Disco gay new york
Bars &#; Nightlife
overview
While their significance is often underestimated or dismissed by heterosexual society, bars and other establishments played a pivotal role throughout the 20th century — but particularly in the pre-Stonewall era — as centers for LGBT protest and community.
These spaces, whether always gay friendly or only during certain times of the day or week, gave LGBT people the freedom to be themselves in a way they usually could not be in their personal or professional lives.
This curated collection largely reflects the bar and nightlife scene of downtown Manhattan; as we research more sites we encourage you to reach out to us with suggestions in upper Manhattan and the outer boroughs.
Header Photo
Truman Capote (center) with Liza Minnelli and Steve Rubell at Studio 54 in an undated photo. Photographer and cause unknown.
Disco Clubs and Queer Membership
James Riccio, Class of , Finance and Art History
Larry Blagg’s extensive collection of gay club matchbooks and other ephemera offers a unique insight into lgbtq+ life during the delayed s through the slow s. These membership cards are from 12 WEST, a popular disco club located on West Highway, Greenwich Village, in Manhattan. 12 WEST welcomed all individuals even though the concept of membership cards were implemented to manage the scene at other popular clubs to limit those who were seen to be “less desirable”. These “less desirable” people tended to be individuals of color and those who were considered less attractive. The club scene at 12 WEST was vibrant and offered refuge to those who were seen as “less desirable”, to other more famous discos, such as individuals who were people of color, overweight, short, and older.
Even though the disco scene was welcoming of all people, particularly the queer community, for the most part, it caused a backlash with middle-American youth which led to the riots at Chicago’s Comiskey Park in , just a
Upcoming Events
About us
In , nestled in the heart of Modern York City at Santos Party Home, DJ Dan Darlington ignited a spark that would convert the LGBTQ+ events scene. He created BRÜT, a primary underground gay party in the USA, quickly establishing itself as an inherent part of the city’s nightlife with a symphony of master beats of incredible House Tech awakening everyone’s soul.
Initially catering to men in leather and fetish gear, BRÜT has grown to celebrate confident libertine energy, diversity, and the freedom to express oneself without judgment, encouraging all partygoers to show up in their sexiest, making it one of the most sought-after underground queer parties in NYC.
The house music sanctuary that began in New York rapidly escalated, expanding across the United States within the Homosexual community, gathering thousands of people from different cities from all over the world.
Today, BRÜT Party is renowned for hosting popular male lover parties across the United States, including our renowned Halloween party in Los Angeles, Folsom Road Fair, Dore Street San Francisco, SF Prid
New York has played a major role in LGBTQ+ history and it’s no wonder there are a slew of bars that have been beacons for the community (and prime party spots) for decades. The best lgbtq+ bars in NYC range from dive bars to dance clubs, with historic spots like the Stonewall Inn anchoring them all. The West Village is a classic destination for queer nightlife, but you’ll find something stimulating and welcoming in pretty much any part of the city.
You can check out the optimal drag shows or cabaret performances, but these queer spaces all offer something unique, from cozy vibes and cheap drinks to high-energy dancing and brunch parties - sometimes in the equal place on different days! Maybe your interests skew more trendy and urbane, or perhaps you're more of the down-and-dirty hook-up spots, the "what happens on the weekends, stays on the weekends" type — we're not here to judge! There are plenty of LGBTQ+ things to do in New York, but if it’s a bar you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.
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