The beer industry has been crying out for a serious dose of Lady Justice. Fortunately, Lady Justice Brewing’s co-founder, owner, and head brewer Betsy Lay—alongside co-founders Kate Power and Jen Cuesta—has tackled prejudice and discrimination in the industry head-on this year, working to make beer more inclusive, equitable, and diverse.
In an often bleak and challenging year for women and marginalized groups in beer, Lay and Lady Justice have brought much-needed energy and positivity to the table. The brewery’s fun, bubbly Instagram feed; cute on-message branding; and playful yet meaningful beer names have all helped to normalize female and queer spaces in beer.
This year’s Big Gay IPA; So Much Queer, So Little Time Kiwi Belgian Ale; and Queerly Beloved Chocolate Coffee Blonde Stout (made with Goldspot Brewing Company and Big Rip Brewing Company) have delighted palates across nine states and Washington D.C., while forging a queer-positive beer community. Along with Goldspot, Lady Justice strengthened this community further by co-hosting this year’s inaugural Big Queer Beerfest, a celebration of queer beer spaces featuring Pride-specific beers from over 20 breweries, with a dollar going to LGBTQ+ charities for every pour.
As an industry spokesperson for equality, Lay appeared on CBS Morning’s nationwide show following the outpouring of sexist and gender-based incidents of harassment and violence in beer this summer. She co-founded the new Safe Bars P.A.C.T. initiative, an ongoing project committed to creating respectful workplaces in hospitality. Collaborating with BlaQ & Soul, Lady Justice is also raising awareness about neurodivergence in beer and fundraising for the Autistic People of Color Fund with a limited-edition, foeder-aged Saison, Infinite Poss-Abilities.
With 100% of Lady Justice’s income over costs supporting local charities and nonprofits, Lay quite literally puts her money where her mouth is, acting out her beliefs on every level and while brewing top-quality, award-winning beer. In a year when the stark reality of how much of the beer industry remains hostile to marginalized groups has been laid bare, Lady Justice is a joy and an inspiration to everyone trying to make the beer industry better.
Words,Ruvani de Silva