This article originally appeared in Virginia Pride Guide 2023. This is a version formatted for RVA Mag. You can read the whole original issue here.
In the ever-changing landscape of Shockoe Bottom, a district in Richmond, Virginia, one venue has proven to be a steadfast beacon of inclusivity, diversity, and joy for the city’s LGBTQIA community. This place is called Fallout, a nightclub known for its unconventional events and safe space for every kind of alternative lifestyle. Its owner and managing partner, Jackie Bishop, is a driving force behind the club’s creative energy and devotion to community.
Describing Fallout is no easy task, as it continues to evolve and adapt to the city’s needs. However, when pressed to characterize it, Jackie says, “It’s queer, a little bit kinky, you know? It’s basically a space for everybody that’s just trying to find a place to belong.”
Fallout’s commitment to inclusivity is clear, even as the city itself grapples with a lack of dedicated safe spaces for the LGBTQIA community. Fallout, alongside Godfrey’s, Babe’s, Thirty’s and Diversity Richmond, serves as an exception — a place where people are free to be themselves.
Bishop articulates the importance of these spaces, saying, “The most important thing when it comes to socializing is that everybody has a place to go. That they feel that they can have a good time and feel okay to be themselves.” This philosophy is what has led Fallout to become a cherished venue for those seeking acceptance.
Fallout’s transformation from a private lifestyle space to its current form was not an overnight process. As Bishop took over the venue in late 2014, she had a vision to make it not only an entertainment hub but also a community center. “I want a community center with drinks,” she laughs.
The evolution of Fallout coincided with significant shifts in Richmond, both legally and culturally, such as the legalization of gay marriage and the re-growth of Shockoe Bottom as an entertainment district. Despite these changes, Fallout has remained true to its ethos.
From dance parties with drag queens to unconventional events like Butch Lube Wrestling (a fundraiser for gender-affirming surgery), Fallout is unafraid to push boundaries and create unforgettable experiences. These events are more than mere entertainment; they are an expression of the club’s unique personality and a celebration of diversity.
When asked about her favorite events, Bishop lists a dance party called Gagged and a summer night where they “make it rain inside the building.” These fantastical celebrations capture the essence of Fallout, a place where creativity and community blend seamlessly.
The legacy of Fallout extends beyond its wild events and lively dance floors. It’s a sanctuary where people of all backgrounds, preferences, and lifestyles can find solace, joy, and acceptance. Through the heartfelt efforts of Jackie Bishop and her team, Fallout has become a symbol of what a community can achieve when love, understanding, and the freedom to be oneself are prioritized.
We mention to Bishop, “I need to go. I need to come by there more often!” Fallout beckons all who seek a place to belong—a place where they can be unapologetically themselves. With its doors open to anyone seeking refuge, fun, or a dance in the rain, Fallout stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of inclusivity and creativity that makes Richmond’s LGBTQIA community thrive.
Top photo of Jackie Bishop by Jody Adams
PAST EVENTS AT FALLOUT
Photos in the gallery are by Alicia Helm @long_leash and Bailey Kathryn Photography @baileykathrynphoto
