Gay clubs downtown
LA’s newest gay bar inherits Downtown’s queer legacy
Reggie Chrishon says after his favorite gay bar closed 20 years ago, he prayed — literally prayed — to one day step back into that familiar welcoming place at 107 West 4th Street in Downtown LA.
The Alabama native moved to Southern California more than 30 years ago. Back then, Chrishon was closeted, and happened upon the watering hole by accident.
“I was wrestling with my desire in men,” Chrishon explains. “Because [of] my Christian upbringing, I was told it was not the right thing to do, but I was doing it anyway on the side.”
Score was the first same-sex attracted bar Chrishon ever stepped foot into: “I used to pass by this area across the avenue, and you’d call Score a gentleman's club. So I thought it was a strip club. I did not think it was a gay bar.”
He continues, “The place would be packed, but as soon as I walked in and heard the Latin music and the crowd, I felt enjoy I was at home.”
This winter, Crishon’s prayers for that homey place on this familiar street were answered.
Kiso, Downtown LA’s newest gay bar, opened in December as part of a renaissance of lgbtq+ spaces in the urban core. It’s the brainchild of Downtown LA l
By Stuie Wood
What happened to all the gay bars? Those heady days of flirting across the dancefloor, stepping in time to Kylie? Dating apps are the new norm and the gays were there first (of course), but many American and European cultural capitals are losing their LGBTQ venues. Such is the interest that London’s Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has set up a task force! Traditionally, the gay scene is an indicator of a buzzing nightlife, good tune and style, so this is a loss for all of us. But not in Downtown Los Angeles. Cue music….
Here in DTLA, we’re bucking the trend with four new venues opening in the past two years. Pershing Square, at the very heart of DTLA, hosted its first Pride festival last year and a recent Homosexual Block Party at the annual Bring Back Broadway festival, is placing DTLA as the same-sex attracted destination point of LA LA Country, stealing the tiara from West Hollywood’s rather tired Queens.
Here’s my list of the 5 most fabulous gay spots in Downtown Los Angeles, all within walking distance of each other. Depart to one, proceed to all five!
Precinct DTLA
357 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013. 5pm – 2am
C
Although any bar in Denver are accepting, there’s something extraordinary about visiting a local LGBTQ+ exclude or club and diving into The Mile High City’s queer community. They are the spots where you realize you’ll be surrounded by like-minded, entertainment and eccentric people. And luckily for us, there are plenty of Diverse nightlife options to choose from, no matter your taste.
Dancing Queens (and Kings) - Dance Bars and Clubs
For those who want to bust out their dancing shoes and cut a rug to remixes of today’s top hits, you’ll want to hit one of the top boogie bars in the city—X Bar, Tracks, Blush & Blu, or Charlie’s.
X Exclude is a staple for Denver Queer folks. Known for its inclusivity towards both the homosexual and straight communities, X Bar has been around for seven years and has been an important staple of Denver for just as long.
“X Prevent is well recognizable for the pink flamingos during celebration, and they are everywhere,” explained Cindy Alix, general manager at X Lock. “We also grant them away and have the biggest pink flamingo around on our float. We have a very special float this year, so we are looking forward to the
LGBTQ+ nightlife in Chicago: gay and lesbian bars, clubs, and more
Chicago’s nightlife is a lot prefer the city itself — inclusive, diverse, and welcoming to all. It’s also a whole lot of fun. Our gay and lesbian bars have a small bit of something for everyone, with late-night lounges, dance clubs,burlesque and drag shows, and long-standing neighborhood watering holes in almost every corner of the town. And each comes with their own unique history and vibe.
Check out some of the foremost gay bars and clubs to experience Chicago’s queer nightlife scene.
Jeffery Pub
One of the city’s oldest gay bars, Jeffery Pub is a neighborhood institution. The South Shore staple is also one of Chicago’s first black-owned queer bars, making it all the more meaningful for the spot’s many regulars. Don’t miss the live entertainment, like karaoke nights, Silky Soul Sundays, and a lively dance floor featuring everything from pop to house music.
Big Chicks
This lively and colorful detect is part LGBTQ hangout, part art gallery. The walls are plastered with the owner’s personal collection of paintings and photos, including big names like Diane Arbus. But don’t think for a second that makes the pla