Iconic Nashville LGBTQ+ Bar TRAX Shuts Down after 19 Years due to Lease Termination during Pride Month

Nashville’s Beloved LGBTQ+ Bar TRAX to Close after 19 Years

TRAX’s Lease Terminated during Pride Month, Forcing Relocation

Nashville-Tennessee, a city known for its vibrant music and LGBTQ+ scene, is saying goodbye to a significant part of its community. TRAX, a beloved bar for LGBTQ+ patrons and allies, is facing closure after nearly two decades serving as a sanctuary in the heart of Music City. The establishment was forced to confront this eventuality when its lease was abruptly terminated.

History of TRAX: More than Just a Bar

Opened in September 2005, TRAX proudly stands on the bustling corner of Ensley Boulevard and Bianca Paige Way. As part of Nashville’s cultural landscape, the bar was more than just a place to drink; it was a place for people to assemble, feel safe, and express their individuality.

“A lot of people call it their home bar, a place they feel comfortable, where they can hangout and be themselves”, TRAX’s Owner Steven Kiss shared. TRAX General Manager Kimmie Mayfield added, “We’ve been here for so long and did so many things for so many people”.

Forced Termination of Lease Sparks Disappointment during Pride Month

The news of its closure comes during Pride Month, an especially poignant time for the LGBTQ+ community. The building’s owner has plans to revamp the building to house a vet clinic, resulting in the termination of TRAX’s lease. This sudden twist of events has naturally caused disappointment and sadness among TRAX’s patrons and staff. “It’s sad to lose something that holds so many memories”, lamented Kiss.

A New Home for TRAX: The Search Begins

Kiss is now actively searching for a new home for TRAX. A challenging endeavour, considering the need for a space that not only suits TRAX’s colourful spirit but also falls within budget constraints. “It’s going to take time finding the right fit and something affordable, so we don’t have to charge $15 for a beer or something like that”, Kiss explained.

Aiming to Reopen: Hope Prevails in Uncertain Times

Despite this setback, the vibe at TRAX remains hopeful, as the team aims to re-emerge in a new location. They plan on staying open until the first week of July and hope to reintroduce TRAX when they find a suitable new location. Kiss hopes to continue the legacy of TRAX’s welcoming atmosphere and genuine sense of community – for both new faces and old.

As the TRAX team plans for their final weeks in their current location, they have a series of events planned which include their annual “Stonewall Drag Show” on June 28, their Pride Celebration, a final tribute to the role TRAX played as sanctuary during the tumultuous years of the Stonewall Riots.

“Hopefully we bring the community together and do a last hoorah in this building and then repeat at the next”, said Kiss.