Ballroom in Phoenix: Video of vogueing at Stacy’s at Melrose
Ballroom culture serves as an essential sanctuary for Black and Latino queer and trans youth. This vibrant dance community was wholeheartedly exhibited during vogue night at Stacy’s at Melrose in Phoenix.
Jonmaesha Beltran, Arizona Republic
As you travel along Seventh Avenue in Phoenix, it might appear to blend in with other bustling boulevards, but everything changes as you pass beneath the distinctive metal archway, located just north of Indian School Road, adorned with the word “Melrose” elegantly etched in white letters, beautifully curved by a pink line through the “o.”
Continuing northward leads you to “The Curve,” a charming bend in the road that cradles the Melrose District, renowned as Phoenix’s LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood.
Emblazoned rainbow pride flags flutter in front of the Community Church of Hope, a visual testament to inclusivity. Around you, symbols of pride and acceptance abound: massive murals like the breathtaking rainbow wings painted on the side of Stacy’s, and the celebrated rainbow crosswalk gracing the entrance of Boycott Bar. Notably, Phoenix proudly claims the distinction of being the birthplace of the transgender flag.
“It’s very identifiable that this area is gay-friendly,” remarked Mike Fornelli, executive director of Phoenix Pride. “Not just the gay bars, but the LGBTQ+ businesses, they all proudly wave the flag here.”
Melrose has evolved into a popular hub for restaurants, bars, and vibrant nightlife catering to the LGBTQ+ community. Established in 1984, Charlie’s Phoenix was among the early pioneers, paving the way for more venues such as Stacy’s@Melrose, which opened its doors in 2013.
However, the evolution of Phoenix into a welcoming haven did not occur overnight, and Melrose’s transformation into the city’s gayborhood holds a more complex backstory.
Before there was the Melrose District, there was the 307 and Roosevelt Row
Reflecting on his arrival in Phoenix during the 1990s, Fornelli noted that the original “gayborhood” was nestled on Roosevelt Street, where a discreet yet vibrant gay scene had been flourishing since the 1950s.
“Most people referred to Roosevelt as the gay area, but back then gay bars didn’t advertise as gay establishments due to societal pressures,” Fornelli explained. “These venues operated in secrecy; they were shrouded in darkness and required insider knowledge to locate.”
The necessity for discretion provided an extra layer of protection against police raids that criminalized homosexuality, such as a notorious operation in 1964 at the Eighth Day coffee house on Roosevelt near First Street, where over a dozen officers stormed the LGBTQ+ social club, resulting in the arrest of more than 20 individuals.
The charges ranged from lewd and lascivious acts to drunk-and-disorderly conduct, with identities of the arrested individuals splashed across newspapers, irreparably damaging their reputations in a community still grappling with the stigma of homosexuality. Many were left without jobs and suffered estrangement from their families, as chronicled by Arizona’s “Hip Historian,” Marshall Shore.
The 307 was a cornerstone of the Roosevelt Row gay scene, surviving even after the bar at 307 E. Roosevelt was tragically reduced to ashes in 1951 and continuing as a block away; a testament to resilience amidst adversity. It even served temporarily as a campaign headquarters for former Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon.
Yet, when the site that housed Arizona’s oldest gay bar faced demolition in 2015 for new condominium development, it marked the end of an era—the last remnants of Roosevelt’s original “gayborhood” faded into dusty archives as its patrons shifted focus toward the burgeoning Melrose District, anchored by the long-standing establishment of Charlie’s.
“I think that’s how Melrose happened. These bars were there, more bars opened, and as people began feeling comfortable, they gravitated towards the area,” Fornelli reflected.
LGBTQ+ acceptance grows in Phoenix
The act of publicly identifying as gay or lesbian was nearly unheard of prior to 1969, the year the Stonewall Uprising ignited the Pride movement in New York City.
In Phoenix, momentum for LGBTQ+ visibility did not pick up until 1981, when the Gay and Lesbian Pride Planning Committee orchestrated the first significant Phoenix Pride parade, triumphantly advocating for rights and representation within the LGBTQ+ community.
Fast forward to 2018, when the Phoenix City Council unanimously sanctioned the installation of rainbow crosswalks at the Seventh and Glenrosa avenues intersection, and also at Central Avenue and Portland Street.
District 4 City Councilman Tom Simplot, notably the first openly gay member to serve on the council, oversaw the unveiling of the beautiful Melrose Arch in 2013, a project several years in the making.
“The arch represents what we as a community have achieved,” Simplot expressed with pride.
Melrose becomes a thriving nightlife scene and the ‘gay mile’ is born
As Melrose embraced its welcoming ethos, more institutions began to flourish. New bars and businesses opened, fostering a supportive environment that allowed a vibrant sense of community to emerge organically—each space contributing to a rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ culture.
Stacy’s, founded by Stacy Louis in 2013, has become an emblematic venue within this landscape, later passing ownership to husbands Christopher Tong and Brandon Slayton in 2023.
“We happened to be at the right place at the right time,” Slayton recounted. “We seized the opportunity because it had always been a dream of ours to own a gay bar.”
This historic space has existed in various incarnations over the decades, evolving from a lesbian bar into a bustling dance club and even catering to the goth crowd. Today, it’s a cherished landmark along a mile-long stretch of gay-friendly bars that lines the area north of Indian School Road.
“My friends and I would call it the gay mile,” Tong shared. “You would start at The Rock or at Charlie’s and just work your way down, hitting all the different bars on the way.”
Ambitiously, they strive to elevate Stacy’s legacy through dynamic programming, playing host to drag shows, karaoke nights, comedy events, and a weekly talent competition every Tuesday.
“What sets us apart is our event-driven focus; we offer a variety of events that attract diverse audiences, from lesbians and trans individuals to gay couples and allies—all coming together to celebrate,” Slayton noted enthusiastically.
Thunderbird Lounge, another gay-friendly establishment, takes on a unique aesthetic, boasting a vintage basement arcade vibe characterized by wood paneling and fieldstone walls. A selection of arcade games lines the entrance, adding a nostalgic touch.
Opened in 2019 by Jeremiah Gratza and Jacob Wiedmann, Thunderbird Lounge has its history rooted in the site previously known as the Wagon Wheel Bar, active from the 1930s to the 1990s. The new owners were committed to restoring the venue while honoring its historical charm by preserving the original floor.
“I envisioned creating a bar reminiscent of my grandma’s basement,” Gratza explained, infusing personal sentiment into their establishment.
Initially aiming to be an ally bar, they fostered inclusivity from day one. However, after receiving a critical Yelp review about drag performances, they turned the negative attention into a positive experience by hosting a drag cornhole tournament that raised $5,000 for the Human Rights Campaign. The next year’s event repeated the success, raising an identical sum for Equality Arizona.
Every Friday, Thunderbird Lounge is alive with drag shows, and on Thursday nights, it engages the community through lotería, or Mexican bingo, promoting it as a vibrant and secure space for LGBTQ+ Latino men to receive HIV testing. In recognition of their efforts in community solidarity, Phoenix Pride honored both Gratza and Wiedmann with the Spirit Award for best community ally in 2022.
Just down the road from Thunderbird Lounge stands one of America’s few remaining lesbian bars, Boycott Bar, owned by Audrey Corley, which opened in 2017. This establishment has deep roots in the Melrose community, having transitioned from a popular rotating party venue that took place at a local restaurant.
‘A place for everyone’
“I’ve always envisioned owning a lesbian bar and naming it Boycott,” Corley remarked. “The importance of this dream became even clearer when I learned of the closures around us. I want our community, especially our women, to have a safe space where they can feel absolutely free to express themselves.”
The inspiration for the name Boycott stemmed from a fellow college athlete of Corley. As she fiercely pursued her vision, she expressed concern about ensuring that men would also feel welcome.
Having grown up in Phoenix, Corley was first introduced to the Melrose District during her coming out journey, cementing her belief that this area was the perfect location for a lesbian bar.
“It was my goal to establish myself in Melrose because I wanted to be situated in a place that embraces acceptance,” Corley elaborated. “I’ve worked in bars elsewhere in Arizona, where the level of acceptance varies significantly.”
Corley is well aware of the ongoing discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
“Spaces like Melrose are vital as they foster a sense of protection; they’re where people watch out for one another,” Corley asserted. “It’s a sanctuary where you don’t have to constantly look over your shoulder while walking down the street; these are inherently safe spaces.”
Greg Edelman, an accomplished artist and founder of the Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, found his place in the Melrose neighborhood when he relocated Exposed Studio and Gallery in 2007, drawn by the community he had helped establish just a few years before.
“What I love about Melrose is its inclusive spirit; it’s not solely for gays and lesbians, but embraces everyone,” Edelman said. “All businesses here are known as allies, and when I opened Exposed, my goal was to create a safe haven, welcoming anyone who wished to participate in an event.”
“Discovering my first bar or community was a tremendous relief—it allowed me to connect with others and realize I wasn’t alone,” he shared.
Melrose, LGBTQ+ culture connect with the wider community
Pam Pawlowski, president of the Grandview Neighborhood Association, emphasized that neighborhoods surrounding Melrose warmly welcome the LGBTQ+ community.
Nearby neighborhoods such as Woodlea Melrose, Carnation, Pierson Place, and Yaple Park boast their own associations, dedicated to ensuring that local voices are heard and respected.
“On average, we welcome about 30 new families yearly into our neighborhood; typically, five of those are gay couples,” Pawlowski observed.
“A robust connection exists between the neighborhoods and their businesses; they collaborate more closely than in other districts, largely due to the Melrose Community Alliance, which serves both residents and business owners,” she asserted.
Fornelli stated, “I live by the principle of treating others how you would like to be treated, as you never know whether someone is entering your bar, home, or event for the first time. Ensuring they have the finest experience possible is essential.”
“I believe that many businesses in this area share this welcoming mentality, making sure to embrace everyone who walks through their doors.”
What role does art play in representing and advocating for LGBTQ+ themes within the Melrose area?
E area’s burgeoning reputation as an LGBTQ+ friendly enclave. “When I moved here, I felt a sense of community that I hadn’t experienced before,” Edelman noted, reflecting on how Melrose has fostered both professional and personal connections within the LGBTQ+ community.
Edelman’s gallery, Exposed Studio and Gallery, has become a hub for local artists and a venue that schedules art shows featuring LGBTQ+ themes and creators. “Art has a powerful role in storytelling, and in our community, it serves as both representation and a form of activism,” he shared. Edelman believes that spaces like Melrose will continue to evolve and grow more diverse, expanding the types of businesses and events that cater to various facets of the LGBTQ+ community.
With the Melrose District firmly established as the heart of Phoenix’s LGBTQ+ nightlife and culture, the presence of celebrated events, community gatherings, and annual Pride festivities maintains the momentum for change and acceptance in the broader social fabric of the city. Fornelli expressed a hopeful outlook, stating, “It’s exciting to witness how far we’ve come, and I believe we’re just getting started. The potential for growth and the continued embrace of our community speaks to a future where everyone is welcomed.”
As the sun sets over Melrose, the vibrant energy of this thriving gayborhood reverberates, uniting individuals from all walks of life. Whether it’s through the artistic expressions exhibited at local galleries, the inclusive revelry at the bars, or the empowerment fostered within community spaces, Melrose stands as a testament to the power of acceptance, resilience, and transformation—embodying a spirit of pride that is felt by all who enter its lively embrace.
