Unearthing Norfolk's LGBTQ+ Past: From Continental Lounge Raids to Enduring Symbols

Norfolk, Virginia, a city steeped in naval history and coastal charm, also holds a vibrant, often untold, LGBTQ+ narrative. While the glitz and glamour of modern nightlife might be a draw, a deeper dive reveals a rich tapestry of community spaces, struggles, and enduring symbols that have shaped the region's queer heritage.

From the clandestine gatherings of the mid-20th century to the organized efforts of today's historians, Norfolk's LGBTQ+ story is one of resilience, remembrance, and the persistent human need for connection.

Imagine stepping back in time to the 1970s.

The air crackles with the energy of disco, and a downtown Norfolk establishment, the Continental Lounge on Tazewell Street, serves as a vital hub for the city's gay male community. What was once an internationally renowned jazz club in the earlier decades had, by the 70s, transformed into a sanctuary.

As jazz waned and the urban landscape shifted, the Continental embraced a new identity, catering to a community seeking connection and a space to be themselves, albeit under the watchful eye of societal prejudice and, often, law enforcement.

This era wasn't without its perils.

In January of 1977, a stark reminder of this came in the form of a police raid. Officer Russell James Volk and his vice investigators descended upon the Continental Lounge. Undercover officers mingled with patrons, observing the pulsating disco scene, the casual camaraderie, and the subtle intimacies of same-sex dancing, hand-holding, and embraces.

The scene, as described, was one of joyous expression, yet it was precisely this openness that drew the attention of law enforcement.

The raid resulted in the arrest of seven men. The charges, often framed around vague notions of "frequenting a bawdy house," highlighted the discriminatory practices of the time.

Interestingly, the individuals targeted didn't always fit the police's preconceived notions. Some were arrested on flimsy pretenses, with one individual even charged with prostitution simply for admitting their sexual orientation to an undercover officer. While some accepted the charges with small fines and short jail sentences, others fought back, successfully challenging their arrests due to a lack of evidence.

This episode at the Continental Lounge is more than just a historical anecdote; it's a powerful illustration of the systemic challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Norfolk.

The Tidewater Queer History Project: Bringing the Past to Light

Fortunately, the narrative of Norfolk's LGBTQ+ past isn't solely defined by such oppressive moments.

A new wave of dedicated individuals and organizations is actively working to unearth, preserve, and celebrate this history. The Tidewater Queer History Project, a collaborative effort supported by both academia and the community, stands at the forefront of this movement. Spearheaded by passionate students and insightful academics, like those at Old Dominion University (ODU), this project aims to bridge generational gaps and ensure that the stories of Norfolk's LGBTQ+ ancestors are not lost to time.

One of the project's most poignant initiatives involves walking tours that retrace the steps of LGBTQ+ life in Norfolk.

These tours visit locations, some no longer standing, that once served as crucial gathering places - bars, community centers, and cultural hubs. During these excursions, presenters share vital information and, crucially, solicit stories from attendees, breathing life into forgotten spaces.

These aren't just sterile historical accounts; they are vibrant recollections of laughter, camaraderie, and shared experiences.

Consider the experience of visiting a place like Hershee, a bar that, until its closure on Halloween, was a testament to the enduring spirit of the community.

For a student like Kindley, visiting Hershee for a birthday celebration became a moment of profound reflection. Witnessing older lesbians enjoying performances and sharing a touching rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine" underscored the deep connections forged within these spaces.

It's in these moments - the shared glances across a crowded room, the synchronized sway to a slow song, the heartfelt embrace on the dance floor - that the true essence of community is revealed.

Oral Histories and Enduring Symbols: A Legacy in Print and Stone

The Tidewater Queer History Project's work extends beyond physical spaces.

A significant aspect of their mission involves capturing oral histories, preserving the first-hand accounts of those who lived through pivotal moments. These interviews, often conducted with meticulous care and respect, become invaluable resources, offering a direct link to earlier decades.

For students participating in the project, delving into archival writings and photographs, and conducting these interviews, provides a tangible connection to their community's roots.

One of the tangible outcomes of this dedication is the creation of publications like "Our Own," a resource that Cathleen Rhodes, a women's studies professor specializing in queer studies at ODU, highlights as essential for students involved in the project.

The initial goal of digitizing existing copies of "Our Own" has since expanded to include a broader scope of oral histories and walking tours, creating a comprehensive archive of the region's LGBTQ+ past.

This effort to document is crucial, especially when considering the historical context of LGBTQ+ publications.

As acknowledged by researchers involved in similar projects in cities like Roanoke, early community publications sometimes reflected the biases of their time, often centering the experiences of white gay men and white lesbians to the exclusion of people of color, bisexual individuals, and transgender people.

Projects like the one involving Virginia Tech student Ashleigh Griffin, a Black nonbinary individual, actively work to correct these omissions. Griffin's interviews, particularly with drag queen Miss Grace Kelly, shed light on the experiences of Black LGBTQ+ individuals during eras of overt prejudice, including accounts of defiance and resilience, like Kelly's memorable story of throwing a cinder block at a vehicle that hurled slurs.

Beyond written and spoken word, the landscape itself can serve as a powerful archive.

The story of a simple etching on a slab of concrete near a Norfolk 7-Eleven, reading "Danny is gay," exemplifies this. Initially dismissed as a relic of adolescent taunting, the phrase was reinterpreted by an essayist as a profound affirmation of the enduring presence of LGBTQ+ people in every community.

The act of a listener later chalking over the etching in bisexual pride colors further illustrates the ongoing dialogue and connection to this simple yet powerful symbol.

The Future of Queer History in the South

The work being done in Norfolk is part of a larger, growing movement across the South.

Smaller cities and rural communities are increasingly unearthing their own LGBTQ+ stories, recognizing that academic institutions are beginning to catch up with the importance of this research. Organizations like Invisible Histories are fostering this momentum, planning conferences that bring together public historians, researchers, and activists to document LGBTQ+ history across multiple Southern states.

Norfolk is fortunate to have local historians like Dr.

Charles Ford, a history professor at Norfolk State University, who has dedicated over three decades to uncovering the LGBTQ+ figures who have shaped Hampton Roads. His upcoming guest blog posts promise to offer invaluable insights into the lives of queer ancestors, both recent and distant, shedding light on an era when homosexuality was not only illegal but also widely condemned.

As we look to the future, the continued dedication to preserving these narratives ensures that the LGBTQ+ history of Norfolk and beyond will not only be remembered but will also serve as a source of pride, understanding, and connection for generations to come.

The echoes of the Continental Lounge, the whispers of community gatherings, and the bold declarations etched in stone all contribute to a rich, complex, and ultimately, triumphant story.

Keywords: Norfolk LGBTQ+ history, gay bars Norfolk, Tidewater Queer History Project, ODU queer studies, Continental Lounge raid, LGBTQ+ community spaces, oral histories, Virginia LGBTQ+ history, Southern LGBTQ+ history, queer heritage.