Fueled By a Common Passion: Meet Jesse Bailey

Jesse Bailey moved to Columbia a little over 12 years ago to start his life and to be surrounded by a more accepting and diverse community.

Bailey, who married last December, shares a home in the country with his husband, Justin, as well as their two very spoiled dogs. He spends his days at Busenbark Flooring & Granite and his nights at the Yin Yang Club, which he and Justin opened last summer with his cousin Heather and her husband, Jeff.

In his free time, Jesse can be found volunteering for community fundraisers such as Trail for a Cure, attending Mizzou events or soaking up music at the Roots N Blues N BBQ Festival.

Bailey describes the LGBT community in Columbia as a tight-knit group. “Everyone sticks together and works hand-in-hand to help with anything the community needs,” he shares. “There’s always someone willing to help.”

Bailey is excited about the future of his club and considers it a privilege to provide something to the LGBT community that he considers very important. “The nightclub offers a place for people to be who they are,” Bailey says. “Everyone is welcome, and we want them to be accepted no matter what.” He has a special place in his heart for college students and the secret lives they often lead. “We want to give them a place to go,” he shares.

Bailey is also excited to provide a place that keeps the drag community alive. “In my opinion, it’s truly an art form,” he says.

Bailey thinks Columbia is on the right track with building an accepting LGBT community that works together to fix issues and provide a safe place to call home. If he could change one thing, he would increase the activities for gay youth and create ways for families to get involved. “Gay youth need support,” he says. “It’s a hard step in life for most to come out, and family support changes everything.”