Edmonton’s Queer scene is slowly growing in its number of clubs, bars, and community events, but not all of them are commonly known - for example, the Empress Ale House, located on Whyte Ave and 99th Street. On the last Thursday of the month, the Empress holds a very well attended event called Beers for Queers.

The Empress explains this event with a textbook definition of the word Queer, followed by the statement, ”Gay, straight, bi, trans, free spirited, tall, short, skinny, fat, cross-eyed, one eyed, wooden legged, whatever…are ALL welcome!!!”

Beers for Queers started last June when owner Sue Kiernan and her long time friend Sean Thompson saw a need for some more Queer events in the City of Edmonton, following the closing of the Roost in December of 2007. Thompson stated that in conversations with Sue they decided that the Empress should try to get as involved in the community as possible. They did so by being a visible entry in the 2008 Edmonton Pride Parade and holding their first Beers for Queers night in tandem with Pride.

The Empress is very different from any other bar or club. Straight or queer, they provide a relaxed atmosphere where you can sit and enjoy yourself. There’s no shouting over obscenely loud music, uncomfortable security searches, cover charge, or shirtless folks attempting to garner extra tips. The crowd is more relaxed, with an Indie feel. I asked Thompson how the reception was, seeing how Whyte Ave has never really been seen as a GLBTQ friendly area.

“It has taken a few nights for people to get comfortable with the area,” he said, “however seeing familiar faces from the community helps build the comfort and reassures people that this is a safe space.”

Beers for Queers has never had a real push for advertising, other than by Facebook and word of mouth. When asked why, Thompson stated that the Empress has a maximum capacity of 100 people in the winter and 150 in the summer with the patio open. With the little advertising they actually do, there is normally a line formed from 9pm throughout the night. So extra advertising was not needed. They are going at a steady pace and hope to keep growing, soon planning to start a night specifically for Women in the community.

One statement Thompson wanted to make clear was that the Empress is not only open to the community on the Beer for Queer nights, but that they pride themselves in being non judgmental and open to everyone, every day.

If you’re looking for somewhere to sit back, relax, and enjoy a couple of drinks, I would highly recommend you try visiting The Empress Ale House. What better time to visit than the next Beers for Queers event, on February 26th.