Portland gay szene
11 Wine Bars for Every Kind of Vibe
Portland’s lgbtq+ bars are more than just hangouts. Most of the city’s dozen-plus lgbtq+ bars opened in eras hostile to the homosexual 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+ group should, in the finest bars, feel safe and free to let loose, have fun, and maybe nibble on something tasty, on menu or off.
Not all queer gatherings have a permanent dwelling, 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 queenly dens to lesbian parties to trans cabaret revues to Portland’s “gay Cheers,” there’s always somewhere where everyone’s glad you came.
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Upbeat Clubs
CC Slaughters
Est. | old town
Though technically on the outskirts of Elderly Town’s Entertainment District, CC’s is very much at the center
8 Portland Best Same-sex attracted Bars to Like Queer Nightlife
Portland, Oregon, is known for its progressive society, vibrant LGBTQ group, and legendary gay nightlife. Whether you're looking for a gay club in Portland, Oregon with an electrifying sway floor, a cozy gay bar for cocktails, or a venue featuring queenly shows, the municipality has an unbelievable range of options.
From historic landmarks to hidden gems, this guide highlights 10 of the foremost LGBTQ-friendly bars, clubs, and lounges in Portland. Whether you're visiting the legendary Darcelle XV or exploring the bustling Pearl District, there’s a perfect identify for everyone in the LGBTQ community.
Download Lex and encounter LGBTQ+ friends and queer community in Portland! And test out our other city guides here.
Best Areas in Portland for LGBTQ+ Nightlife
Portland is a city that proudly celebrates its LGBTQ community, offering a variety of neighborhoods where queer, lesbian, and nonbinary folks can delight in an unforgettable darkness out. Whether you're looking for high-energy dance parties, laid-back LGBTQ bars, or unique queer-frien
[Find the Mercury's Queer Guide 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 night 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 lock manager of nearly 25 years. He says that Flossie’s was “the same 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 bar stools, records, and bottles o
Portland LGBTQ City Guide
Portland is a beautiful old seacoast town known for its boutiques, shops and astonishing 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 Glance 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 urban area has grown steadily as an important port, and also as a capital rich and industry, agriculture, culture, and diversity. It remains so to this day.
A Few Fun Truths About Portland
- Roughly 40 percent of all Maine residents live in the greater Portland area.
- There is no transatla