All-inclusive: Emerson owner Tyler Colton is opening The Selden, a new LGBTQ+ bar, in Midtown

For six years, The Emerson, in Midtown, has filled a hole in Reno’s nightlife landscape. 

It is more fun and less stuffy than expected from a midcentury-modern-inspired cocktail lounge; the soft design touches and vast collection of spirits create a welcoming environment. But what might seem like a kismet blend of ideas is a strategy devised by owner Tyler Colton, who has made it his mission to create spaces safe for everyone, where all who want to have fun and be kind are welcome. Now, in a time when definitively inclusive bars are needed more than ever, Colton is opening a new LGBTQ+ bar, The Selden—late this summer, if all goes according to plan.  

The Emerson has had quite a wild ride in its six years of business. It opened in July 2019, not long before the COVID-19 shutdowns. On top of the pandemic chaos came challenges like rising costs, changes in city codes, and a fickle drinking population. Evolution is a requirement for bars to succeed now, and Colton has had to evolve the bar to be what the community needs.  

“I think maybe having a child is the only thing that you can relate (opening a bar) to,” he said. “You’re nurturing it; you’re building it; and then you don’t know what it’s going to be like until it’s here, and even that will change.”  

Despite the challenge of raising a bar in a wild world, The Emerson has found a community because, as they say, it takes a village. Home to drag brunches and bingo, sing-along events like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and other highly decorated themed parties, The Emerson has raised more than $45,000 for local charities.  

“People say, ‘Don’t open a bar because you want a place to hang out,’ and I never had those intentions,” Colton told me. “It was always to create community and experiences.”  

The Selden will be across the street from The Emerson at the former Junkee Clothing Exchange. Colton described his vision for the new place as a darker version of The Emerson, with navy walls and black shelves and countertops, but with the early ’70s charm for which he is known.  

“The Selden is much more of a cabaret space,” Colton said. “I’m building the space to house all the things the community has loved. It’s the dance parties, the burlesque shows, the drag brunches, and all of that.” 

Increased vitriol from far-right activists and others looking to vilify the LGBTQ+ community has made opening places that cater to the community much harder than it should be. Most bars do not need to think about their patrons being terrorized, simply for being themselves, as part of their business model. 

“I have been followed to my car. I have been doxxed on Reddit. I have been hacked on social media,” Colton said. “I have to protect our community. So, we have to have a door person. We have to have cameras, every angle, everyone coming and going. Yeah, because we will be a target.” 

Colton has lived in New York and Los Angeles, working as a celebrity hairdresser. Still, his connection to Northern Nevada runs deep. He moved here in the sixth-grade, when his dad was the state treasurer. That’s also when he was coming out. He was the victim of bullying and abuse during this time, so while his love for this community is part of him, so is a lot of trauma.  

“I never thought in my life that I would come back to this area, and I would open up a gay bar, and that would be an achievement that I’m actually so proud of,” Colton said. “I am so excited and can’t believe that in a time that we really do need safe spaces again, especially in Northern Nevada, I’m able to do that and be part of that and be part of this community.” 

Another challenge The Selden faces is the city’s codes; Colton is currently advocating for himself and other small businesses to have the same rights as Jacobs Entertainment, which owns the J Resort and its festival grounds. The City Council recently approved a conditional use permit allowing Jacobs to host outdoor entertainment until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with two special events per year OK’d to go until 12:15 a.m. 

“We’re going to ask for the same thing—we want the same entitlement as them,” Colton said. He added that the city is working with him. 

I was elated to hear that a new LGBTQ+ bar was opening in Reno. These vibrant spaces are needed for Reno’s nightlife to feel whole; we need places where we can all come together and feel safe.  

When I asked Colton what he wanted people to know about his new bar, he said: “It will be a cabaret dance, all-inclusive, just a sexy upscale bar. Whether you’re gay or straight, everyone’s in there.”