As Chappell Roan takes L.A., the city’s sapphic nightlife scene is hot to go

by

Back in 2022, Chappell Roan walked into Amy Ordman and Jess Panneton‘s new party.

I remember Ordman, one of the founders of Futch – that incredible, always-moving sapphic nightclub – telling me about the first time they met Roan. Apparently, it was at one of our nights at El Cid in Silver Lake. Even before Roan became the huge pop star she is now, everyone in the underground queer nightlife scene already knew her name and was talking about her. She was definitely someone to watch, even then!

Ordman remembers excitedly telling the artist she loved ‘Pink Pony Club,’ especially since it was so early in the artist’s career. He explained that whenever one of her songs played at their events, the crowd would go wild – jumping and screaming. He said that feeling of shared excitement and community was the whole reason Futch started in the first place.

Music

Chappell Roan experienced a major career challenge, but after moving back to Los Angeles, she publicly came out and transformed into a bold, sexually empowered pop artist. This reinvention helped her become one of the most talked-about new musicians of 2023.

This weekend, Roan is playing two sold-out shows at Brookside Park near the Rose Bowl in Pasadena – a large outdoor space that usually hosts major festivals. These concerts mark the end of her North American tour, and represent a significant step up in venue size, reflecting her rising popularity as one of the most exciting new pop artists of the last few years.

Futch hopes a large crowd of Roan fans will continue the celebration at El Cid after the concert on Friday. These shows offer a welcome chance for sapphic and queer people in L.A. to dress up and enjoy a night out, especially given the current challenging political climate and the generally subdued mood in the city’s nightlife scene.

With everything going on right now, it’s really important to have events like the Futch and Chappell Roan shows at the Rose Bowl where we can celebrate LGBTQ+ identity and connect with others who get it. That’s actually how our party started – I was looking for a place like that and couldn’t find it, so we created it ourselves. Chappell’s music speaks directly to the experiences that our community uniquely understands.

Los Angeles was experiencing a resurgence of LGBTQ+ women’s nightlife, with exciting new options appearing. Clubs like Honey’s, parties like Hot Flash and Lez Croix, and events like the Verse4Verse poetry night were all created to fill a need for more inclusive spaces and social scenes.

Ruby Fruit, the well-known Silver Lake bar that gained national attention, unexpectedly closed in January, blaming the wildfires’ economic effects. While it has since reopened, a general feeling of unease – stemming from economic troubles, political issues, and disasters – has led to many bars, clubs, and restaurants closing throughout the city. The popular queer party, Gay Asstrology, recently paused its events as well.

Music

Oasis’ recent concerts at the Rose Bowl were a welcome event for a city in need of some cheering up. One fan explained, “People just need a little joy, and seeing one of the best rock bands ever is a great way to get it.”

Roan is currently one of the most prominent and openly queer women in pop music. Her tour, “Visions of Damsels & Other Dangerous Things,” has the potential to revitalize local clubs in the same way Oasis’ reunion reignited interest in British rock among fans in Los Angeles – by encouraging people to actively support music venues and nightlife, which are facing challenges right now.

Mo Faulk, from Honey’s at Star Love, notes that with current economic challenges, people are hesitant to spend money and finding work is difficult. He believes nightlife offers a valuable escape – a chance to relax, connect with others, and momentarily forget worries.

Faulk’s club is hosting a special event on Saturday to celebrate Chappell, a decision they say was a no-brainer. Faulk explained that their DJs know Chappell personally and both of their communities overlap, making it a perfect opportunity for a fun and uplifting night for LGBTQ+ people.

Roan had a busy year, performing at Coachella, winning a Grammy for Best New Artist, and releasing two new songs: the energetic country track “The Giver” and the dreamy ballad “The Subway.” While a new album following 2023’s “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” isn’t expected immediately, the L.A. LGBTQ+ scene is eager to welcome Chappell back and celebrate her return.

Music

Let me tell you, in today’s pop landscape, where artists often build their brand *on* being openly flawed, Dua Lipa is a breath of fresh air. She’s remarkably poised and polished – a true professional who doesn’t seem rattled by the usual celebrity chaos. It’s a surprisingly refreshing quality, honestly.

If you’re a big fan of Chappell, you can even get a custom tattoo at Junior High in Glendale this Friday – they’re calling it a way to show your devotion! Also, on Thursday, the Stan Society is hosting a tribute event at the Echoplex to get everyone excited. The event will raise money for nonprofits that support transgender youth, which is especially important right now given recent challenges from the federal government.

Michael Weber and Jeffery Lyman, who run Stan Society, explained that their community wants inclusive and secure venues to enjoy music and feel accepted. They’ve seen growing attendance and a stronger connection among fans at events, suggesting people are really looking for real-life experiences together.

The Rose Bowl shows, happening around National Coming Out Day, will be a fun and exciting first experience with L.A.’s LGBTQ+ nightlife for many young people. It’s a great opportunity to discover more about the community and its vibrant culture.

Faulk praised Chappell’s contributions to the community, particularly for children. She explained that embracing individuality is empowering, but can be daunting without a supportive environment to begin. Faulk sees Honey’s as that safe starting point, providing a platform for young artists like Chappell to experiment and grow.

Chappell’s rising international popularity, along with the success of other openly queer pop artists like Doechii and Reneé Rapp, has inspired promoters to expand their events both at home and overseas. Futch has been taking their shows on the road, recently performing in the U.K. and Canada. However, Ordman doesn’t expect Roan to perform at Futch this weekend – it would likely be incredibly crowded!

Music

The new album by the nonbinary Netflix star, titled ‘I’m a TV,’ perfectly captures the indie sound popular with those who grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s. It’s a comforting listen, arriving at a time when many are pushing back against current trends.

With so many fans eager to continue the celebration after the Rose Bowl concert, it’s uncertain if the next up-and-coming artist like Chappell Roan will be performing at El Cid on Friday.

Ordman expressed excitement about the success of LGBTQ+ women artists, noting they’re achieving a level of prominence never seen before. She highlighted the importance of spaces like Futch for celebration and resistance, especially given the current political climate. She shared that hearing stories of couples who met at Futch is particularly meaningful to her.

Read More

2025-10-09 21:02