Gay bars in raleigh durham nc
This post is part 2 of a series that chronicles the history of prominent LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs in Durham, NC, through an intersectional lens. Part 1 is on hand here.
By Mad Bankson & Duncan Dodson
To the 80s, and BEYOND!
As the eighties rolled around, gay people around the world were forced to become more visible. The AIDS crisis and increasing attacks from the Christian right led people to advocate for their right to be and survive, necessitating more of a public presence. [1] This increased awareness led to a significant shift in queer tradition, especially when it came to bar and club life. Though discretion was still preferred by many, there was more social space for gay establishments, and secret bars and informal gay spaces became less central in lgbtq+ life. Though Durham was still a small Southern town, the changes of the eighties allowed it to expand into something radically beautiful.
The Power Company
Opened in the early s, the Power Company was known as “the leading gay club between DC and Atlanta .” [2] Jeff Inman, a DJ there from to said of the
FLEX Bar
Mon-Saturday 8pm & Sunday 5pm
Monday
Karaoke Night 9pm to 2am - Free
Tuesday
Theme Karaoke 9pm to 2am - Free
Wednesday
Karaoke Events 9pm to 2am- Free
Thursday
Trailer Park Prize Nighttime (Drag Show)
with DJ Steven Rankin
cover $5 after 10pm
Friday
GoGo Dancers & DJ Gary Hudgins
cover $5 after 10pm
Saturday Special Events
1st Saturday Bear Night
2nd Saturday Leather Night
3rd Saturday Shirtless
4th Saturday Underwear
cover $5 after 10pm
Sunday
T-dance 5pm to 8pm (Food or dancers ) 9pm Karaoke Night - Free all day
LGBTQIA Durham
“Safe, inviting, inspiring.” That’s how Durham’s LGTBQIA community describes the Bull City. From its activist roots to current reputation as a evolving Southern city, Durhamites have worked difficult to ensure that the Bull Municipality is a welcoming place for all who visit. When the NC General Assembly temporarily passed discriminatory legislation, Durhamites stood in solidarity with the LGBTQIA community through protests, fundraisers, and events. This is a community that will uplift you, assist you and grant you strength. Whether you’re staying for one night or the rest of your life, you’ll feel right at home.
Today, Pride: Durham, NC serves as a beacon of Durham’s inclusivity every September. Our Pride festival is an unapologetic affirmation of our (and every) LGBTQIA community. Expect a parade with costumed marchers alongside decorated floats and vehicles, as well as festival vendors, speeches, and parties in and around the city. Event organizers and participants are proud to deliver love and campaign back to the forefront of the event to commute stronger connections a
8 Gay Bars and Clubs in Raleigh
Welcome to our queer urban area guide series by Lex! Raleigh, North Carolina, may not be the first place to reach to mind when thinking about queer bars, but it actually is home to a thriving LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, offering everything from high-energy dance clubs to laid-back queer-friendly bars. Whether you're a local looking for your next go-to spot or just visiting and searching for the best queer nightlife in Raleigh, you’ll find plenty of spots that celebrate all things LGBTQ+.
This reference covers the best areas for queer nightlife in Raleigh, along with the top 8 Queer bars and clubs where you can dance on the sway floor, find drink specials, advocate patio hangouts, and connect with the local queer crowd.
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Best Areas for Homosexual Nightlife in Raleigh
While Raleigh doesn’t have a specific "gayborhood," there are several LGBTQ-friendly nightlife districts where queer nightlife thrives:
1. Warehouse District
A trendy, artsy area packed with a queer-friendly bar scene, craf