Broadway

Be sure to get yours today !
Rainbow Pride of WV is selling them.

Support Rainbow Pride of WV and honor the BROADWAY with this years commemorative t-shirt - for sale at all Rainbow Pride of WV events - starting at Drag Queen Bingo on Thursday May 30th 6pm at Lee Street Lounge.
Show us your PRIDE !

Unveiling Pride Month tribute:
The exclusive commemorative t-shirt honoring the hallowed grounds of The BROADWAY ! 🏛️🏳️‍🌈

From the Rainbow Pride of WV page …
Step into a piece of LGBTQ+ history as we pay homage to the enduring legacy of The Broadway Discotheque and Lounge, an institution that stood as a fortress of LGBTQ+ pride and solidarity in West Virginia from 1991 to 2020. Founded by Jim Fletcher and Clint Boyd Mynes, at 210 Leon Sullivan Way in Charleston, The Broadway emerged from the transformation of The Plantation into a vibrant hub for our community.

In 1996, The Broadway sought to host drag shows, yet faced a roadblock when the city of Charleston denied them a Cabaret license, citing female impersonators as 'exotic entertainment' and expressing a reluctance for further 'strip clubs' within city limits. Recognizing this as a form of conservative discrimination, the owners took their grievance to local news outlets and to the City Council. They, alongside local drag queens, participated in interviews, articulating that female impersonation is a legitimate form of theatrical expression, with performers embodying roles adorned in dazzling costumes.

Despite challenges, including a fight for recognition of drag performances as legitimate theater, The Broadway stood tall as a sanctuary of acceptance, hosting drag shows, welcoming LGBTQ+ luminaries like Thelma Houston, Linda Clifford, and Leslie Jordan, and hosting fundraisers for vital causes (like the Humane Society, The Living AIDS Memorial Garden, Charleston AIDS Network, Covenant House, and Rainbow Pride of WV).

🫶🏾 It wasn't just a bar; it was a lifeline, a stage for empowerment, and a catalyst for change. 🫶🏾

Join us in honoring the storied past of The Broadway, where moments of triumph—like the passing of anti-discrimination ordinances and the dawn of same-sex marriage—echoed through its halls. As we remember Jim’s legacy (1956-2024), let’s carry forward the spirit of inclusivity and love that defined The Broadway.

Since its closing (and demolition) in 2020, Jim Fletcher (along with his partner David Fleshman) continue providing a safe space for those in the LGBTQ+ community with the Lee Street Lounge at 222 Leon Sullivan Way, just a few doors down from where The Broadway once stood.

With every stitch of this exclusive shirt, we weave together the memories, the resilience, and the boundless love that defined The Broadway. Wear it proudly, and let us carry forward its spirit of unity and pride into the future. ✨ 🏳️‍🌈 🏳️‍⚧️

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
2024 commemorative shirt design by the illustrious Angel Harless (they/them), a brilliant artist, mentor, fierce protector of our community, defender of LGBTQ+ rights, and a true legend in this town. Angel's dedication to the LGBTQ+ community extends far beyond their remarkable artistic talents. As a mentor, they have nurtured and inspired countless young folks, encouraging them to embrace their identities and express themselves boldly. Their tireless advocacy has helped shape a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. Angel's unwavering commitment to our community's well-being, paired with their exceptional artistic vision, makes this commemorative shirt a true embodiment of our shared pride and resilience. We are honored to showcase their design and grateful for their enduring impact on our community.
❤️❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🩵🩷🤍🤎🖤

🤑🛍️👕You can purchase the 2024 commemorative shirt at any of our Pride Month events, starting May 30 at Drag Queen Bingo!

Good memories !

Hello everyone !
We miss you 💋

Tell us your favorite night at the Broadway …

The best dance floor in WV

Happy Pride Month

Anyone want to go to Happy Hour ?
Just remembering the good times 😃

The party continues… in our memories !

We had such a great time when you was here !
RIP Leslie Jordan

At Lee Street Lounge on Saturday Night 2.12.22

Thanks to the “2nd Annual Unofficial Bike Parade” for stopping by … Happy Pride !

This would have been our annual “Miss Red Ribbon” weekend. So we honor our former winners. We miss every one of you ! ❤️

Broadway’s sign lives on at the Lee Street Lounge Patio (222 Leon Sullivan Way Charleston, WV )

The end ... starting from the back 😞

https://form.jotform.com/203144194299156?fbclid=IwAR0OY5CQspz7lOu_CPrJvjXt08s0zZPzHzHC0Qg98IC-b-udNbAjf65mv-A

2020 Holiday Window Display Ballot: People's Choice Awards Please click the link to complete this form.

She is a parking lot now 😞