One of the first things people notice when they visit Lexington is the many ways it embraces diversity – everything from the people and pastimes to the architecture and industry reflects a unique melding of cultures. Throughout the month of June our nation celebrates Pride, and Lexington is no exception; in fact, ours is the biggest celebration in Central Kentucky! In June of 2017, the city installed rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of Limestone and Short Streets, in recognition of where our annual Pride Festival takes place. Personally, I love it, because it adds a little piece of Pride to every day of the year. 🌈
Throughout the year – not just in June – Lexington restaurants (namely those downtown) offer a plethora of drag brunches! How’s that for another unique cultural element? Whether you’re old hat or a first-timer, here’s what on deck for the rest of the month:
- Ranada’s Bistro and Bar is up first on Sunday, June 23 with Jenna Jive and Friends. Don’t miss this buffet of epic proportions – a feast for stomach AND the eyes! Reservations strongly recommended.
- Lussi Brown Coffee Bar, in partnership with Kentucky Fried Sisters, will also be holding a Pride brunch on Sunday June 30. This is my first exposure to the KFS…has anyone else had an experience with them?
- Back in March, Lockbox kicked off their seasonal drag brunch series to usher in Pride Restaurant Week; on June 30 get ready for round 2! Reservations required.
- For our neighbors to the north, Metropole (in Cincinnati) will host Don’t Be a Drag, Just Be a Queen on June 23. If Lady Gaga makes a surprise appearance, I’m going to be so upset.
- Since I included one nearby non-Lexington locale, I guess it’s only fair to mention some events for the dirty birds. 😉 Le Moo will be hosting drag brunch on June 23, as well as Taylor Swift drag brunch on both June 29 and June 30! Proof on Main will also be throwing a drag brunch on June 29.
No one prepared me for my first drag brunch and to be honest, it was a bit awkward. In the interest of sparing even one person from potential pitfalls, here are some fantastic TIPS. If I could expand upon two pieces of advice, they would be:
- Leave your ego at the door. Loosen up, it’s going to be FUN!
- Don’t forget your dolla dolla bills. If you do, you’ll either want to crawl under the table and hide, or be that person slipping out to find the nearest ATM. Either scenario will feel equally humiliating.
