Columbus gay bar

Five popular LGBTQ bars and clubs in Columbus everyone can enjoy

Columbus is abode to a number of LGBTQ businesses, including several gay and lesbian bars and clubs.

Columbus has missing a few LGBTQ-friendly bars over the years. At their peak, LGBTQ bars and clubs were a guarded space for these communities to feel very welcome, as opposed to less accepting bars. But whether due to cultural shifts or increased inclusivity and acceptance at nearly any bar or club, there is a downward trend in the number of these spaces nationally. LGBTQ bars have declined 36.6% from 2007 to 2019, according to research by Greggor Mattson, associate professor of sociology at Oberlin College.

In a 2016 report by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, the chamber found that LGBTQ businesses have contributed approximately $1.7 trillion to the economy, are open an average of 12 years, and own created more than 33,000 jobs. These spaces build a significant contribution to the economy and hopefully, with the support of the larger community, be around for many more years to come.

Here's a look at five popular LGBTQ bars everyone can enjoy.

Slammers

Lesbian exclude Slammers Bar & Pizza Kitchen, at 202 E. Long

Upcoming Events

Come Enjoy one of our World Famous Chocolate Martinis and relax in one of the gazebos in our unique outdoor garden.

House-Made Pizzas, Chicken Tenders, Soft Pretzels & Snacks

We love the fact that absolutely anyone can arrive to this club and feel welcome. The driving force behind our victory is, literally, everyone who walks through these doors: the clients, performers, & the family of people who work here!

2nd Monday of every month is “Monday Munchies” from 6-8pm. Customers can bring an appetizer to share with others and share some favorite recipes.

Karaoke Every Wednesday & Sunday Nights at 7PM!

Thomas Crumley Plays Every Thursday9PM-11PM

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Open Bars: History of Columbus gay bars

Even the genesis of the gay-rights movement traces back to a bar. When New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969, patrons fought back, refusing to forfeit their primary gathering place. Many who scuffled with police said that attacking the gay bar was the last straw - an assault on something their community simply couldn't lose.

"You'd like to be able to hold hands with your partner if it was an anniversary or something," said Karla Rothan, executive director of Stonewall Columbus, which organizes the annual Pride festivities. "You wouldn't feel easy holding hands in an establishment that wasn't labeled gay. It's a whole different day here."

Cultural transform is often slow, painful and incomplete, and that day has come leisurely to Columbus. Gay bars opened, folded and faded from memory. Most importantly, though, they never went away.

Gradually, one would place up a real signal or a neon banner bearing a rainbow. They crept into neighborhoods outside Downtown. In the '80s, places like The Eagle, The Garage and Wall Street fueled the movement toward greater GLBT acceptance and visibility, then reaped the rewards in re

columbus gay bar

Celebrate Columbus Pride at these central Ohio LGBTQ+ bars

Columbus gay bars are hosting various Pride events on June 13-14.
Events include performative shows, DJ sets, move parties and themed celebrations.
Some venues require cover charges or offer ticket purchases in advance.

LGBTQ+ bars around the city have geared up for the busiest weekend of the year: Columbus Pride.

With the theme of "United in Power," events will be held across the city all weekend.

Whether stopping for a sip, social hour or an all-day soiree, here are events and specials to check out at bars around central Ohio celebrating the festivities.

Rally at Union Cafe

In the heart of the Short North, Union Cafe, 782 N. High St., has been celebrating Pride in the days leading up to the big event.

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June 13 will kick off with the first Rally in the Alley event at 5 p.m., followed by the Escandelo Latin Night Show at 10 p.m.

The Rally will sustain at noon on June 14, and the party doesn't stop until the after-party wraps up 2:15 a.m.

For those awake the next morning, a flamboyant brunch will begin at 11 a.m.

Slammers Pony Club

A Downtown pizzeria and lesbia