KATV | Little Rock-based "Hairpins" expands LGBTQ+ programming into Northwest Arkansas

February 20, 2026 at 5:17 PM

by Autumn Foltz

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — A Little Rock organization that creates event space for LGBTQ Arkansans is expanding into Northwest Arkansas, as organizers said demand for dedicated queer spaces continues to grow.

Hairpins began as a pop-up nightlife series for lesbian, queer women and gender-diverse individuals in Little Rock. Founders expected a modest turnout to their first event, but more than 200 people attended.

“It became very clear from that first moment that this is not just something that people in this area want,” said Viktoria Capek, executive director of Hairpins. “It’s something that they need.”

Since that first gathering, Hairpins has launched a nonprofit arm as lesbian-specific spaces continue to disappear nationwide. In the 1980s, there were more than 200 lesbian bars across the United States. Today, fewer than 40 remain.

Hairpins is now expanding into Northwest Arkansas through a monthly partnership with The Momentary in Bentonville. The group will host regular happy hour events, beginning March 11 from 5 to 9 p.m., with additional gatherings planned every second Wednesday.

The expansion comes as Arkansas lawmakers have passed legislation affecting LGBTQ residents, including restrictions impacting transgender Arkansans and access to gender-affirming care.

“We don’t have the power as just a couple of people to directly change these policies that are being enacted,” Capek said. “So we decided to take matters into our own hands in creating programming that would directly support these transgender individuals.”

In Little Rock, partnerships with local businesses have also helped expand that support. Tim Croft, owner and operator of Dog Eat Dog in the city’s SoMa neighborhood, said providing affirming spaces in the South is critical.

“A lot of the times queer communities don’t feel like they belong in southern states like this,” Croft said. “So to provide that kind of space and provide that community and help that community grow is really important.”

For Capek, the goal is long-term stability and visibility, regardless of the political climate.

“We don’t want to just live here anymore,” she said. “We want to thrive here.”