Chappell Roan‘s Rise Fuels a Rejuvenation of L.A.’s Queer Nightlife
Pasadena, CA – Chappell Roan’s highly anticipated performances this weekend at Brookside at the Rose Bowl aren’t just a testament to her meteoric rise as a pop star; they’re a powerful moment for Los Angeles’ vibrant, and increasingly vital, queer nightlife scene. The sold-out shows mark a significant milestone, reflecting a growing demand for spaces where the LGBTQ+ community can celebrate, connect, and find solace – especially during a period of heightened political tension.
Roan’s connection to the underground queer scene is well-documented. Amy Ordman, co-founder of the popular sapphic nightclub Futch, recalls Roan attending one of their early nights in 2022. “I came up to her and told her I loved ‘Pink Pony Club,'” Ordman remembers, “Even then, her reputation was ascendant.” That early support has blossomed into a reciprocal relationship, with Roan’s music consistently igniting ecstatic reactions at Futch events. “Whenever a song of hers comes on, people start screaming, they’re jumping onstage,” Ordman says. “That feeling of tangibly belonging to a community is what Futch was born out of.”
This weekend’s performances, held at the expansive Brookside at the Rose Bowl – a venue typically reserved for large-scale festivals - signal Roan’s arrival as a major force in pop music. But the impact extends beyond her individual success. Futch is capitalizing on the energy, hosting a post-show event at El Cid on Friday, anticipating a surge of fans eager to continue the celebration.
For many in the LGBTQ+ community, spaces like Futch and events like Roan’s concert are more than just entertainment; they are essential havens.”It’s such a tense time, and we need spaces like these to celebrate queerness, and to be around othre people who understand what we’re going through,” Ordman explains. “Chappell’s singing about experiences that really only our community can deeply understand.”
the resurgence of L.A.’s sapphic and queer nightlife – evidenced by the emergence of clubs like honey’s at Star love, parties like Hot Flash and Lez Croix, and cultural events like Verse4Verse poetry night – speaks to a growing need
