Washington dc gay neighborhood

The value that places appreciate Pitchers possess cannot be overstated. Although LGBTQ Washingtonians are often comfortable living anywhere in the city, there are only a handful of locations in which people can truly, and openly, express their queer identity. Indiana Bones is a drag queen based in D.C. Originally from Virginia, Bones was raised in Maryland and has performed in the city for almost four years. For Bones, reflecting on her own experience coming out in a conservative, Catholic, Latino household, gay bars provide queer people with an inclusive environment that they often lack during their coming out process. “Being here, you get a sigh of relief, you can actually breathe in and be favor, ‘Oh my God, I am being myself. I am being happy. I am loving who I am,’” Bones said. The social scene, particularly among gay bars, is heavily diverse. Most establishments, Pitchers included, are not LGBTQ exclusive, and accept straight patronage. KC B. Yoncé, another drag performer and native Washingtonian, recognized the commercialization of the queer nightlife. Although gay b

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-own

20 LGBTQ+ Bars to Review Out in Washington, DC

The nation's capital is dwelling to a lively LGBTQ+ nightlife scene with plenty of gay and lesbian bars just waiting for you to join in on the fun.

The diversity of DC’s LGBTQ+ community is growing by the day, resulting in a dynamic, exciting community with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from when it’s time to drink, sway and play. Read up on some of our favorite LGBTQ+-friendly spots below.

Let’s have a … you obtain it. Gather all your girls, gays and theys to kiki all night on U Street. With four rooms of varied vibes, outdoor spaces and DJs that never miss, Kiki lives up to its name. Arrive for the happy hour, rest for the weekly events.

At 14th and U, DC’s first booze-free LGBTQ+ bar is lighting up the sober scene with mocktails, music and plenty of main-character energy. Spark kickstarts the daytime with coffee, pastries and cafe charm, then turns it up at sundown with DJs, drag trivia and zero-proof cocktails that pack a punch.

Next door to Spark Social House is Crush, a retro-insp

Washington, D.C.: A Bold and Ardent LGBTQ Community

Washington, D.C. was birthed after the American Revolution and the city is no stranger to change. It has a large vocal LGBTQ population that knows how to be both glam and conservative. This gives the gay community a bit of an edge that makes for an exciting local lifestyle.

A Short History of D.C.

The capital of the United States has a long-standing history of acceptance and inclusion. The Constitution calls for Congress to have exclusive jurisdiction over its own federal district. The signing of the Residence Act in 1790 approved the formation of the capital district along the Potomac River.

Today, Washington D.C. is the 20^th most populous city in the United States, with the country’s 6^th largest metropolitan area. More importantly, the large LGBTQ population is passionate about fighting for equal rights and creating a place that’s representative of the entire nation.

Quick Stats on The Capitol

Washington, D.C. is not a part of any U.S. state.
As of July 2018, the estimated population of D.C. is 7