Lesbian bars have a complicated history with the queer community, especially for trans women. You could expect any kind of discrimination you might expect elsewhere.” “Sexism is just as bad as in the mainstream community. “The community itself has to be held accountable,” Baim said.
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Yet just as important is the need for those with ownership of these spaces to reflect on how to foster inclusivity - particularly for those who were shut out previously. “Don’t assume you can’t lose your rights.”įriends Michelle Lapacek, left, and Meagan Bura share a hug July 9, 2021, outside Nobody's Darling. “Don’t ever take our rights for granted,” Summit said. The ones that remain are not just important for socializing and having a good time, but are crucial in helping the community mobilize when it’s being attacked. “I could feel the history in those walls, the sadness in experience that gave them this outlet and led to having special places for women to feel safe.” “There were women going to these bars for decades, and it was an honor to be around multiple generations at the bars,” Baim said. Renowned lesbian bars like Paris Dance and The Closet hosted blood drives and benefits during a time when many “were afraid to go and share glassware and be around people” at the height of the AIDS crisis, Baim said. Gay bars in some of their earliest days were where activists came together to mobilize, from fighting for marriage equality in more recent years to Summit’s “Gay $” project that combated AIDS discrimination by marking paper money to demonstrate the purchasing power of the queer community. Finally, check out The Eagle Houston, when they host one of their regular theme nights and be sure to check out the homage to Houston's LGBT history upstairs.“We need these spaces because they’re often the entry point for people first coming out, and a place where travelers can visit and know they’re welcome,” said Tracy Baim, an LGBTQ advocate, publisher of the Chicago Reader and founder of the Windy City Times, the leading Chicago LGBTQ publication for over three decades. TOUGH GUYįor those looking for a little edge, The Ripcord, a Montrose staple just a few blocks away offers a fun leather scene.
The patio and upstairs deck are fantastic hangout spots in good weather. Meanwhile, just a couple blocks away, you can find the Eagle, where leather meets the neighborhood watering hole. Here you’ll find folks from all over gathered around the numerous bar tops and on the patio from happy hour into the wee hours. JR’s has been a staple in Houston’s gay scene for decades, helping form the bedrock of Montrose nightlife. Sometimes you just want a relaxed night out with your friends. There are live shows, dance lessons and much more each week.
Dance the night away on the enormous dance floor, relax in the side lounge or belly up to more than a half-dozen different bar stations. Neon Boots is Texas' largest gay country bar - more than 10,000 square feet of fun under one roof. If your idea of a good time is two-steppin' and shooting pool, we have the perfect spot. Multiple bars, darts and much more await at the Pearl. offers tons of big screen TVs to catch games as well as a large outdoor patio complete with fun games and plenty of seating. This expansive club smack dab in the middle of Washington Ave. The top spot for ladies is Pearl Houston. Or head downstairs to enjoy the beat of DJ JD Arnold. You'll also find a cute crowd at Rich's, particularly when the beat picks up on Friday and Saturday nights. Over at the Eagle in Montrose, you'll find cute guys on the patio and in the history-laden upstairs bar. JR's on the Pacific Street strip also does karaoke on Thursdays and Sundays. This hidden away video bar off Allen Parkway serves up strong drinks and a fabulous song selection. Like to belt out Beyonce like nobody’s business? Head to Guava Lamp on Wednesday and Sunday nights for a karaoke scene like no other. Another popular club over in the Montrose area is South Beach which not only offers a huge dance floor but also an expansive rear patio. And small wonder with the huge dance floor and fantastic in-house DJ talent. DANCE FREAKįeeling the need to shake it to the latest dance mixes? The longstanding and recently revitalized nightspot Rich'sis regularly ranked among the top dance clubs in the city. From stand-and-model to boot scootin' honky tonk, here's your personalized hit list for a good time. One good thing about H-town is that there's a scene for just about whatever you're into. Visiting Houston and not sure which bars to hit up? Don't worry, we've got this. Guide to Gay Bars in Houston Whatever your scene, you're covered in H-Town