Gay Bars in New York

As a city with unlimited opportunities, New York has long had appeal for the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus) community. It is estimated that there are more than half a million LGBTQ+ residents in New York City. As a result, there is a large number of LGBTQ+ friendly venues and clubs.

LGBTQ+ community in New York

New York has long been considered the place where the gay rights movement began. Shortly after WWII, many gay men, lesbians, transgender people and those of all genders found refuge in the neighbourhoods of Greenwich Village, the Upper West Side, and Harlem. During this time, there were no rights for these individuals. In fact, homosexual practices were considered punishable by law. Many public establishments were not welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community and there were laws against serving alcohol to gay people. Anti-LGBTQ+ laws along with police raids of gay bars in 1969 led to a series of violent uprisings against the police by the LGBTQ+ community: the Stonewall Riots.

Stonewall Inn, where the uprising originated, has since reopened on 53 Christopher Street. Following this revolt for gay rights, uprisings spread throughout the world for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community. The latest success for New Yorkers was the legalisation of gay marriage in June 2011.

LGBTQ+ area Chelsea

The most popular LGBTQ+ area of New York is Chelsea, between 14th Street and Hudson Yards on the west side of Manhattan. Due to the increasing LGBTQ+ acceptance, after the Stonewall Riots, many people wanted to live in Greenwich Village, but the prices of the housing were very high. Chelsea was a cheaper option where everyone was warmly welcomed. This can still be seen today. In Chelsea, you will find many gay bars and other establishments. For those who appreciate the finer things in life: upscale dining, high-end shops and world-class art galleries can also be found here.

New York Pride

Every year the New York Pride takes place. This parade festively closes the pride month in New York. The march runs from Fifth Avenue to Greenwich Village, passing the Stonewall Inn. The NYC Pride is a cheerful parade with all kinds of cars and it starts around noon.

Gay Bars in New York

However, Chelsea is not the only part of town for LGBTQ+ nightlife: all over New York, there is a wide range of bars, clubs, and parties. After a lot of consideration, there are three places that you shouldn’t miss:

Le Bain

On the 18th floor of the Standard Hotel, you will find this two-floor club called Le Bain. The name Le Bain comes from the indoor pool located just next to the DJ booth. When the club is open during the summertime, people can even go swimming in it. During the wintertime, it serves as an extra dance floor. The entire club has spectacular views of all of Manhattan and the Hudson River. When the weather is nice outside, you should go to the 19th floor where you can enjoy cocktails on the terrace. On Thursday nights, Le Bain becomes the spot for the young, fashion-forward LGBTQ+ crowd. All genders and sexualities are welcome! Drinks here are expensive, but the atmosphere is 100% Manhattan: stunning views from every angle, beautiful people, and skilled DJs.

Industry Bar

As the name suggests, Industry Bar was originally an industrial warehouse. It has since been renovated into a stylish bar. Almost seven nights a week, Industry Bar has a theme night. This can include drag shows, pool tournaments, or American activities (like screening TV shows, such as Desperate Housewives or RuPaul’s Drag Race). The crowd ranges from mid-twenties to mid-forties. On weekends, Industry Bar becomes really packed and the crowd is almost exclusively all men. Brace yourself for when the club becomes alive with pop music. Industry Bar is made up of two bars, private booths, a pool table and a podium where people can dance. Drinks are reasonably priced but the bathrooms are a disaster! I strongly advise peeing before you leave home. However, despite this, the atmosphere is always great.

Barracuda Lounge

This place is a classic when it comes to New York LGBTQ+ bars. It is known for a relaxed atmosphere, awesome drag shows and cheap drinks.

The above-mentioned clubs usually do not require an entrance fee. However, the clubs close between 02:00  and 04:00. Don’t forget to always carry your ID with you when going out, tip at least $1 per drink and most importantly, have fun!