By Kevin Ferrisi –

Celebrations were in full swing at Partners Cafe in New Haven, Connecticut, as the iconic establishment commemorated its 50th anniversary since opening its doors on March 20th, 1974. The milestone event was marked with a vibrant and unforgettable evening, featuring a line-up of local entertainers as well as the special guest, none other than Tatianna, a legendary icon from season 2 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and season 2 of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All-Stars.

Since its inception half a century ago, Partners Cafe has stood as a beacon of inclusivity, diversity, and community spirit in the heart of New Haven. From its humble beginnings, the cafe has evolved into a cherished gathering place for locals and visitors alike, offering a welcoming atmosphere. On Crown Street, Jack Garity opened Partners Cafe in 1974, in the spot where it is still operated by David and Bernard Kleman today. David and his husband Bernard have been at the helm of Partners for nearly three decades. Their journey began in the early ’80s when David worked as a bartender, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong commitment to the business. The duo took over ownership in 1996, marking the start of a new chapter filled with challenges and triumphs.

The night’s festivities commenced with a meet-and-greet session featuring the esteemed season 2 contestant, exclusive to VIP ticket holders. Excited fans queued up as the line wound its way around the second floor of the venue. Each attendee eagerly awaited their chance to capture a photo with Tatianna, marking the beginning of what promised to be an unforgettable evening. Following the meet-and-greet, the stage was adorned with the presence of local drag entertainers Kiki Lucia, Tiana Maxim, and adult entertainer Ricky Roman. Each delivered a performance that left an indelible mark on the audience. They set the stage ablaze with sensational performances, igniting the already buzzing atmosphere, and further fueling the excitement of the packed audience, all anticipating Tatianna’s performance to follow. Also, joining Kiki on stage during her first performance was local entertainer Ryder Die.

We reached out to David Kleman before the night’s celebration. When asked about the factors contributing to their success, David humbly attributed it to hard work and dedication. “You have to work at it every day,” David emphasized, highlighting the importance of consistency and perseverance in the face of adversity. Their unwavering presence and commitment to promoting the business have undoubtedly played a significant role in its enduring popularity. Partners has become a staple in the community, drawing patrons from all walks of life, including students from the nearby university, Yale. The owner expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received over the years, particularly from the local university crowd, which has been instrumental in their success.

“It’s a very friendly space for people who are just coming out or exploring their identities,” remarked David. Partners has cultivated an environment where individuals, particularly those starting their journey with drag or transitioning, feel comfortable and embraced. “They can walk in knowing it’s a safe place,” the owner added, reminiscing about the pivotal role the establishment played during the tumultuous ’80s when the AIDS epidemic gripped the nation. In fact, the origins of AIDS Project New Haven (now APNH) is deeply rooted in Partners having used their basement space for their initial meetings.

The highlight of the night undoubtedly came with Tatianna’s electrifying performance. As she took to the stage, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, eager to witness the magic of her artistry firsthand. With her impeccable charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, Tatianna delivered a show-stopping performance that captivated the audience from start to finish. Following her first performance of a lip-sync, to a mash-up that included ‘Gimme More’ by Britney Spears, she addressed the audience, “How are we doing tonight New Haven? I’m so excited to be here, it is my first time in New Haven and I have learned this city is quite gay! Me too,” as the crowd roared with laughter and applause. She later went on to say, “So, the 50th anniversary? I have to say I’m so privileged to be here to celebrate and all the girls tonight are absolutely amazing!”

David and Bernard have witnessed the evolution of the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene for over four decades. Partners has been instrumental in providing solace and sanctuary for gay individuals, offering a refuge where they could truly be themselves without fear of judgment. “It’s always been a safe place where gay people could always be who they wanted to be,” David emphasized. While the demographics have shifted over time, with a more diverse crowd frequenting the establishment today, Partners’ commitment to inclusivity remains unwavering. “In the beginning, it was predominantly gay,” recalled David, “but now it’s more of a 50-50 mix, with straight patrons joining in the vibrant atmosphere,” a testament to the greater acceptance and integration of the LGBTQ+ community in Connecticut.

After a short break, the night concluded with a second round of performances by local entertainers finishing off with another incredible performance by the Drag Race alum, Tatianna. Kiki Lucia took to the stage one last time inviting special guests from her drag family, her drag daughter Midnight and granddaughter Valeryan. Also, joining Tiana Maxim on stage during her second performance of the night were her drag daughters; Luna Asakura-Maxim and Barbelle Maxim. Tatianna returned to close the show with a lip-sync performance to a mashup that included ‘Too Little Too Late’ by JoJo. Once the performances concluded, drag enthusiasts hurried to the queens for snapshots alongside their beloved performers of the evening. Later, they congregated on the lower level of the venue to relax and revel in each other’s company, celebrating the memorable experience together.

Tatianna, a standout queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race, captivated audiences with her undeniable charm, fierce runway looks, and exceptional lip-sync performances. Rising to fame during the show’s second season, Tatianna showcased versatility, serving glamour one moment and sass the next. Her polished aesthetic and ability to command the stage earned her a spot in the hearts of fans worldwide. Tatianna’s journey continued on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars, where she solidified her status as a drag icon with her unwavering confidence and captivating presence. Throughout her Drag Race tenure, Tatianna proved herself as a force to be reckoned with, leaving an indelible mark on the drag community.

As the festivities continued late into the night, it was clear that Partners Cafe’s 50th-anniversary celebration would be a cherished memory for years to come. With its legacy of love, acceptance, and entertainment, Partners Cafe looks forward to many more years of serving as a beloved cornerstone of the New Haven community. As Partners continues to thrive, David and Bernard look forward to the future with optimism, grateful for the opportunity to serve their community for decades to come. Their story serves as a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and community support in sustaining local businesses through the years.

Partners Cafe is located at 365 Crown Street in New Haven and is open Sunday through Thursday: 8:00p.m. to 1:00a.m., Friday and Saturday: 8:00p.m. to 2:00a.m.