WASHINGTON D.C., DC — The District’s newest LGBTQ+ bar may seem like your typical nightlife space, but it’s about much more, said the co-owners Brandon Burke and Shaun Mykals.
“It is certainly something different than I have ever done in my life. It's life-changing,” Mykals said to WUSA9’s Lorenzo Hall.
“The line outside. When I saw that, I went back into the office and almost cried because I couldn't believe there were so many people. To see the love, to feel that energy people were giving to us,” Burke added.
Burke and Mykals opened Thurst Lounge in early December along 14th Street, near the U-street Corridor. As for the name Thurst Lounge, the co-owners said they're quenching the community's thirst for this type of space.
Thurst Lounge is the only Black-owned nightlife space in DC, focused specifically on the Black LGBTQ+ culture and experience.
"While it is Black-owned and that's who we're celebrating, we want everyone to experience this space,” Burke said.
"I think it's critical because our culture is part of American culture. It's not trying to create separation, but it's creating appreciation,” Mykals explained.
What they're trying to create is at the forefront, as soon as you walk through the door.
You'll see the names of LGBTQ+ icons, pictures of trailblazers and photos of former Black-owned queer spaces in DC.
"It's really an inspiration to say love yourself, love who you are. Be proud of who you are. Be proud of our history,” Burke said.
Soon, this won't be the only place putting Black queer history in the spotlight.
DC’s first Black openly gay councilmember is spearheading efforts to establish a commission, which will work on acknowledging and preserving the history of DC's Black queer legends, groups and businesses.
"We know that the narratives, the histories, the stories, the identities of non-white LGBTQ folk are often not those put at the forefront,” Councilmember Parker said.
The councilmember specifically noted advocates and living legends, Rayceen Pendarvis and Earline Budd. Parker also mentioned the founders of DC's first Black Pride festival in 1991 and The ClubHouse, opened by a group of Black LGBTQ Washingtonians in 1975.
Parker said these stories and acknowledgements could save lives.
"Growing up as a Black gay man, I longed for an affirming, what I would call, mirror. Someone to look back at me to say you belong and everything is ok,” Parker said.
The councilmember said even during his 2022 campaign, he was urged not to tell voters he's gay.
"Many advisers told me don't say it, don't tell it, don't be your authentic self. Don't share that much about yourself,” Parker recalled. "The hope is, with this commission, we can normalize people being their authentic selves."
Mykals and Burke say they are thrilled to now be part of this chapter of DC's history.
"We have come a long way as far as not feeling like we have to hide ourselves. I used to literally, deliberately wear a certain hat and glasses before I would go into a gay club,” Mykals said.
They're hoping their story and new space will inspire and uplift DC's Black queer community.
"When you see yourself and you see people like you are accomplishing and doing great things, it inspires others to do the same. We're the only right now, but we don't want to be the only forever,” Burke said.
The DC Council will vote on the Black Queer History Commission Establishment Act of 2023 in January of 2024
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