Is the only LGBTQ+ nightclub within a hundred miles of Tri-Cities closing? What we know

For decades, Tri-Cities has had only one LGBTQ+ venue.

The Out and About is a queer nightclub in Pasco, and it has been a mainstay for Tri-Citians since its creation.

While other venues have hosted Pride nights, fundraisers, drag shows and other events for the local LGBTQ+ community, nowhere is dedicated to being a LGBTQ+ establishment and safe space like Out and About.

Now a deal to sell the Out and About building in downtown Pasco may have collapsed, leaving the future of the only LGBTQ+ nightclub within a hundred miles of the Tri-Cities in doubt.

Out and About potential buyer

Ignacio Ayala, owner of Kennewick’s OK Auto Sales, posted that he planned to buy Out and About, but then backed out on Monday, Aug. 26, amid pushback from fans who feared losing a mainstay of the queer community.

Within a few hours, the post was deleted, and the entire OK Auto Sales Facebook page was taken down.

In a phone call with the Herald just before 3 p.m. Monday, Ayala said he is now unsure if he’ll back out of buying the club, and the deal is currently up in the air.

The pushback began after a club employee posted about what she described as a concerning encounter with Ayala when he showed up backstage in the performers’ dressing area on Aug. 16.

She said she didn’t know who he was and felt he was invading the performers’ privacy. That’s when he announced he was the buying the business and allegedly threatened to fire her. She also accused him of misgendering her throughout the dispute.

“This man is Pedro Ayala,” Brandy wrote in an online post. “He will be the new owner of the Out and About club. He is not an ally to the queer community and is not going to keep the club as a gay bar.”

The day after Brandy’s post, an apology was posted on the OK Auto Sales Facebook, though it was later deleted:

“I want to start off by saying I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ+ community. It was not my intent to hurt anyone and I believe there is a huge misunderstanding. However, I realize that intent does not equal impact and for that, I am deeply sorry. I would like to announce that I am backing out of the deal and no longer buying Out and About. Moving forward, I would like the club to remain as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community.”

Out and About business status

It remains unclear what the future holds for Out and About.

Owners Michael Larsen and Jonathan W. Thomas formed The Guys LLC and bought the building and club for $190,000 in June 2023, according to Franklin County records.

They could not be reached Monday about their plans to sell the business and building across the street from the downtown Pasco Post Office.

However, The Guys LLC missed the April deadline to pay its first-half property tax bill of $700, according to Franklin County records. By law, they have three years to pay any unpaid taxes and interest before the property is at risk of being foreclosed on.

They also face the imminent loss of both their liquor license and Pasco business license, both of which are set to expire on Aug, 31, according to the Washington state Department of Revenue.

State records show Ayala, the would-be owner, and his partner, Isidro Gomez, established a new business, Iguanas Nightclub on Aug. 23. State records show business and liquor license applications were still pending on Monday.

Out and About sale community reactions

Rumors about the club’s closing fueled many angry comments and shares. One Reddit post was made on the matter, which has since been removed by moderators.

Locals shared their worries about losing the one designated space for queer folks in Tri-Cities. Several people reminisced about happy memories at the nightclub, including meeting their friends or partner, returning for favorite events and connecting with Tri-Cities’ drag queens.

Others wondered where they could frequent instead, asking if any spaces were as welcoming or safe.

The Tri-Cities LGBTQ+ community, including current staff at Out and About, has expressed how important it is that the venue remain a safe space.

“I know that bar meant a lot to me, I think we all have our memories there,” Brandy told the Herald. “I think it’s one of the few safe spaces we have.”

She told the Herald that several people are working to encourage any new owners that the space needs to remain a queer-dedicated establishment.

This story was originally published August 26, 2024 at 5:55 PM.