The block of South Auburn Avenue that lies between Ellwood Avenue and West Cary Street could soon also be known as “Vicky Hester Way,” in honor of the longtime owner of famed lesbian bar Babe’s of Carytown, who died last year.

Nearly every member of Richmond’s City Council is backing an ordinance that would bestow the designation on the block. The measure sailed through a council committee earlier this week. 

“There’s no words for Vicky Hester,” said Councilor Stephanie Lynch (5th District), who choked up while speaking. “She brought light everywhere, and she still brings it because she created a space where everyone can be loved.”   

Hester died of cancer last September at age 71 after decades of running a business that proudly proclaimed itself “the oldest lesbian bar on the East Coast.” She was also a steadfast contributor to the Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond’s food pantry and a supporter of other local groups and LGBTQ+ initiatives.

For many LGBTQ+ Richmonders, the Carytown establishment became a haven and a community. 

“For me, Babe’s was more than a bar. It was a safe space,” wrote Denny Henson in one letter of support for the honorary designation. “Coming from a small town in North Carolina, I had experienced enough hostility to know that being able to walk into a place where I could simply be myself and not fear bullying, harassment, or physical danger — was something precious.” 

Travis Warren told the council that Hester “was more than a business owner.” 

“Through Babe’s of Carytown, she created a place for generations of people to experience life and find home and family,” he said Tuesday. 

Designating the block of South Auburn for her would “preserve her legacy in the neighborhood she helped shape,” he concluded. 

The honor has also garnered the support of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, which wrote to the City Council to note the recent decline in lesbian bars nationwide and the unique role that Babe’s has played in the city.

“Richmond has long recognized pre-colonial, colonial, Civil War, revolutionary, civil rights and natural preservation for other parts of its history — Monument Avenue, Church Hill and St. John's Church, the Virginia State Capitol, and the list goes on,” wrote Wirt Confroy, director of business development and LGBTQ+ marketing for the tourism group. 

“I hope the city will now include that same recognition extended to the city's LGBTQ+ history as well — and to Vicky (and Babe’s of Carytown), whose passion, work and legacy for community has made such a big difference in so many people's lives,” he continued.  

Honorary street designations do not replace existing street names but exist alongside them. 

The ordinance is expected to come before the full City Council for a final vote Sept. 28. 

Contact Reporter Sarah Vogelsong at svogelsong@richmonder.org