Trans Star Wendy Williams Seeks Donations to Save Her LGBT Bar

COOKEVILLE, Tenn.—Adult industry veteran and trans star Wendy Williams is asking for donations for a GoFundMe fundraiser campaign to save her LGBT bar Temptation Bar, which was forced to close in Cookeville, Tenn. due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

“One of the great things about my long career in the industry was having the savings to open my LGBT bar three years ago,” said Williams, who owns the bar. “It’s scary not knowing if I’ll be able to re-open because there’s no income coming in. My fans have been awesome supporting my camming and fan platforms, but that’s only going towards my personal household, not my small business. I hate to ask for help, but sometimes you have to swallow your pride and speak up.” 

Williams said she was grateful for the support she has received from the community: “I want to take a moment to thank Steven Grooby as well,” Williams added. “He donated first, before I even set up the GoFundMe. He continues to support independent trans women, even outside of porn, and I’m very thankful for his generosity.” 

To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/temptation-bar.

The bar had briefly closed for repairs after it received minimal damage when a tornado struck Cookeville in early March. The bar re-opened on March 13 for one weekend before closing due to the pandemic. But storm damages and loss of revenue have depleted Williams’ savings.

“We are all having to tighten our belts during this trying time as futures are frightening and uncertain. However anything you could do to help us will be greatly appreciated,” Williams added.

Among one of the most honored TS performers in the industry, Williams is a member of the AVN Hall of Fame and is a Transgender Erotica Awards Lifetime Achievement Award winner for a career that spans nearly 20 years. Her awards include the 2009 AVN Transsexual Performer of the Year and TEA Best Solo Site award, 2011 Urban X Best TS Interracial Website award, 2012 Urban X Transsexual Interracial Performer of the Year, 2014 Feminist Porn Honored Website award, 2016 Biggie Awards Social Media Personality of the Year, and the 2017 BBW Awards Trans Star of the Year. 

In addition to her official website, WendyWilliamsXXX.com, Williams is the owner of her own cosmetics line, PaintedByWendy.com.

For more, follow Williams on Twitter at @TSWendyWilliams and on Instagram @TSWendyWilliams.