Lance Pierce isn’t just building a nightclub—he’s creating a movement. As the founder of Queer Connect KC and the driving force behind Q Kansas City, Lance has dedicated his life to forging spaces where LGBTQ+ people can celebrate, connect, and heal. His journey is one of passion, perseverance, and deep community commitment.
From Small-Town Roots to Big-City Impact
Lance’s journey began in a farming town of fewer than 200 people, where he learned firsthand that survival—and success—depend on community. Growing up on a farm, he watched his parents and neighbors share equipment, buy seed in bulk for better deals, and support one another through cooperatives. “It wasn’t just about working the land,” he says. “It was about working together.”
Moving to the city was a shock. “People were so disconnected—so focused on going it alone,” he recalls. “Back home, we knew the power of collective effort. In the city, that mindset felt lost.” That realization sparked his life’s mission: to build spaces where community isn’t just an afterthought but the foundation. Spaces where people show up for each other, just like they did in the town where he grew up.
A Lifelong Advocate for Queer Spaces
Lance has always been a leader. In college, he founded Allies in Action, an organization designed to educate and empower allies to advocate for equal rights. Later, he worked with Hallmark’s employee resource groups and became a founding board member of the Mid-America LGBT Chamber of Commerce, always focused on building bridges.
But he knew the community needed something more—something tangible. So he created Queer Connect, a platform designed to amplify queer voices and bring people together. One of its most successful programs, Queer Bar Takeover, has been redefining Kansas City nightlife for nearly a decade, transforming traditionally straight bars into vibrant, inclusive spaces.
Building Q Kansas City: A Dream Realized
For Lance, nightlife isn’t just about music and drinks—it’s sacred. “For many in the gay community, bars have become our sanctuaries,” he explains. “Historically excluded from churches, we've created our own places of fellowship—where drag queens and performers preach the gospel of self-acceptance, and music becomes a shared spiritual experience. It’s where we sing, dance, and find belonging, not just tolerance. True joy comes from being seen, celebrated, and loved for who we are.”
That belief is what led him to create Q Kansas City, a nightclub built by the community, for the community. Every detail, from the trauma-informed design to the intentional gathering spaces, was developed with community input. “We brought people through the space multiple times during construction to make sure it aligned with what they needed,” Lance says. “This isn’t just a club—it’s a home.”
Q Kansas City isn’t just a place to dance; it’s a multi-layered experience. Whether it’s the quiet, intimate lounge upstairs, the high-energy dance floor, or the cozy outdoor patio, every part of the club was designed to allow people to be their full, authentic selves. “We want people to find their community here—to connect with those who’ve walked this path before them, build lasting friendships, and truly feel a sense of belonging,” Lance says.
Healing Through Community
Beyond nightlife, Lance envisions Q Kansas City as a space for healing. His own journey—shaped by Buddhism, meditation, and somatic healing—has deepened his understanding of the queer community’s collective pain. “I believe we carry a shared trauma,” he says. “Healing takes time, but it starts with intentional spaces like this—places where we can come together, reconnect with ourselves, and transform that pain into something powerful.”
That’s why Q Kansas City will be more than just a nightclub—it will be a hub for activism, education, and community organizing. “This will be a headquarters for the movement,” Lance says. “A space where activism meets culture, where we make change feel exciting, accessible, and undeniably cool—bringing more people into the work.”
Lessons from the Journey
Building Q Kansas City hasn’t been easy. Construction delays, unexpected setbacks, and the responsibility of creating something truly community-driven have tested Lance’s patience. But for him, the process was never about speed—it was about doing it right. “We could have rushed to open, but we didn’t,” he says. “We took our time because we wanted to build something that truly serves our community.”
And that patience has paid off. “The most rewarding part is watching queer people come alive—seeing them laugh, dance, take pictures, and just be,” he says. “That’s what this is all about. Creating a space where we don’t just exist—we thrive.”
For those looking to create change, Lance keeps it simple: “Start small. Pay attention to what’s needed. Build something meaningful for a few people and really listen to them. Keep going. Keep pushing. One day, you might just be opening your own space.”
Join Lance in the Movement
As Q Kansas City prepares to open on February 14, 2025, Lance’s vision is finally becoming reality. This isn’t just another nightclub—it’s a sanctuary, a home, a space where queer people can dance, heal, and build the future together.
So mark your calendars, Kansas City. As Lance says:
“Let’s dance.”
Comments