Richmond mourns loss of Babes of Carytown owner, LGBTQ+ trailblazer

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Richmond is mourning the loss of a woman many recognize as a trailblazer in the city’s LGBTQ+ community.

Vicky Hester, the longtime owner of Babes of Carytown, Virginia’s only lesbian bar, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 2. Loved ones tell 8News she was 71 at the time of her death and that she leaves behind her wife, Ashley, and their dog, Charlie.

Throughout the day, family, friends and patrons gathered outside Babes to leave flowers and share memories of a woman who they say turned a Carytown bar into a safe space.

“She gave 100% to this bar,” said Eddie Thompson, a former employee and friend.

Memorial outside of Richmond lesbian bar Babes in Carytown for its owner, Vicky Hester, who passed away. (Photo: Deniel Dookan/8News)

“The fact that she put so much of her time, her life, into giving us this space shows how much she loved us,” said Riddle, another former employee. “It means a lot that people clearly loved her back.”

For decades, Hester ran the historic Richmond bar, which celebrated 47 years in April. Known as one of the oldest lesbian bars on the East Coast, Babes has been more than just a nightlife destination -- it’s been a symbol of community, and of love.

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Morgan Marshall, a frequent customer, was among the dozens of people who added flowers to a growing memorial. Marshall said that, although she didn't know her personally, Vicky had an impact on women like her.

“It makes me feel empowered that ... as a woman, as a lesbian woman, that we could create a place like this,” Marshall said.

Several organizations that worked alongside Hester shared statements following the news of her passing, including The Lesbian Bar Project, which said Babes illustrated Vicky’s vision and touched lives across the world.

James Millner, director of Virginia Pride, said Hester’s work shaped Richmond’s LGBTQ spaces in ways that will last well beyond her lifetime.

“I think if Vicky could talk to us today, she would say: ‘Keep going,'" Millner said. "'You know this doesn’t end with me, because what I have given you is something that can live on well beyond this, whether it is the space or the sense of community and togetherness that that space has created.’”

Babes of Carytown said details about a celebration of life for Hester will be announced in the coming days.