Gay RVA

07/10/2024

LGBTQ-Owned Verillas Brings Modern Renaissance Fashion to All 🏳️‍🌈

Just a quick glance through the website for Verillas and you immediately feel like you are transported into the world of somewhere fantastical such as Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. Truthfully, you would not be wrong as the line is partially inspired by the pastime of LARPing and cosplay.

Founded by Alice Greenbrier, Verillas is an online retailer based in Central Virginia that specializes in kilts, boots and a style known as ModRen, which means effectively what it sounds like – a clothing style that not only can you wear to your next ren fair, or down to the Lombardy Kroger to pick up a fresh rotisserie chicken.

Read more. Link in bio.

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23/08/2024

Richmond’s GirlSpit, Q***r Punk Rebels with a Cause ⚡️

Recently, I met with GirlSpit, a band composed of Sera (they/she) on vocals and keytar, Harley (she/her) on bass and lead synth, and Rosa (she/her) on drums, who create slightly gothic, synth-punk music in Richmond.

Birthed out of connections from q***r bike ride nights and kink clubs, GirlSpit embodies what it means to be musicians who know their community and always give back.

See more. Link in bio.

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14/08/2024

Lost in a Psychedelic Labyrinth with ‘Mom I’m on Drugs’

Ken Brisby, known in Richmond’s electronic and experimental music scene as Stephanie AKA Steph, has been a fixture in both the local music and Virginia’s film production communities, where they have worked on various movie sets.

Their life experiences and creative ambitions inspired them to write a screenplay and meticulously craft the props for their film, Mom I’m on Drugs. With support from friends and various communities, the film went through production and post-production, all culminating in its upcoming premiere at Cobra Cabana on Friday August 30, 2024, at 7 pm.

Ken explains “The screenplay was written in 2015, nine years ago, and production began in 2017. The film is a mix of a “just say no to drugs” message and the fantastical elements of Labyrinth. The plot revolves around Steph, who is struggling with suicidal thoughts; Lisa, who is looking for a new boyfriend; and Jason, who just wants to go home but finds himself on an unexpected L*D trip.”

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09/08/2024

Crystal Waters, Robin S, and Tank and the Bangas to Headline VA Pridefest 2024 🏳️‍🌈

On a steamy September Saturday, Richmond is set to explode with the kaleidoscopic energy of Pridefest 2024. The city’s Bon Secours Training Center will be ground zero for this year’s LGBTQ celebration, turning the Commonwealth’s capital into a pulsing epicenter of music, culture, and unapologetic self-expression.

Read more. Link in the bio.

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Photos of VA Pridefest 2023 by

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25/05/2024

Thank you for sending in this set of photos from the wild, completely sold out show on Brown’s Island on Thursday.

Great show

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25/05/2024

A sea of pink on Brown’s Island for the show the other night.

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Again, great show put on by the team at

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15/05/2024

Reading is Gay: Historical Associations of Libraries and Literature with Q***rness in Richmond

Reading is always a revolutionary act. From banned books featuring q***r characters in school libraries to censorship under the guise of abridgement, it is without a doubt that reading and writing are inherently powerful tools to our own liberation and self-realization.

These tools are important even more so in Virginia, as Virginia has one of the highest numbers of banned books in public schools and libraries, most of which tell stories of underrepresented groups in literature, like people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and immigrants.

In line with harmful, decades-old stereotypes, most LGBTQ+ books are banned due to supposed graphic sexual content or imagery, while heterosexual books with the same caliber of content are not seen as inappropriate for public schools or libraries. The crime to these critics is not the romance or love alone, but instead who the object of the romance or love is.

Even though public libraries are victims to book banning, libraries were and still are important meeting places for underrepresented people that may not have safe spaces elsewhere.

Link in the bio.

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01/08/2023

House of Wands, Richmond's first q***r tattoo cooperative, is more than a tattoo shop; it's an inclusive, community-focused haven. The dark wood, high ceilings, and distinctive charm of the shop, nestled in Shockoe Bottom, echo the passion of its founders, Fronkie L’Heureux and Micha Sol. Blending their years of tattooing experience with a unique cooperative business model, they've built a sanctuary for creativity, equality, and representation.

House of Wands, Richmond's first q***r tattoo cooperative, is more than a tattoo shop; it's an inclusive, community-focused haven. The dark wood, high ceilings, and distinctive charm of the shop, nestled in Shockoe Bottom, echo the passion of its founders, Fronkie L’Heureux and Micha Sol. Blending...

12/07/2023

Ask yourself: What would you do after getting shot in a random drive by? Would you get stronger?

Meet Mahlina Shoats. She has a bullet in her leg, but wings on her back.

I was at a concert when Jonathan Facka called me. Of course, I did not hear my phone ring, so he immediately followed up with a text message. “I wanna pitch you something,” was all that he would let on. The next morning, completely oblivious to whatever he was going to ask of me, I […]

12/07/2023

There wasn’t much red, white, and blue at Daddy’s Grotto on the 4th of July, but there were plenty of cool q***r people in bathing suits. The elusive backyard space offered the following to partygoers: a small but mighty above-ground pool, stir-fry meals, quality company, free alcohol on tap, and music from a range of different artists.

The party was advertised on a digital flyer that made its rounds on social media. Need the address? “Ask a q***r,” it instructed.

Daddy's Grotto in Richmond is a unique 4th of July celebration spot that turns a humble backyard into a lively, q***r-inclusive haven. Hosted by Brad Kutner and his husband Marcus, it’s an all-day extravaganza of music, poolside fun, and stir-fry meals. With live performances from local artists li...

24/05/2023

James Millner, Program Director at Diversity Richmond, is at the helm of managing the Virginia Pride program. This program, once an independent nonprofit, merged with Diversity Richmond two years ago, enabling growth and stability through paid staff and increased resources. The partnership aims to augment the organization’s impact within the LGBTQ+ community, transitioning from a volunteer board to a professional team.

Today, Milner’s main challenges involve staying connected with the evolving needs of the LGBTQ+ community and securing necessary resources. The recent election of Governor Glenn Youngkin, with policies rolling back trans rights for students in public schools, has complicated their mission. However, with strategic alliances with other organizations, they have managed to resist legislative setbacks. As they plan for future Pridefest celebrations, their focus remains on fostering community, visibility, and a sense of belonging, even amid the challenges they face.

James Milner, Program Director at Diversity Richmond, speaks about his role in managing Virginia Pride program, its merger with Diversity Richmond, and the exponential growth they've experienced over the years. The organization focuses on supporting the diverse needs of the LGBTQ+ community, fightin...

18/05/2023

Director Julie Fulcher-Davis has pulled off the dream by bringing together not only a production team that managed to produce a technically sound play but a cast that soars in their roles and brings buoyancy to a script that takes place almost entirely in a single room.

This is the last weekend to see Log Cabin at Richmond Triangle Players at the Robert B. Moss Theatre!

Log Cabin," the latest production by Richmond Triangle Players, dives into the complex dynamics within the Q***r Community. Set in a single room, the play showcases the nuances and diversity within the community, tackling subjects of sexual and gender identity with a touch of realism. The performanc...

25/04/2023

In the vibrant heart of Richmond’s ever-evolving Scott’s Addition neighborhood, Philip Crosby, the Executive Director of Richmond Triangle Players at the Robert B. Moss Theatre, has been a trailblazer in the world of theater for over a decade. As the first full-time employee of the company, Crosby navigated the choppy waters of bringing LGBTQ-themed productions to a city grappling with the AIDS epidemic and the accompanying societal backlash. Through tales of serendipitous meetings and a commitment to authenticity, Richmond Triangle Players has grown from a small company performing in a gritty after-hours club to a nationally recognized theater. Under Crosby’s watchful eye, the company continues to make waves by celebrating q***r stories, embracing drag culture, and cultivating the next generation of playwrights with their So.Q***r Playwriting Festival.

Philip Crosby, the Executive Director of Richmond Triangle Players, discusses the history, growth, and impact of the LGBTQ-focused theater company. Starting in a small after-hours club in 1993, the company has grown into a nationally recognized organization, providing a safe space for the LGBTQ comm...

12/04/2023

Fruit Salad is the latest show by Moonlight Theatre Company based out of Athen, Georgia, and consists of Chase Brantley and Nicholas Hemerling; self described “clowns” who engage in a variety of frivolities including putting on strange and unique theatre performances. They are on tour right now performing their newest bizarre piece, and I figured I’d catch up with them to learn who exactly these strange fellows are, what they’re doing, and why exactly they’re doing it.

Fruit Salad is performing at Reveler Experiences in Carytown Saturday April 15th, starting at 5:30 PM as a part of Richmond Fringe Festival. Read below for my brief interview with them to learn a little bit about their craft, and then make your way down to Cartytown Saturday night for an evening of strange experiences and, I assume, lots of fruit based comedy.

RVA Magazine catches up with two members of Moonlight Theatre Company about their new touring clown performance called Fruit Salad.

30/03/2023

Catching the creative bug with the founders of Galfie. Chatting about life, love, and their radically inclusive flag designs that spread joy and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Let's spread kindness and acceptance one flag at a time.

Discover Galfie, a creative flag company founded by Hannah and Jade Sullivan, dedicated to spreading love, acceptance, and inclusivity through unique, 90s-inspired designs that support the LGBTQ+ community and various social causes.

30/03/2023

Holland Andrews is a genderfluid vocalist, composer, and performance artist, whose work focuses on the abstraction of operatic and extended-technique voice to build cathartic and dissonant soundscapes. Andrews arranges music for voice, clarinet, and electronics and frequently highlights themes of vulnerability and healing. On Friday, April 7, they will perform at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU as part of the ICA’s ongoing Test Pattern performance series.

Holland Andrews comes to Richmond after a recent European tour with Son Lux (Oscar-nominated for their score to Everything Everywhere All At Once) and a performance with avant-garde composer Christina Vantzou at London’s Barbican Centre. In this interview, they speak with ICA performance curator David Riley about their musical upbringing, songwriting during the pandemic, and embracing their inner demons.

ed. note: For their Test Pattern performance, Holland Andrews will perform at the ICA at VCU on Friday, April 7th at 7pm.

Discover the world of Holland Andrews, a genderfluid vocalist, composer, and performance artist, in an insightful interview discussing their work, collaborations, and upcoming performance at the ICA's Test Pattern series.

30/03/2023

'I don’t mind being Richmond’s Pop Queen (laughs). Because, I mean, nobody else is doing it (laughs). That’s why I love the community here because everybody has their own thing. Everybody has their own place. I do think that they could center hip hop a little more. I feel like the country, bluegrass, and punk scene is always getting the support. And so when I’m getting put on shows and stuff, sometimes it’s like, would I get booked for any of these shows? Cause I’m not even strictly one thing. I think people hear my music and they definitely think dance, dance, dance. But I have so many things I can do. I definitely want to do that with the next album. I think that’s where I’m headed. Just being able to reflect on the Richmond experience. Hopefully, it’ll be a cool summer, and if I push hard enough, maybe I’ll have a project out this summer.'

Explore our in-depth interview with Trapcry, as he discusses the liberation of performing, the importance of authenticity in their music, and their ever-evolving sound that transcends genres. Discover how Trapcry's unique perspective redefines the boundaries of pop and hip-hop.

19/03/2023

We are totally that bunch who snap pics of our food before digging in. But hey, we’re in the media biz, so that’s kind of our thing. Anyway, this post is all about justifying our foodie photo-ops and the side eyes. So, here’s a collection of our tasty escapades from the last 3-4 months. Dig in and enjoy!

We are totally that bunch who snap pics of our food before digging in. But hey, we're in the media biz, so that's kind of our thing, right? Anyway, this post is all about justifying our foodie photo-ops and side eyes. So, here's a collection of our tasty escapades from the last 3-4 months. Dig in an...

10/03/2023

Catch Jennings tonight at The Bike Shop with Liberation Foundation Workshop!

Tune in to RADIO RVA Episode 21 and experience the sophisticated big bass sounds of Mr. Jennings. Meet Mr. Jennings, a Portland based DJ and producer who blends an eclectic mix of bass-heavy electronic music with influences ranging from world rhythms to hip hop to dubstep. With a foundation in class...

10/03/2023

Noah Page is the first transgender person to run for an office position in Henrico County, marking a historic moment. However, her candidacy should not be defined solely by her gender identity. Page is an individual with original ideas and a strong desire to aid others. Her unique background affords her a profound comprehension of how the government treats minority groups, which in turn gives her an essential quality – empathy. Page’s extensive work helping homeless individuals and victims of domestic violence, while experiencing both firsthand, adds another layer of understanding and compassion. As a result, Page is well-positioned to construct policy that is not only beneficial but also honest.

Noah Page is the first transgender person to run for an office position in Henrico County, marking a historic moment. However, her candidacy should not be defined solely by her gender identity. Page is an individual with original ideas and a strong desire to aid others. Her unique background affords...

09/03/2023

This Friday, The Bike Shop will host the Maximum Bounce Tour featuring Mr. Jennings, Beat Kitty, and a selection of big grooving bass tracks! Mr. Jennings, also known as Conway Jennings, is a Richmond native and the founder of Party Liberation Foundation Front in RVA. If you’ve attended First Fridays or the Carnival of 5 Fires at Gallery5, you may have seen their performances at various events, stages, and festivals up and down the East Coast. Although currently residing in Portland, Oregon, Conway continues to produce music under the moniker Mr. Jennings and is a prominent artist at many West Coast events and large bass music festivals. In an interview with John Reinhold, Conway discusses everything from music to noodles.

This Friday, The Bike Lot will host the MAXIMUM BOUNCE TOUR featuring Mr. Jennings, Beatkitty, and a selection of big grooving bass tracks. Mr. Jennings, also known as Conway Jennings, is a Richmond native and the founder of Party Liberation Front in RVA. If you've attended First Fridays or the Carn...

08/03/2023

Americana, Jazz, Hip Hop, Indie Pop & More: We've Got Your Friday Cheers 2023 Rundown!
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It’s 2023 and it is time to get ready for another year of unforgettable live music this summer in Downtown Richmond! Friday Cheers presented by Hardywood Park Craft Brewery , is back for its 38th season bringing the best up-and-coming artists to Brown’s Island with headliners Snail Mail, Sierra Ferrell, Butcher Brown, Sampa The Great, Watchhouse, Tank and The Bangs, The Vagabonds, and Flipturn performing along the James River every Friday in May and June.
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The line up this year is diverse and has a bit to offer for everyone — and we are going to get into all of it.

Experience the best live music in Downtown Richmond this summer! Friday Cheers is back for its 38th season featuring talented up-and-coming artists like Snail Mail, Sierra Ferrell, and Sampa The Great, with headliners Tank and The Bangs, Butcher Brown, and more. This family-friendly concert series p...

08/03/2023

Discover Time Machines at VisArts: An Interview with Curator Asa Jackson 🤖
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We had the pleasure of speaking with Asa Jackson, the curator of "Time Machines," the new exhibition at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond opens in the True F. Luck Gallery at VisArts on Friday, March 10 at 5:30 p.m. The show features the work of VisArts' Annual Resident Artists for the 2022-2023 year, exploring the concept of time and its relation to customs, people, places, and mythologies.
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Be sure to follow and the talented people involved in the exhibition, including curator , and artists , , .dori, and .

The Visual Arts Center of Richmond is currently showcasing "Time Machines," an exhibition featuring the new work of the VisArts' Annual Resident Artists for the 2022-2023 year, namely Ayana Zaire Cotton, Curtis Newkirk Jr., Hien Kat Nguyen, and Emily Okamoto-Green. During their residency at VisArts,...

07/03/2023

Are you ready to party like it's 1999?!? 🎉

 brings the electric joy and eclectic funk of Prince’s music to the stage with vibrant, energetic, and dynamic recreations of his greatest hits in "I Would Die 4 U: A Musical Tribute to Prince."

Anthony Cosby, Jr. joins  in Legends on Grace: Night Caps & Stories to perform his growingly popular show on March 25th at 8:00 pm in Rhythm Hall at 

This show will be in a cabaret format with a twist, so make sure you bring your dancing shoes! 🕺🏽
🔗 Tickets are almost sold out, get yours today at dominionenergycenter.com

03/03/2023

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bo Wilson and we talk the process, origins and his newest play, After December, which will be premiering this weekend at Virginia Repertory Theatre.
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Check out the full interview in the bio.
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Also, VA Reps new production, After December directed by Rick Hammerly, and written by Bo Wilson opens tonight and runs through March 26th 2023.
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A quick synopsis: When a particle collider deep beneath the earth’s surface malfunctions, a mysterious woman appears. She cannot say where she’s from or how she got here; she only knows that she is a poet. But when she gives voice to her strange and beautiful poems, reality itself begins to ripple and shift, becoming eerily unreliable. To the physicists, she’s an intriguing mystery; to the authorities, she’s a threat. Could both be right? Unravel the riddle of the poet in this exciting new play.
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You can find out more information and buy tickets at Repertory Theatre

Learn about the multi-talented Bo Wilson, known for his amazing stage plays and voice acting in popular ads for Virginia Lottery, Mahatma Rice, and the Fallout video game series. Discover his creative process, origins, and details about his newest play, After December; Or, The Poet Observed, which p...