Portland gay szene
11 Wine Bars for Every Kind of Vibe
Portland’s gay bars are more than just hangouts. Most of the city’s dozen-plus queer bars opened in eras hostile to the queer community. The city’s oldest surviving bars were havens in an openly homophobic era, while its newest venues join a chorus of voices against an increasingly transphobic national climate. The entire LGBTQ+ collective should, in the best bars, touch safe and free to let loose, have fun, and maybe nibble on something tasty, on menu or off.
Not all gender non-conforming gatherings have a permanent home, so we’ve assembled a rundown of the city’s robust scene of recurring pop-up parties alongside our favorite brick-and-mortar establishments. From leather bars to drag dens to lesbian parties to trans cabaret revues to Portland’s “gay Cheers,” there’s always somewhere where everyone’s glad you came.
Jump to: Upbeat Clubs / Low-Key Venues / Strip Clubs / Recurring Queer Parties
Upbeat Clubs
CC Slaughters
Est. | antique town
Though technically on the outskirts of Old Town’s Show District, CC’s is very much at the center
[Find the Mercury's Queer Instruction in print—available in more than spots citywide!—eds.]
The Silverado is obviously and stridently a gay bar. Rainbow tassels line the kitchen, attractive men in snug underwear sling drinks, and posters of shirtless guys adorn the walls. Also, after nine at bedtime male strippers perform in the Silverado’s basement.
The Silverado was established over four decades ago and today is one of Portland’s longest-standing gay bars. It’s now in its third or fourth location, depending on how you count.
“It started as Flossie’s, which was up on Burnside where the Fred Meyer is now,” says Trevor Wion, the Silverado’s exclude manager of nearly 25 years. He says that Flossie’s was “the similar as what we are now, which is a very queer bar, but much quieter. I don’t think they started having dancers until ’”
According to Wion, sometime in the early ’90s the owner of Flossie’s surprised everyone by announcing that the bar was suddenly moving to what is now Harvey Milk Street.
“Everyone picked something up. There was a procession of prevent stools, records, and bottles o
8 Portland Best Gay Bars to Enjoy Queer Nightlife
Portland, Oregon, is known for its progressive tradition, vibrant LGBTQ community, and famous queer nightlife. Whether you're looking for a gay club in Portland, Oregon with an electrifying dance floor, a cozy homosexual bar for cocktails, or a venue featuring drag shows, the city has an incredible range of options.
From historic landmarks to hidden gems, this guide highlights 10 of the best LGBTQ-friendly bars, clubs, and lounges in Portland. Whether you're visiting the famous Darcelle XV or exploring the bustling Pearl District, there’s a perfect spot for everyone in the LGBTQ community.
Download Lex and meet LGBTQ+ friends and queer community in Portland! And check out our other urban area guides here.
Best Areas in Portland for LGBTQ+ Nightlife
Portland is a urban area that proudly celebrates its LGBTQ community, offering a variety of neighborhoods where gay, lesbian, and nonbinary folks can enjoy an unforgettable night out. Whether you're looking for high-energy dance parties, laid-back LGBTQ bars, or singular queer-frien
Portland LGBTQ City Guide
Portland is a beautiful old seacoast town known for its boutiques, shops and amazing seafood, as well as for its friendly people, its diversity, and all that it offers to see and do. It has always been a busy seaport for both cargo and fishing, but it is also a very popular tourist destination, particularly in the summer. People flock to the town to enjoy the shopping and nearby beaches, and to soak in Portland’s unique coastal beauty. Truly, it is a beautiful city that would make a wonderful place to call home!
A Watch at Portland’s History
Portland was initially founded in when the citizens of nearby Falmouth formed a separate town and named it Portland. Prior to that, Portland had been home to the Algonquin native American people. Since its founding, the metropolis has grown steadily as an important port, and also as a town rich and industry, agriculture, culture, and diversity. It remains so to this day.
A Few Fun Truth About Portland
- Roughly 40 percent of all Maine residents live in the greater Portland area.
- There is no transatla