Gay clubs dc
Lex’s Guide to Queer DC Nightlife | LGBTQ+ Bars
From the trendy neighborhoods of Dupont Circle to the bustling streets of Adams Morgan, DC offers an array of LGBTQ+ bars, queer clubs, and even a queer-owned brewery. TL;DR, DC is super homosexual, and you're going to have a great day exploring the queer and lesbian bars they contain to offer! Whether you're a local or a visitor, here's a mentor to some of the best LGBTQ+ bars in Washington, DC.
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1. A League of Her Own
Quickly becoming a popular destination on every lesbian bar road trip, A League of Her Own is a laidback, easy going lesbian sports bar serving the gay community of DC. With fun events and a lively dance floor, you’re sure to have a fun night out when you stop by ALOHO.
A League of Her Own
2317 18th St. NW
Washington DC, 20009
2. As You Are
A favorite among the local queer scene in DC, As You Are is a chill spot that is a cafe/bar/dance boutique in one. As the name suggests, they promote you to come as yourself and have a fun night out with some new local Homosexual friends and crushes.
As You Are
500 8th St SE
Washington, DC 20003
3. Nellie's Sports Bar
Nell
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This corner spot in Columbia Heights was once the site of Nob Hill, a popular African American gay prevent. Nob Hill operated from 1957 to 2004, and, according to the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), which documented the site in 2016, this longevity made it "the oldest continuously-operating LGBTQ nightlife establishments in the District and one of the oldest gay bars in the country." Thus, Nob Hill has been called the "granddaddy of black gay clubs."
The 1920s era building housed a arid cleaner/laundry prior to Nob Hill opening. Despite formally opening as a prevent in 1957, Nob Hill initially served as a secret social club starting in about 1953. The social club, like the lock, catered to same-sex attracted African American men. Many Howard University students would frequent Nob Hill, as the bar served an important function. At the hour of its opening, the city was still very much racially segregated, and this extended to nightlife and amusement. Therefore, LGBTQ+ African Americans established their own social spaces, particulary along 7th and 14th streets NW near Howard University.
In addition to Nob Hill, there was The Cozy Corner at 708 Florida Avenue NW. Later on, in the 197
Nightlife Directory
List of LGBT Clubs & Bars for D.C., Maryland & Virginia
Last update: 08/14/2024 | Sort Names| Neighborhoods
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Washington, DC
ADAMS MORGAN AREA
Favorite for Both Men & Women, Sports,
more info | photos
CAPITOL HILL AREA
DOWNTOWN AREA
Favorite for Mostly Men, Leather/levi, Billiards,
more info | twitter | photos
Favorite for Both Men & Women, Dancing,
more info | twitter | photos
DUPONT AREA
Favorite for Restaurant,
more info | photos
Favorite for Mostly Men,
more info | photos
Favorite for Mostly Men, Video,
more info | twitter | photos
Favorite for Mostly Men, Video,
more info&nbs
Prior to 1960
Leading up to 1960 the LGBT community faced a number of discriminatory acts from federal and local government. Congress passed a law outlawing sodomy in D.C. Under the Lavender Scare the federal government fired gay individuals en masse.
Despite this, there were a number of LGBT spaces across D.C. to provide community and support. , one of D.C.'s longest continuously operating gay bars and one of the oldest African-American gay bars in the country, opened in 1957.
These weren't wholly safe places, however. were both raided by the Metropolitan Police Department's Vice Squad.
The '60s
LGBT activism moved more to the public forefront starting in the 1960s. The Mattachine Society of Washington, which assisted federal employees and residents targeted for their sexuality, was formed. The Washington Blade, America’s oldest LGBT newspaper, began in 1969. More clubs, publications, and services catered directly to the LGBT community.
Barracks Row became an important part of the LGBT community. was the 'first gay-owned bar to offer queer dancing', essentially breaking the owner ban on dancing. also contributed