Westport’s vibrant new queer space Q KC promises dancing, drinking, and a sense of belonging

Lance Pierce, co-owner of Q KC. // Photo courtesy of Q KC.

Stepping into 504 Westport Road, you’re greeted by a huge pink velvet curtain and a gold giraffe with a chandelier in its mouth. You’re not in a fever dream—you’re at Q KC, Westport’s newest queer bar. After opening its doors on Feb. 14, Q KC’s mission is clear: to bring the queer community together in a safe, vibrant space.

Owned by Lance Pierce and Brett Allred, Q KC is more than just a bar or nightclub—it’s a space dedicated to joy, safety, and freedom. Pierce describes it as a place where the queer community can feel truly at home. “Our key performance indicator is to maximize queer joy,” he says.

Q KC’s creation was inspired by years of experience with Pierce’s Queer Bar Takeover program. Every second Saturday of the month, the program transforms a traditionally straight bar into an inclusive, welcoming space for the queer community. After eight years, Pierce says the program has been immensely successful. “We’ve taken the queer community to over 100 bars citywide, and reclaimed space that has traditionally felt unsafe for them,” he says.

When selecting bars to partner with, Pierce emphasized the importance of staying true to the concept of the Queer Bar Takeover. “We said, no, thank you. We’ll find somebody else to partner with who wants us to show up fully,” he says.

For Pierce, opening a bar and creating a dedicated space for the queer community felt like a natural next step. His first move? Finding someone who knew how to run a bar.

Enter Brett Allred, a seasoned bar owner in KC with establishments like Lotus and Bar + Rec under his belt. He’s owned the building for several years, with his nightclub, Bridger’s, operating there until Feb. 2024. Partnering with Allred to bring Q KC to life was a no-brainer for Pierce. “Brett told me, ‘I believe when you tell me this is what the queer community needs, and I’m going to take my resources and know-how and help you make this happen,’” Pierce recalls.

From a 19th-century general store to a vibrant queer haven—Q KC breathes new life into one of Westport’s oldest buildings. // Photo courtesy of Q KC.

Q KC occupies one of Westport’s oldest buildings. Long before the gold-leaf backsplash and glitter grout decorated the bar, the building was a general store. In 1866, Jim Bridger purchased Cyprien Chouteau’s store at 504 Westport Road.

For Pierce, the building’s historical significance is a key part of Q KC’s identity. “This was where you’d get supplies for your covered wagon and head west to find a new life,” he said. “Now, the gays have moved in, and Westport is very excited to have us here.”

Community input played a key role in shaping Q KC, with over 300 tours of the space given during construction. “We want to keep making changes and ensure we’re responding to the needs of the community,” Pierce says.

At Q KC, it’s not just about drinking and dancing—it’s about cultivating a sense of belonging. The space itself radiates joy, with colors and designs that capture the vibrant, inclusive spirit of the queer community. “We’ve used the rainbow as inspiration, but elevated the color palette,” Pierce explained. Traditional silhouettes in the furniture and architecture frame the bold colors and intricate designs of the murals and wallpapers.

Built for durability, the dance floor at Q KC is a no-rules space where you can dance anywhere and everywhere. // Photo courtesy of Q KC.

The art incorporated into the space isn’t just decoration—it’s a celebration of community and identity. Murals by artists Jared Horman, Miles Crowley, Kerry Grant, and Jessie Green, along with interior designers Will Brown and Abraham Colone, capture the bold, modern spirit of Kansas City’s queer community and Q KC.

One of the most important elements of the space is its ability to serve as a hub for cross-generational connection within the queer community. “It’s really allowed us to weave the community back together again,” Pierce noted, reflecting on the importance of uniting both seasoned queer individuals and passionate young people who represent the next wave of the movement.

Q KC was designed with a diverse range of guests in mind. Naturally, there’s a lively dance floor where you can dance on pretty much anything, with no rules on what counts as a dance surface. For those who prefer a chat over getting down, the club has spaces designed for easy conversation, with sound-dampening foam in the walls. And yes, pink earplugs are available for guests who need them. Plus, outside the dance floor, you’ll find no flashing lights. Upstairs, you’ll find the Q & A lounge—a quieter spot to sip, relax, and yap with friends. And of course, you can’t forget the patio space, equipped with space heaters for chilly weather and fans for hot summer nights.

The Q&A lounge provides a space for relaxed conversation away from the energy on the dance floor. // Photo courtesy of Q KC.

The inclusive ethos extends to Q KC’s drink menu, which offers both alcoholic and zero-proof cocktails. “We want the sober community to feel welcome here too,” Pierce explained.

The venue also features a coat check, inviting patrons to “lay down your coat, lay down your worries, and have a good time.” Pierce sees this small detail as a symbol of safety for those who might not always feel secure in public spaces. “Sometimes you need to cover up, but once you’re here, this is the place where you can let go and enjoy yourself,” he says.

For Pierce, Q KC represents more than just a bar; it’s the beginning of a revolution. “I think this is the beginning of an opportunity for a group of people to take their rightful place in the social and political scene,” he said. “Love is the most radical act of all.” The space serves as a catalyst for healing, community, and joy.

As the doors opened on Feb. 14, Q KC began its journey to become more than just a space to dance—it’s a place where the queer community can truly thrive, fostering unity, joy, and a collective spirit. “It’s about compounding the connection every day,” Pierce says. “It’s about growing, and making sure everyone finds a place.”