RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- One Richmond street may soon bear the name of the beloved owner of Virginia's one and only lesbian bar, who sadly died in late 2025. Babes of Carytown is one of the oldest lesbian bars in the country. Its owner, Vicky Hester, passed away in September 2025 at the age of 71. I n the wake of her death, those who knew her described her as a trailblazer and a pillar of Richmond's LGBTQ+ community. Just over a year after her passing, on Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Richmond City Council's Land Use, Housing and Transportation committee voted unanimously to recommend approval of an ordinance that would designate the 00 block of S. Auburn Avenue -- located near Babes of Carytown -- in Hester's honor. "During her lifetime, Ms. Hester was known for maintaining Babes' as a welcoming, inclusive and affirming space for people of all backgrounds, including employees and patrons," the ordinance reads. "She knew patrons by name and was dedicated to community improvement. Because she believed that businesses should be a force for good in the community, she actively supported efforts to improve the lives of others by supporting and hosting local organizations, nonprofit organizations, Virginia Pride, as well as other LGBTQ+ initiatives. Ms. Hester also donated food each week to the Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond's food pantry." PREVIOUS: 'Just keep showing up,' Babes of Carytown honors two late LGBTQ+ trailblazers during Pride Month Officials went on to describe Babes of Carytown as a "vital Richmond business and landmark in the heart of Carytown" and Hester as someone who "left an indelible mark on Carytown, Richmond and on generations of Virginians." If the city council ultimately votes in favor of honoring Hester in this way, a commemorative sign bearing her name will be added to street signs along this portion of S. Auburn Avenue. The street would still formally be called S. Auburn Avenue and no addresses would change. Richmond City Council will vote on this ordinance during a future meeting. ...read more read less