HARRISBURG, Pa. — Stallions Club in Harrisburg will soon complete its transformation into Karma, a new LGBT+ nightclub. Karma celebrates that it is an LGBTQ-owned, operated and supported business. FOX43 sat down with new owner Nelson Mena to talk about the renovations and goals for the space.
The full interview with Mena is attached above and transcribed below.
Q: What do you think is missing from Harrisburg’s nightlife?
A: “I feel like Harrisburg’s nightlife is missing a little bit of fire and a little bit of ‘dinamisma’. I think we have great places here locally, but we're missing the offering of talent from bigger cities. To me, it seems like every Saturday night feels the same. So, I feel like we need to bring stuff that feels different, that makes people feel a reason to leave their house and come enjoy their night out. I know people that prefer to buy a ticket for a train or a, or a plane to go somewhere else to have fun, like New York City. What if we had stuff like that, offerings like that, here in Harrisburg? We will not only allow the people to stay here, but also potentially bring people from all over the place, starting with places like Lebanon and York and Lancaster. Can you imagine people from New Jersey or Maryland feeling like coming here to Harrisburg to join in? That's something we will only be able to achieve if we start offering new things.”
Q: Why is this a necessary business for the Harrisburg community?
A: "I am a true believer that LGBTQ businesses are just good to the economy. According to a recent study made by the LGBTQ National Chamber of Commerce, LGBTQ businesses contribute around $1.7 trillion to the United States economy and offer or create over 33,000 new jobs. That is a big economic power and I believe that politicians, corporations, society in general needs to recognize that kind of power. And that is something we should be feeling proud of."
Q: What will differentiate Karma from Stallions or any other LGBT bar in this area?
A: “I believe that there are two aspects that will make Karma different from other places here in Harrisburg. Number one is the facility's physical configuration. Stallions is currently the biggest nightclub in the region with four floors, and it's the only LGBTQ+ nightclub that actually has a dance floor. So, that's something that is very important and sets us apart from other businesses. Secondly, the heart. Harrisburg is going have the only nightclub owned by a Latino gay couple so far. Also, we have something in our veins. The rhythm, the dancing, the joy, the seasoning and that kind of influence, is 100% inevitable.”
Q: What is the legacy of Stallions? How do you plan on honoring it?
A: “I've been doing a lot of one-on-ones with people here in the community with the intention of myself out there. It is important for me, now more than ever, to build relationships and get to know people in the community. I've heard a lot of stories that are meaningful and that were impactful for me. I have heard a lot of people say that they consider that place home, and that is just simply beautiful. That is not something we would like to erase. A lot of people have created wonderful memories for life. Stallions was the first place that someone visited when they turned 21. Stallions was the first place that offered a platform to a lot of local drag queens to showcase our talents. It is a place where someone met their significant other or a place where someone proposed marriage. So, Karma, it's not going to be an eraser. Karma is going to be a rebirth and we have the intention to keep that kind of legacy alive.”
Q: How do you envision Karma contributing to this social fabric of Harrisburg’s LGBT community?
A: “I'll tell you something about me. As a certified community health worker and as someone who has been working the last five years in the marketing area based on social determinants of health, and as someone who started their professional career in the hospitality business, working with Marriott and Hilton amongst others, it is almost inevitable, almost impossible not to bring all of that background experience of giving back to the community one way or another. So, to me, Karma is not only a place where you're going to go to have fun during the night. We also plan to give back to the community by providing daylight activities to improve mental and physical health and provide resources and education to the community.”
Q: What events and promotions can people expect?
A: "We have a lot in mind. In order for us to bring life to Karma, we're going to have to be creative with a lot of activities, special events, theme parties. We also want to think about a lot of tribes and little groups that are not being properly represented or taken into consideration. Like the Lesbian Nights, we will have that done here. We also want to provide a place for non-binary people to feel comfortable and safe to socialize. We’re going to bring in, not only Latin nights, but also Arabic nights, Indian nights and show tunes with Broadway type of shows with live singing.”
Q: What are you most excited for?
A: "Honestly, the thing that I'm most excited about is just seeing people at Karma. Being able to introduce myself, shake people’s hands, and thanking them for just being there. I want people to feel special and I want them to leave Karma eager to come back."
Q: How do nightlife spaces contribute to a thriving LGBT community?
A: “Personally, I am a firm believer that nightlife spaces are sacred spaces for the LGBTQ communities. Why? Because those are free spaces where we can feel like ourselves. We can feel free without fearing being ridiculed or harassed. You can just be ourselves. That helps us with recharging, coping and thriving with all of the crazy things that are happening, not only in our community but in the country in general. We just came out of a pandemic, and we still feel the effects of it. So, having a space for the community where they feel safe, where they go to socialize, make connections and have fun. It's very important, not only for the community, per say, for anyone really.”
Q: It seems like diversity will be a cornerstone of your business. What does that look like for you?
A: “Diversity is everything to me personally, because Karma is not going to be a gay club. To me, Karma is an LGBTQ+ and allies’ space. To me it's really important that we think of each other as siblings. I am a firm believer that it doesn't matter what your sexual orientation is, or what your gender identity is or what your fashion sense is. We all deserve to be celebrated and to share some good time together. When we gravitate around great energies with acceptance, kindness and love, that's when the magic happens. You know why? It’s what Karma’s about: you get what you give.”
Q: So how do you plan on accomplishing having a diverse and welcoming space?
A: "I just came back from Orlando, Florida and I attended a club to do a little bit of research, to learn from other places and develop ideas for Karma. I noticed something that really caught my attention. There were around 300 people there in that club and the host would be saying, probably like every 30 minutes, words of advice, words of encouragement. ‘When a lady says no, that means no. Respect each other,’ and so on. I feel like people need a little bit of influence and encouragement in order to achieve that kind of diversity and synergy. At Karma, everyone is going to be celebrated, and safety is our number one priority. We don't want anyone to feel harassed or to feel bullied. Not only me as the head of leadership, but also my staff, is going to be properly trained to make sure that everybody gravitates to good energies without negative stuff happening around."
Q: How do you want someone to feel when they walk in?
A: "When someone walks in Karma, I want them to feel W-O-W. I want them to feel fabulous. I want them to feel flirty, but also, I want them to feel comfortable, safe and more importantly, special."