News Summary
South Press Café, a beloved establishment in Knoxville’s LGBTQIA+ community, will close at the end of June. Opened in 2020 by Joslynn Fish, it became a fixture for connection and support, hosting numerous community events. The café has announced a series of farewell activities throughout June, including a final family supper and several Pride Month celebrations. While its physical presence will be missed, its legacy will live on in the connections it fostered among community members.
Knoxville – South Press Café, a cherished gathering place for Knoxville’s LGBTQIA+ community, is set to close its doors at the end of June, after officially announcing its departure on June 1. Established in July 2020 by Joslynn Fish during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic, the café has served as a vital hub for connection and support within the community for the past five years.
In her announcement regarding the café’s closing, Fish expressed gratitude for the positive influence the establishment has had on the community, while reflecting on the journey they have undertaken since opening. She indicated that five years felt like a fitting period for them to transition into new chapters.
South Press Café not only provided a space for food and beverages but also became a venue for multiple community events, including open mic nights, drag shows, and local LGBTQ+ initiative fundraisers. It became a communal landmark where individuals felt they truly belonged, fostering relationships and supporting resources that strengthened the community fabric.
Final Month Activities and Pride Month Events
In light of its impending closure, South Press Café will host several events throughout June, concluding with a “one last family supper” on June 29. This sentiment of community and togetherness reflects the spirit that the café has long promoted and is particularly poignant as June also marks the beginning of Pride Month.
The café’s closure will come amidst a mix of local Pride celebrations, including a Pride Night at Zoo Knoxville, which kicked off on June 1 as Knox Pride’s largest fundraiser of the year. Additional key events include the 5th Annual SoKno Pride scheduled for June 21 and the Pride Variety Show at the Tennessee Theatre on June 8, which will feature diverse performance arts. Furthermore, the 8th Annual Pride Bar Crawl is expected to draw over 250 participants on June 28, highlighting the vibrant culture and unity within Knoxville’s LGBTQIA+ community.
Community Reactions and Broader Context
As June unfolds with excitement surrounding various Pride Month events, community members are encouraged to gather and celebrate. Despite the café’s closing, the owner has emphasized intentions to create a memorable final month, urging everyone to come together to create lasting memories, indulge in creativity, share laughter, and strengthen the community bonds forged throughout the years.
Ultimately, while South Press Café’s physical presence will soon come to an end, its legacy within Knoxville’s LGBTQIA+ community will remain, as it has played a significant role in shaping a welcoming environment and fostering connections among individuals.
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Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: Pride Planner – A Farewell to South Press Café
- Knox News: Knoxville LGBTQ+ Coffee Shop South Press Café Closing This Pride Month
- WBIR: Pride Night at the Zoo Preview – Knoxville Zoo 2025
- WBIR: 4th SoKno Pride – June 29, 2024
- TN Tribune: Civil Rights Groups Respond to Absurd Legislation
