1 Community Health Systems Department, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.It’s kitschy and colourful-in all the right ways.
Think mac and cheese topped with Ruffles potato chips and Tex-Mex eggs served in a Fritos bag. LGBTQ-owned-and-run, this retro diner features quirky twists on traditional comfort food. Speaking of Sunday Brunch, we would be remiss to talk about everyone’s favourite boozy weekend meal without mentioning MeMe’s Diner. Their Sunday Brunch is legendary you’ll want to snag tickets in advance. Brilliantly blending fabulous drag queen shows with a top-notch menu, Lips has been NYC’s go-to drag spot for over two decades. You’ll find shows happening across the city on most nights of the week, but for what is arguably one of the best you’ll want to head straight to Lips. Continue your glitter-fueled gay New York City tour with a spectacular drag performance. The storyline is set in a future bunker where the only things that remain are “sequins, reality television and the complete works of Oscar Wilde.” While the storyline is interesting, it’s the glittering costumes and jam-packed dance floor that promise a wildly fun night quite unlike any other Off-Off-Broadway show. Celebrate the rise and fall of the creative genius at OSCAR The Crown, an immersive nightclub musical. Long revered for his beguiling wit and indelible panache, Oscar Wilde rightfully remains a beloved gay icon today. Looking for more stylish spots to imbibe? From restored historic mainstays to elegant al fresco rooftop gardens, here are our favourite cocktail bars in New York City right now. The brisket nachos are always a good idea, especially when washed down by any of the mezcal cocktails.
Tucked away inside the chic hotel is NO BAR, a vibrant gay bar where anyone and everyone is welcome-and one of the first queer bars inside a major hotel chain. That said, for one of New York’s most stylish gay bars, you’ll need to head over to The Standard East Village. From The Stonewall, other iconic Greenwich Village gay bars and nightclubs like the Cubby Hole, Monster and The Duplex are all within easy walking distance. A cozy, all-inclusive atmosphere and hospitable bar staff round out the experience. You’ve already seen the Stonewall Monument, but now its time to pay tribute to the landmark spot that launched the gay rights movement with a drink at The Stonewall Inn. Embrace the ethos of ‘the city that never sleeps’ by barhopping in Greenwich Village-home to some of NYC’s most time-honoured gay bars and nightclubs. It’s no secret that gay New York City comes alive after dark. The six-day event features stunning LGBTQ film and media from around the world-one of the most comprehensive cinematic experiences of its kind. Or, visit New York in October for the New York LGBTQ Film Festival. Celebrations take place across the boroughs throughout the entire month. Time your gay New York City visit over the last Sunday of June to join millions of others in one of the largest Pride parades in the world. NYC’s Pride March is a legend for a reason.
Regular workshops and events also make the BGSQD a lively spot to meet and mingle with locals and travellers alike. With a mission to “excite and educate a self-confident, sex-positive, and supportive queer community,” the BGSQD is a warm and welcoming space to peruse queer books, publications, and artwork. You don’t need to be a bookworm to appreciate The Bureau of General Services-Queer Division (BGSQD), an independent, all-volunteer queer cultural center and bookstore. Grab a coffee in the leafy courtyard or peruse the online calendar for upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. The Center is an important resource for NYC’s LGBTQ+ community and provides support groups, health check-ins, events, and art exhibits. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center-more commonly referred to as The Center-is easily recognizable for its billowing rainbow flag waving proudly above its doors.