The New York gay scene is unlike any other. This city has been at the heart of the LGBTQIA+ movement for decades, leading the way to attaining gay rights and becoming a hub of pride and celebration.
When you experience the LGBTQIA+ scene in New York, you can expect nothing less than warmth, acceptance, and a good party of course!
A quintessential part of gay culture in the city is drag, with the art form also having found its roots and platform here. That’s why we host some of the most unforgettable Drag Experiences in NYC! You can discover more with our Guide to the New York Drag Scene.
To learn all about the LGBTQIA+ culture in the city, keep reading our guide to the New York gay scene. And if you’re ready to experience it for yourself, don’t hesitate to contact us regarding our tours!
While the LGBTQIA+ community was largely underground in the 19th and 20th centuries, in the 1960s the gay rights movement gained incredible momentum. During this period, police raids on gay bars were routine. But during one raid on the Stonewall Inn in 1969, people fought back. Now known as the Stonewall Riots, this event was a turning point in LGBTQIA+ history.
Greater strides were made in attaining gay rights after that, and the uprising has been forever memorialized through Pride. The first ever NYC Pride was held one year after Stonewall and has since become the largest pride event in the world.
New York passed the Marriage Equality Act in 2011, legalizing same-sex marriage. The city is now known to have one of the largest LGTBQIA+ communities, with areas like Hell’s Kitchen, Greenwich Village, and Chelsea being some of the major locations.
Since the first Pride march after Stonewall, NYC Pride has hosted the largest parade each year. Held in June, it attracts hundreds of thousands of marchers and millions of spectators. The route typically moves from Midtown Manhattan towards Greenwich Village, where marchers pass the iconic Stonewall Inn.
At NYC Pride, you can expect a spectacle of floats, music, and color. Each year there is a different theme and new Grand Marshals are honored. Previous Grand Marshals include Billy Porter, Michelle Visage, Laverne Cox, and Billie Jean King.
Beyond the main Pride event, there is also a Brooklyn Pride held in June, PrideFest which hosts a street fair, the Pride Island music festival, and the Pride Rally where activists tackle contemporary issues.
In the city, there are plenty of LGBTQIA+ attractions that bring the history and culture of the New York gay scene to life!
Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art: As the only museum in the world dedicated to LGBTQIA+ art, the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art is unmissable. Providing a space for queer art and artists, the museum has over 25,000 objects in its collection.
Christopher Street: As the location of the Stonewall Inn, Christopher Street has been essential to the gay scene in New York. After the uprising, the LGBTQIA+ community started convening here and more businesses opened. At Christopher Park, you can see the sculpture “Gay Liberation Monument” by George Segal.
Stonewall Inn: In recognition of the Stonewall uprising and its legacy, the Stonewall Inn became a National Historic Landmark. Today, it’s still a popular gay bar, hosting events and shows throughout the week!
There’s no shortage of gay bars to choose from in New York, many of which have been on the scene for decades. Here are some of our favorites (besides Stonewall!):
A Hell’s Kitchen hotspot, Industry is known for its high-energy vibe, strong cocktails, and lively drag performances. With top DJs and a welcoming crowd, it’s a go-to for a fun night out.
Address: 355 W 52nd St
New York’s oldest gay bar, Julius’ has been open since 1864 and began attracting gay men in the 1950s. As a cornerstone of the gay scene in New York, today Julius’ serves up delicious food and drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
Address: 159 W 10th St
This country gay bar in Hell’s Kitchen offers an experience unlike any other — bar keepers who dance on the tables! Let loose in this Wild West atmosphere and feel free to break out your own moves.
Address: 793 9th Avenue, between, 52nd W 53rd St
The Duplex Piano Bar and Cabaret offers endless entertainment, with its talented pianists, comedy shows, and drag performances. It’s made all the better by its delectable cocktails!
Address: 61 Christopher St
The Cubbyhole is one of only three remaining lesbian bars in New York. Since 1994, it has welcomed its patrons with open arms, incredible cocktails, and plenty of fun events.
Address: 281 W 12th St
Musical theater fans will love Marie’s Crisis Cafe, where Broadway sing-alongs are on the menu! Work up your confidence with a few drinks, and sing your heart out!
Address: 59 Grove St
To discover even more of New York’s gay scene, join us on one of our NYC Drag Experiences! Whether you choose a NY Fabulous Drag Night Out for a drag bar crawl or a NYC Drag Makeover Experience, you’ll feel right at home. If you have any questions about our tours, don’t hesitate to get in touch!