Nashville’s Hidden Gem: A Bar for Everyone

Nestled in a cozy residential corner of Nashville’s artsy neighborhood, Chapstick is a lesbian-owned sports bar that’s making waves in the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. This unassuming bar, which opened in September 2025, is a testament to the power of community and the importance of creating spaces that cater to diverse tastes and identities.

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As you step inside Chapstick, you’re immediately immersed in a world of sports and fun. The bar is decked out in a riot of color, with Tiffany-style billiards chandeliers, Hawaiian shirts with mermaids, and tees printed with proverbs like ‘Pussy gon eat you.’ It’s a space that’s unapologetically queer, yet welcoming to everyone who’s human.

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The brainchild of Jonda Valentine and Christa Suppan, Chapstick is the second officially recognized lesbian-owned bar in Nashville, following in the footsteps of The Lipstick Lounge, which opened in 2002. Suppan, who’s worked in the restaurant and bar industry for over 35 years, shares a vision for Chapstick that’s centered around creating a space where people can feel at home.

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‘Chapstick was a totally selfish endeavor,’ Suppan says. ‘I always wanted to have a bar to highlight women’s sports because there was no one even showing women’s sports. If you went to a sports bar, you had to beg to get them to put something on.’

And that’s exactly what Chapstick has done. With 39 TVs streaming sports games, from the NHL playoffs to a WNBA match, this bar is a haven for sports fans of all kinds. But it’s not just about the sports – it’s about the community that comes together to enjoy them.

As you explore the bar, you’ll notice a host of talismans and symbols that celebrate the lesbian experience. There are rainbow flags hanging from the ceiling, and a drag queen-hosted karaoke night that’s a testament to the power of self-expression. It’s a space that’s unapologetically queer, yet welcoming to everyone who’s human.

But Chapstick’s success isn’t just about the bar itself – it’s about the impact it’s having on the wider community. As Suppan notes, ‘Of all the places in the universe to have a women-owned bar that is queer-focused, I would say Nashville was probably a poor choice. However, I feel like it’s a very important thing for us to be here.’

And that’s exactly what Chapstick has achieved – a space that’s not just a bar, but a community, a haven, and a symbol of hope for a more inclusive and accepting world.

The Rise of Lesbian Sports Bars

Chapstick is just one of a growing number of lesbian sports bars that are popping up around the country. From The Sports Bra in Portland, Oregon, to Babe’s in Chicago, these bars are creating spaces that cater to the needs and desires of the LGBTQIA+ community.

According to a recent article by Condé Nast Traveler, the number of lesbian bars in the US has grown from 21 to 37 over the past two years. And it’s not just the number of bars that’s increasing – it’s the sense of community and belonging that they’re creating.

As Suppan notes, ‘Probably more important now than ever. We watch [the state government] have their hate bills, and we watch them target us and target our brothers and sisters, and it’s highly disappointing that this is the state I live in. I think it makes it even more important that we do have this space, that we can feel like we’re of like mind and people can gather here.’

A Space for Everyone

Chapstick is more than just a bar – it’s a space that’s welcoming to everyone who’s human. It’s a space that’s unapologetically queer, yet inclusive and accepting of all identities and expressions.

As you explore the bar, you’ll notice a host of talismans and symbols that celebrate the lesbian experience. There are rainbow flags hanging from the ceiling, and a drag queen-hosted karaoke night that’s a testament to the power of self-expression.

But it’s not just about the bar itself – it’s about the community that comes together to enjoy it. Chapstick is a space that’s creating a new kind of community, one that’s based on acceptance, inclusivity, and love.

The Future of Chapstick

As Chapstick continues to grow and thrive, it’s clear that it’s more than just a bar – it’s a symbol of hope for a more inclusive and accepting world.

With plans to expand to other locations, Chapstick is poised to become a national phenomenon, a space that’s welcoming to everyone who’s human.

As Suppan notes, ‘Chapstick was a totally selfish endeavor. I always wanted to have a bar to highlight women’s sports because there was no one even showing women’s sports.’ And that’s exactly what Chapstick has achieved – a space that’s not just a bar, but a community, a haven, and a symbol of hope for a more inclusive and accepting world.