Charlotte gay district
Charlotte, North Carolina, affectionately known as the “Queen City,” is gaining a reputation as a southern hub for the LGBTQA+ community. With a rich tapestry of history, welcoming neighborhoods, and gradual movements, the urban area is blossoming into a space where everyone can detect both community and acceptance.
Charlotte’s LGBTA+ history went mostly undocumented until 1968, when Oleen’s and The Scorpio Lounge opened. Oleen’s was “The Show Bar of the South,” recognizable for launching the careers of some of the city’s most legendary queenly queens. It closed in 1997. The Scorpio, still expose for business, began its life as a disco and drag show venue and has evolved back to its roots. Expect vast (wildly diverse) crowds and much festivity here.
The 70s and early 80s marked the launch of Charlotte’s first-ever queer publication, the Charlotte Free Press and what is now the nation’s longest running lesbian journal, Sinister Wisdom. In 1981, the Queen City Quordinators debuted as a fundraising-focused organization and lay together North Carolina’s first-ever Pride events.
The 1990s brought a wave of activism, with the foundation of groups appreciate the LGBT Collective Center, and a broader accept
Gay Charlotte, NC : Celebrating Diversity in the Queen City
Known by many as the Queen City, Charlotte is a city that has deep historical roots, but is constantly looking toward the future. From its historical past through the present, Charlotte has been a city that is constantly growing and evolving. It is now a thriving, diverse, and welcoming metropolis, and one of the fastest growing cities in the country.
A Look at Charlotte’s History
Charlotte became known as the Queen City because it was named by King George III after his wife, Queen Charlotte, at the time the town was chartered in 1769, when England still commanded the colonies. Charlotte’s roots run deep, from the Revolutionary War to the Civil war, where it served as a railroad junction and then a cotton mill hub for the New South. From those distant roots to now, one thing that has been a unwavering in Charlotte is development. Charlotte, today, is one of America’s largest banking centers, and one of the nation’s fastest growing metropolitan areas. Located only a few hours from the beach and from the mountains, Charlotte bids plenty of outdoor beauty to enjoy, as skillfully as a thriving arts and enterta
LGBTQ+ Guide to Charlotte
Things to Do
Vibrant and diverse, heated and welcoming, Charlotte’s tight-knit neighborhood communities are what craft the Queen Municipality so attractive to visitors and locals alike. Not sure where to start? Here are our recs for the city’s best in shopping, culture, nosh and nightlife. Each neighborhood is highly walkable, so seize an Uber or park the machine and start exploring.
by Dean McCain
Uptown
What used to be centered around banking offices and nine-to-five workdays, Uptown has grow a thriving hub for cultural arts, professional sports, nightlife and fine dining.
Romare Bearden Park - Photography by Jonathan Cooper
Start your day at Queen City Grounds, a comfortable cafe with bohemian approach in the historic Fourth Ward. Expend an afternoon touring the Mint Museum, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, and the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts, all located on the alike (beautifully designed) urban area block. Grab a weekend lunch at Mariposa, the Mint Museum’s fine dining establishment.
Around the corner is Charlotte’s large central park, Romare Bearden, which treats guests to gorgeous vie
The 5 Best Neighborhoods To Live In Charlotte, North Carolina If You're LGBTQ+
Charlotte, North Carolina embraces many neighborhoods with a significant LGBTQ+ population. However, unlike San Francisco's The Castro, New York's West Village, or Chicago's Boystown, there is no particular gender non-conforming epicenter in the Queen City. According to Artistic Loafing Charlotte, obvious lgbtq+ neighborhoods are not the norm in the South, and this city's pro-LGBTQ+ ones are no exception to that rule. Nonetheless, from "The Gayborhood" NoDa to the historic male lover suburb Dilworth, with SouthEnd, Plaza Midwood, and Uptown in between, Charlotte has a number of gay-friendly sections. The neighborhoods also attract straight, hip, and artsy visitors.
Today's Charlotte is the product of old-time Southern values and a sometimes stumbling march toward acceptance and inclusion. Per San Diego Lesbian, Homosexual, Bisexual, Transgender News, Charlotte has numerous openly male lover and lesbian elected officials, and they have promoted Charlotte's acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. The capital has implemented a directory in which same-sex couples can register their partnership status. Previous discriminatory legislation has been rep
Charlotte’s Best LGBTQ+ Bars
Nightlife
Ready for a night out? These LGBTQ-friendly bars are the city's top picks.
by Dean McCain
Azucar Latino Charlotte
Area: East Charlotte
If you’ve got dancing on your mind and need to move your hips, Azucar is your nightclub. Rising-star DJs, extravagant drag queens and studly go-go dancers make this Latin venue one to guarantee a wild darkness out. The fun and flashy nightclub is all about dancing whenever, and with whomever, you want.
Bar Argon
Neighborhood: LoSo
Located down South Boulevard, this casual move club is a welcoming spot for all types. Check Argon’s online calendar for themed nights appreciate leather gear parties, Latin nights, line dancing lessons, karaoke and even table-top card game tournaments. Saturday nights on the boogie floor are some of the best on the scene.
Chasers
Neighborhood: NoDa
For over 30 years, Chasers has served as a welcoming cosmos for everyone to delight in a night of high-energy dancing and daily imbibe specials. Against the glow of neon lights, go-go dancers join you on the dance floor an electric experience. Check Chasers’ calendar for regular events, such as drag s