First in the nation alcohol-free and LGBTQ+ bar opens in DC ahead of World Pride

WASHINGTON (7News) — An alcohol-free LGBTQ+ bar opened in D.C., becoming the first in the nation, ahead of World Pride coming to the Capitol this summer.

Nick Tsusaki, founder of Spark Social House, and Shua Goodwin, co-founder of the business, said that it’s been a whirlwind to be open for only a month, for now, ahead of World Pride.

“I know that not everybody gets the privilege of living somewhere as gay-friendly as DC, so I wanted to create a space that people from all over the world could enjoy when they're here,” said Tsusaki.

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Around 25% of the LGBTQ+ community has a moderate alcohol dependency, according to alcoholhelp.com.

Goodwin said that she is on a sobriety journey and wanted to provide a place for other people who do not drink, but want to dance and have fun. Tsusaki cited a recent study that said most people abstain from drinking simply because they do not want to.

“A lot of folks, they haven't been out in years,” said Goodwin. “There is still the DJ, music, it’s the nightlife scene, but there's no pressure at all for drinking alcohol.”

The Spark Social House founders said that among many personal reasons for not drinking, Gen Z drinks significantly less than other generations, which lets them break more into the “next generation of nightlife.”

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Tsusaki and Goodwin said that gay families and teenagers have been able to experience a queer space, sometimes for the first time.

“The earlier people have that experience, the sooner we can start combating our disproportionate use of alcohol,” said Tsusaki.

The safe space also extends to advocating for trans rights after World Pride organizers recently warned of heightened concern for transgender visitors, said the founders.

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"The more that we have visibility, like Shua taking the step to be so visible–and at great personal risk–is something that we need,” said Tsusaki. He said that as a veteran who served and traveled for eight years, D.C. is the best place to be a gay person, and still one of the safest to be a trans person, although there is room for improvement.

"Now more than ever, folks shouldn’t back down. To anyone feeling despair, I encourage them to channel their energy into resistance,” said Goodwin.