Gay bars minneapolis minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS -- When John Moore became co-owner of The Saloon four decades ago, he wasn't sure it was going to last. This month, the lock celebrates 45 years in business, overcoming adversity and creating a safe haven for many.
The Saloon opened in 1977 and is one of the oldest gay bars in Minneapolis.
"I'm just so grateful that the community support is all these years and it continues to support us. I'm just very grateful, very honored to have been the keeper of that [sacred space]," Moore said.
Police raids were commonplace for gay bars across the country in the 1960s and 1970s, including The Saloon.
"It was just crazy. I intend, the cops were always coming in and beating us up and it was horrific," Moore said. "On Saturday nights when we'd be packed, they would come in at midnight, spin the lights up with the billy clubs and just beat us."
Despite the many challenges the bar faced in its early years, Moore and co-owner Jim Anderson were determined to retain it open.
"We just persevere because there was no other place. It gentle of became you know, a revered place where people could come and tell their stories and be who they were," Moore said.
Moore was motivated to stay o
In the Twin Cities and around the country, gay bars are dying.
But—and hear us out here—maybe that’s not entirely a worst thing?
In his new book Long Live Queer Nightlife: How the Closing of Gay Bars Sparked a Revolution, sociologist Amin Ghaziani argues that the decline of the gay bar has been the start of a renaissance, ushering in an era of pop-up parties and dance nights that offer an experience that’s more progressive, more inclusive, and more interesting than the brick-and-mortar bars that predated them. Greggor Mattson, in his 2023 guide Who Needs Gay Bars?, makes a similar case, asking for whom these bars exist and exploring whether they’re actually vanishing so much as evolving.
In many communities, and the Twin Cities is certainly one of them, you can get a meaning for what that evolution looks like. Minneapolis and St. Paul are home to an ever-changing underground network of queer identity and events; ad hoc boogie parties and alternative club nights like The Klituation, GRRRL Scout, Daddy Issues, and Cyber Urban area Disco are as reliably enjoyable and, in many circles, as popular as the cities’ queer bars. You might not own a gay bar on your street, but follow a rare Instag
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Lex's Guide to Queer Minneapolis Nightlife | LGBTQ+ Bars
Explore queer nightlife in Minneapolis with this city guide! We’re compiling lists of queer bars and parties in major cities so you don’t have to 💅
Minneapolis has developed into a queer hub in the midwest, featuring enjoyable LGBTQ+ clubs like Stonewall Sports and more. The LGBTQ+ nightlife scene is small but mighty, featuring friendly bars and playfulness dance parties so you can mix and mingle with local queer friends, whether you’re a local or just visiting. Let’s get into our list!
Download Lex to find Diverse friends in Minneapolis.
1. The Saloon
One of the largest LGBTQ+ bars in the Midwest, The Saloon bids multiple levels of fun, from dance floors and drag shows to pool tables and patio seating. With its vibrant atmosphere and diverse crowd, The Saloon is a must-visit for anyone exploring Minneapolis' LGBTQ+ nightlife or looking for a fun darkness out during Pride.
The Saloon
830 Hennepin Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55403
2. LUSH
Known for its packed events schedule, LUSH applications drag shows, dance nights, drag brunch, and themed parties throughout the week. Enjoy some classic lock fare or a kind cocktail whi