a bouncer,” she chuckles. “I was worried when they got liquor, but luckily the vibe stayed the same.”
Our mutual friend and usual bartender, Maggie Trisler, teases Amy’s singing and then pours more libations for the crowd. A photographer by trade, her pictures accompany this article, and I’m glad to see them. She has also edited the recent Lamplighter calendar. Both of my pals identify with the sapphic community, a growing presence at this place.
That’s my revelation, really. Lamplighter is one of the most inclusive bars here in Memphis. Sure, Dru’s also has drag nights, just as populated with stars. And Pumping Station has its classic bump-and-grind fun times. But this bar is one of the few places where being LGBT isn’t a requirement. Merely common. It’s a perfect watering hole for all folks. Here, I feel so at home. Maybe even more than anywhere else. Here, I can be myself, regardless of my identity.
Curious about how they create such a safe environment, I sit down with one of the owners of Lamplighter, Laurel Cannito. Bringing up their roots in organizing house shows and similar DIY spaces, Laurel says, “We weren’t trying to be a queer-friendly bar. It came about totally organically. The co-owner, Chuck, and I used to host house shows and have local bands play. Around the time we got Lamplighter, that’s when I started making friends with some local drag queens, such as Hunny Blunt. So we decided to throw drag nights into the mix. Next thing we knew, we became a queer hotspot.”
These drag nights are not the only queer-friendly events that have found a home here. Burlesque has become a staple as well. Among the local stars, many of the bartenders and other employees have also performed. In fact, it seems that if you work here, you perform here. “Many of our employees, many who identify as LGBTQ, feel safe creating artsy shows and events, such as burlesque karaoke,” Laurel tells me. “Apparently, we are the first to do that kind of event. And now it’s spread to other cities. Give the people what they want, you know? It’s great we could make that.”
Surely the security of this place helps. “Of course. Now, what helps foster that,” Laurel explains, “is that we all talk to each other. We have had a few moments where that safety was endangered. But because our employees all feel comfortable with each other, it helps create a network that quashes conflict before it gets out of hand.” When I ask what happens if it does get out of hand, Laurel says, “They have Chuck and me on speed dial. They trust we will be there quickly. I come from a cooperative mindset. That’s my managerial style: constant communication and equity among employees. I’d recommend that to anyone trying to make a welcoming space, whether bar or home.”
Beyond communication, Laurel and Chuck have reinforced doors and windows, increasing overall safety. They also affirm that hiring within the community helps foster that security. That isn’t to say it was always smooth. “We once hosted a comedy night,” Laurel recalls, “where the public could try comedy. It didn’t happen often, but there were a few comics who tried edgier jokes that created a harmful environment for our customers and staff. One group leaned too hard into using the f-slur just to get a rise out of our queer patrons. Luckily, our customers and staff feel safe here, so they quickly told Chuck and me about it. Now we’ve taken steps to make sure that’s unlikely to happen again.”
Despite the fools, Lamplighter has kept its spectacularly shocking and punk-rock attitude alive. Many queer punk bands have showcased their acts and even held fundraisers within these walls. “Be safe, have fun, do whatever,” Laurel happily declares. “Just look out for your fellow performers while you do your thing.” Last year, when Pride was canceled because of the storm, many folks flocked to Lamplighter. Once there, they reignited the party and celebration, warm and receptive.
Though this bar is a great queer space, Laurel reminds me Lamplighter does not identify as strictly a gay bar. “I’m honored that many people see us in that light. I like that anyone can come and feel included and secure here. This is a space for everyone with kindness at heart. No bigotry of any kind. Do your best. Be your best. That’s all I ask of anyone passing through our doors.”
So now, I tell you, come on in.
Come stand on the patio with local punks. Chat with great musicians and performers, and even those outside of the arts. I’ve met interesting folks in healthcare, programming, and the blue-collar trades, queer and straight alike. Lounge under the mural of Hunny Blunt, painted by Birdcap, have a cigarette, let loose.
Buzz along with us at the hippest hive in town.
