Celebrate Pride Month!
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Pride Month is officially here and with it comes all the excitement and enthusiasm of the passionate LGBT+ community. Big festivals and events are hosted all across the U.S. in June and wherever you are, you won't be far from a Pride Parade!
Participate in an Unforgettable Pride March!
Photo by Jana S.
Outside of the festivities, many U.S. cities contain longstanding museums, galleries, shops, and tours, all dedicated to promoting awareness of queer culture and history. If you can’t make the trip for Pride Month, there are still plenty of LGBT+ activities to do.
Discover the best LGBT-friendly and queer-owned hotels, restaurants, and attractions in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco with this epic Pride Travel Guide!
New York City Pride
New York City always has the biggest parties!
Photo by Jessica I. (cropped)
In recent decades, New York has strived to become a symbol of acceptance towards the queer community. In fact, the city is estimated to contain one of the largest LGBT+ populations in the world. A cornerstone in gay rights activism, New York has seen significant historical events such as the 1969 Stonewall Riots and the 1966 Sip-in at Julius’ Bar. And in 2019, New York made history by hosting the biggest Pride March ever, with an estimated 5 million people in attendance.
Popular LGBT+ neighborhoods in Manhattan include Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, Greenwich Village, and the Lower East Side.
Pride Month in New York
Pride Month is a big deal in New York, as the city hosts dozens of LGBT+ events throughout the month. There are street fairs, concerts, symposiums, movie showings, and many more memorable experiences to be had. Pride Month also offers visitors the chance to connect and communicate with today’s leading LGBT+ rights activists.
The most hyped events are Alegria Pride 2022, Planet Pride, Tribal Fever Afterhours, and Pride Island. All of these are mixed-music festivals promoting queer artists and DJs. Don’t miss out on America’s biggest annual Pride March: the New York City Pride March, which will be held on the 26th of June, 2022.
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Where to Stay in New York City
Stay in the heart of the action in NYC!
Photo by Beyond My Ken
Hyatt Union Square New York
134 Fourth Avenue
New York, NY, 10003
The Hyatt Union Square is situated in the heart of Downtown Manhattan, near many of New York’s most popular attractions. When you’re not out sightseeing, you can rest in comfort in one of the Hyatt’s spacious, pet-friendly rooms.
This modern hotel has a 24-hour gym (with complimentary fruit) and a business center. You can dine in the adjoining Bower Road restaurant for a fresh and healthy meal inspired by the local Union Square Greenmarket.
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Solo travellers and groups both love staying at The Local NYC.!
Photo by Andrea D.
The Local NYC
13-02 44th Avenue
Queens, NY, 11101
A trendy hostel, favored by LGBT+ travelers, The Local NYC sits on the opposite side of the East River from central Manhattan. Solo visitors can book private rooms but most prefer the youthful social energy of the Local’s dorm rooms.
The dorm bunk beds are of a simple, practical design and include a reading light and a lockable cabinet. The highlight of The Local NYC is its rooftop terrace with an incredible view over the glowing Manhattan skyline.
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Where to Eat in New York
A historic bar in central Manhattan!
Photo by Steam Pipe
Julius’ Bar
159 West 10th Street
New York, NY, 10014
+1 877 746 0528
Nestled inside Manhattan’s enchanting Greenwich Village, Julius’ Bar has been cheerfully serving customers since 1864. In fact, important steps towards the legal acceptance of gay bars across the nation were made inside the historic walls of Julius’ Bar. It’s now a popular place to visit for its grilled burgers and fabulous cocktails. Stop by on Tuesdays for Julius’ Bar’s special retro ‘Tuesgay’ disco nights.
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A delightful burst of flavor!
Photo by Lily B.
Kopitiam
151 East Broadway
New York, NY, 10002
+1 646 609 3785
Kopitiam’s LGBT+ owner and head chef Kyo Pang is proud to present her restaurant’s Chinese and Malaysian-inspired cuisine. All produce is freshly sourced from local markets or Malaysia itself and the mouthwatering blend of flavors comes from Chef Pang’s all-natural family recipes. Each dish is a new journey for the senses and the subtle spices will leave you wanting more. Don’t arrive too late for lunch, though, as the popular restaurant fills up fast!
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Things to do in New York City
Experience Pride History in New York!
Photo by Deirdre R.
Pride Walking Tour
38-64 Christopher Street
New York, NY, 10014
+1 860 670 8947
Many of the LGBT+ community’s biggest triumphs and tragedies were forged in the dynamic streets of New York. To appreciate the significance of Pride Month in the big city, join in on an official Pride Tour.
As you walk through the streets of downtown Manhattan, your guide will lead you through the biggest events and crucial LGBT+ institutions in New York’s history. Delve into the struggles of the past as you visit the Stonewall Inn, the Gay Street sign, the Gay Liberation Monument, and even Julius’ Bar!
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Learn about queer history and culture this Pride Month!
Photo by Ajay S. (cropped)
Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art
26 Wooster Street
New York, NY, 10013
+1 212 431 2609
The Leslie-Lohman Museum is a uniquely LGBT+ dedicated art gallery and museum, right in central New York. Admission is free so it’s definitely worth a visit for the provocative emotions evoked by so many queer artworks.
Indeed, the goal of the museum is to create a committed space for LGBT+ artists and scholars to view or add work, and to open up conversations on the personal trials of the community. The Leslie-Lohman Museum currently has over 25,000 items.
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Drink at one of New York's only Lesbian bars!
Photo by Jim H. (cropped)
Cubbyhole Bar
281 West 12th Street
New York, NY, 10014
+1 212 243 9041
If you’re searching for a memorable night out in one of New York’s few remaining lesbian establishments, then look no further than the Cubbyhole Bar. The Cubbyhole is an eclectic bar filled with colorful decorations and LGBT+ symbolism. Having opened in 1994, it has developed into a popular social hotspot for tourists and locals alike. Stop by between 4-7 pm on weekdays (2-6 pm on Saturday) to benefit from the Happy Hour deals.
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Chicago Pride Fest
There's plenty of Pride Festivals in Chicago!
Photo by Norbu G. (cropped)
Chicago has slowly been working on LGBT+ rights for the last century, starting with America’s first recognized gay rights organization in 1924. A Chicagoan, Jim Flint, also founded the Miss Continental pageant in 1980. This was the first beauty pageant where trans women were allowed to enter. Chicago is now a buzzing hotspot for queer nightlife, with 7.5% of the population identifying as LGBT+.
Chicago’s biggest queer neighborhoods are Andersonville and Northalsted (which has earned the nickname ‘Boystown’).
Pride in the Park Festival
Pride Month in Chicago is celebrated by a series of festivals, drink events, and street markets. The massive Pride in the Park festival is headlined by The Chainsmokers and Alesso and features queer artists such as Rebecca Black, Spencer Brown, and Saucy Santana. The colorful Chicago Pride Parade takes place on the 26th of June, 2022.
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Chicago Pride Fest
This legendary street festival is June 18-19 with the Pride Parade on June 26th. You can listen to headlining artists and local favorites on three stages, peruse over 150 arts and crafts booths and eat from a variety of local food and drink establishments.
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Where to Stay in Chicago
Stay right near the Chicago nightlife!
Photo by Benjamin R.
Moxy Chicago Downtown
530 North LaSalle Drive
Chicago, IL, 60654
Based in the trendy River North district, home of Chicago’s vibrant nightlife, the Moxy Chicago Downtown is the perfect LGBT-friendly destination. Each room has a stylish, contemporary design and includes an ensuite bathroom and a large Smart TV.
The Moxy features book and vinyl record libraries, a professional sound booth where guests can make recordings, and a fine-dining restaurant and bar with an outdoor patio.
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Make new friends this Pride in Chicago!
Photo by Dimitri B.
Wrigley Hostel
3514 North Sheffield Avenue
Chicago, IL, 60657
This fantastic hostel, located near the beach and Boystown, is way more than just a place to sleep for the night. Wrigley specializes in social vacations, with a computer room and a common room, containing a pool table, a ping pong table, foosball, board games, and a Bring Your Own Booze bar. There’s also a communal outdoor lounge with a BBQ for summer grilling.
Wrigley Hostel hosts parties and events most evenings, from pizza and movie nights to epic bar crawls. Sleep easy in a private room or forge new friendships in a mixed or female-only dorm.
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Where to Eat in Chicago
Satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings in Chicago!
Photo by Hybrid Storytellers
D. S. Tequila Co.
3352 N Halsted Street
Chicago, IL, 60657
+1 773 697 9127
D. S. Tequila Co. is a hip and trendy Tex-Mex place, located within close walking distance to many of Chicago’s biggest attractions. Their famous handmade flour tortillas are always filled with fresh ingredients and each dish is made to order, meaning you can remove any sauces or veggies that aren’t to your taste.
The Tequila Co. is, unsurprisingly, a great place for drinks with over a dozen beers on tap and pitchers of margaritas abound. Stop by on Friday and Saturday evenings to listen to a DJ set as you feast on classic Tex-Mex in the greenhouse patio, which has a retractable roof!
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Dine at a famous Chicagoan LGBT+ establishment!
Photo by Thomas H.
Big Chicks & Tweet
5024 N Sheridan Rd
Chicago, IL, 60640
+1 773 728 5511
Big Chicks and Tweet are Chicago’s famous 2-in-1 gay bar and organic restaurant. Based in the Uptown area, with a timeless art deco design, Big Chicks acts as an informal LGBT+ community center. The bar was actually inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 2016.
The adjacent Tweet restaurant serves food to its own customers and those of the bar. Breakfast and Lunch are offered in Tweet, where you’ll find a delightful range of classic dishes, with a Chicago twist. Dinner, however, can only be ordered in Big Chicks.
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Things to do in Chicago
See the show that redefines live entertainment!
Photo by Inside the Magic
Blue Man Group
3133 N Halsted Street
Chicago, IL, 60657
+1 800 258 3626
For a whirlwind experience of music, performance art, and technological displays, check out Chicago’s own Blue Man Group. A show that defies definition, the Blue Man Group was founded on the principle that entertainment can transcend language barriers if none of the performers speak. Instead, they play custom instruments and present comedic skits.
Although not explicitly an LGBT+ event, many of the Blue Men identify as queer. The Blue Man Group promises a unique and unforgettable performance that will change the way you view live entertainment. Warning: those sitting near the front may get splashed.
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What treasures can you find at the Andersonville Galleria?
Photo by Joshua F. (cropped)
Andersonville Galleria
5247 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL, 60640
+1 773 878 8570
At the center of the dynamic Andersonville district sits the curious Andersonville Galleria. A veritable maze of over 100 tiny shops and market stalls, this Galleria is an indoor boutique wonderland. The businesses are run by local merchants, many of whom are LGBT+.
Don’t expect to walk away empty-handed as you will definitely be enticed by the astonishing array of unique artworks and artisan products on display.
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See the small Chicago bookstore that's changing minds and lives!
Photo by Veronika J. (cropped)
Women and Children First
5233 N Clark Street
Chicago, IL, 60640
+1 773 769 9299
Right next door to the Galleria is the amazing Women and Children First bookshop. Founded with a belief that literature has the power to change hearts and minds, the bookstore is dedicated to stories by and about women.
As self-proclaimed ‘intersectional trans-inclusive feminists’, Women and Children First acts to educate visitors on feminist and LGBT+ issues. With over 20,000 books in stock, the store encourages young readers to ease into the works with book reading events and virtual conversations with authors.
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San Francisco Pride
Celebrate Pride in the Gay Capital of the World
Photo by Piotr M. (cropped)
San Francisco is often lovingly referred to as ‘The Gay Capital of the World’. Indeed, ‘Frisco has a long history of LGBT+ residents, starting from the beginning of the 20th century. In 1961, San Francisco had the first openly gay candidate running for a US public office position. In 1965, the first Gay Liberation organization in America was founded there. San Francisco also does a lot for trans activism, including the annual Trans March on June 25th, one of the world’s largest events for transgender visibility.
Although most of the city is a diverse mixture of LGBT+ identifying people and allies, there are a few prominent queer neighborhoods. The most popular LGBT+ districts are The Castro, The Mission, and SoMa.
Pride Month in San Francisco
Pride Month in San Francisco brings with it a wave of music and film festivals, and in-person and virtual talks with LGBT+ activists. The biggest music event is the Fresh Meat Festival, featuring queer and transgender artists. There will also be food, craft, and resource fairs surrounding the big marches.
The annual San Francisco Pride Parade will be hosted in the city on the 26th of June, 2022.
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Where to Stay in San Francisco
An elegant stay in central San Francisco!
Photo by Kenny E.
Parker Guest House
520 Church Street
San Francisco, CA, 94114
+1 415 621 3222
The Parker Guest House is an enchanting hotel in central San Francisco, presenting a subdued, luxurious elegance in each spacious room. Formed from early 19th-century mini-mansions, Parker Guest House offers comfort and class with each stay. Guests can wander around the verdant gardens, listen to piano music in the lounges, or join a complimentary wine social in Parker’s sunroom.
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The Orange Village Hostel is a short walk from the hsitoric Union Square!
Photo by Shaunak D.
Orange Village Hostel
411 O’Farrell Street
San Francisco, CA, 94102
+1 415 409 4000
Stay near some of San Francisco’s biggest attractions in the Orange Village Hostel. Offering cheap yet comfortable private rooms, and beds in male and female dorms, the Orange Village Hostel is the best place to stay in San Francisco on a budget.
The hostel has a communal lounge where they host pizza nights and organize fun activities and events. They are also happy to provide you with lots of local information for your stay in ‘Frisco.
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Where to Eat in San Francisco
Come here for a rich, hearty meal in San Francisco!
Photo by Maddi B.
Kitchen Story
3499 16th Street
San Francisco, CA, 94114
+1 415 525 4905
Kitchen Story in The Castro is a relatively new and incredibly popular restaurant that serves an exceptional blend of Thai and American cuisine. Kitchen Story specializes in delicious, filling brunches.
Their feature ingredient is the sweet and spicy millionaire’s bacon. This mouthwatering treat comes as a topping for burgers, eggs, or french toast. If it isn’t included with your dish but you really want to try it, you can order the millionaire’s bacon as a side.
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Eat at this amazing LGBT-owned establishment!
Photo by Thomas H.
Orphan Andy’s
3991 17th Street
San Francisco, CA, 94114
+1 415 864 9795
Welcome to The Castro’s famous all-day breakfast, sandwich, and burger bar. Owned by husbands Bill Pung and Dennis Zieball since 1977, Orphan Andy’s is one of the beating hearts of San Francisco’s LGBT+ community.
The interior has a homely design, with red leather on the booths and bar stools, and neon-lined wood paneling all around. This vintage style makes it easy to relax into a good American meal as you imagine the decades of queer history that this ‘Frisco landmark has seen.
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Things to do in San Francisco
Experience San Francisco's best open-air LGBT exhibit!
Photo by Greg R.
Rainbow Honor Walk
499 Castro Street
San Francisco, CA, 94114
When you find a beautiful sunny day and want to immerse yourself in queer history as you stroll in the fresh air, visit the Rainbow Honor Walk. Nestled in the heart of The Castro, the Rainbow Honor Walk is styled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Only instead of stars, there are large bronze plaques dedicated to the world’s greatest LGBT+ pioneers.
Here you can walk over rainbow crosswalks that interlink facts and stories on some of the greatest queer influencers of the 20th century. It’s the perfect open-air exhibition to learn about well-known and under-represented figures, including Virginia Woolf, Oscar Wilde, Frida Kahlo, Glenn Burke, Freddie Mercury, and Alan Turing.
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See the best of San Francisco from a 70s VW campervan!
Photo by Nick K. (cropped)
San Francisco Love Tours
2899 Hyde Street
San Francisco, CA, 94109
+1 415 366 6156
Experience the best of historic San Francisco from inside a groovy 70s VW Campervan. This 2-hour daytime tour is an intimate way to learn about love throughout the ages in the Golden City, with only 6 people maximum per bus. Along the drive, you will hear interesting facts and exclusive stories from your local guide.
Featured locations on the tour include historically LGBT+ districts such as The Castro and The Mission, and the famous crooked Lombard Street. The hippie bus stops twice for photo opportunities: at the Golden Gate Bridge and for a view of the San Francisco Skyline.
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Gain a fascinating new perspective on LGBT+ history in San Francisco.
Photo by Jason L. (cropped)
GLBT Historical Society
4127 18th Street
San Francisco, CA, 94114
+1 415 777 5455
An internationally-recognized leader in LGBTQ public history, the GLBT Historical Society was founded in 1985 to promote, and make accessible, queer history and culture. Now, it proudly presents a museum in The Castro district and, though it is small, it definitely packs a punch.
Don’t be afraid to spend time reading faded letters or watching the mini-documentaries. Visitors come to learn about and understand queer struggles through the last decades. The biggest impact is often made by the genuine Harvey Milk bullhorn in his campaign exhibit.
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Charles Hughes and Richard Solomon
After all, they came into each other's orbit at Chi Chi's — a West Village gay bar on historic Christoper Street that was welcoming of Black men in a way which wasn't and still isn't common in the Village and many of our "gay golden miles." After an unsuccessful appeal to keep its liquor license in 2010, Chi Chi's closed; and we've all seen the shuttering of LGBTQ bars across the nation exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic.
But this leaves even less opportunities for Black queer folks to party in public. Even today, when Hughes and Solomon go out to other establishments it is clear the venue is tolerating them for the night — and that's all.
@lemonbrands
Gay spaces are important for both Hughes and Solomon. Hughes grew up in the South and struggled to hide his sexuality from his family. Solomon was the first man he brought home to meet them.
Solomon, a New Yorker, had it a little easier with his family. "I had the kind of mom who was like, 'OK, he's wearing my heels...' When I finally went to her with it she said, 'Listen, I've just been waiting for you to say something...' My father is a Jehovah's Witness so it was a little rocky with our relationship, there came the whole 'abomination' thing, and by the time he came around it was really too late, so I don't really have a relationship with my father, it's just me and my mother. But coming out for me was easy. Unfortunately not a lot of people get to experience that. But for me it was, OK I'm out."
And so the Greek Lambda symbol is important to them because they felt that "Rainbow" was a little on the nose. Hughes and Solomon wanted to reach back further and they discovered the history of the Lambda symbol during the immediate post-Stonewall era to signify gay liberation.
"It was kind of like a secret fraternity during that time, which was really dope to me," says Solomon.
"Lambda to me means family," says Hughes. "A unity. When people come in here you pretty much know everybody's names from security to the host to the bartender. It's a gay Cheers. I enjoy it, even though I'm the owner. We talk to each other the same."
When Hughes and Solomon got together, neither had experience in the nightclub business as anything other than as patrons. But both agreed that a nightclub held a certain attraction for gay men as a "home away from home." They especially wanted a relaxed space where queer people of color could come and be themselves.
But how that came about was circuitous.
@lemonbrands
First came their vodka brand, Lambda Vodka, a premium spirit that is served in their establishment and used in its signature cocktails. But when Hughes and Solomon started out with the brand they found it to be a mammoth task, from dealing with distilleries to distributors. And when they couldn't get a lot of traction with their vodka in an oversaturated market, someone suggested to them, "Why don't you open a bar and sell your vodka to yourself?"
That worked. Because Lambda Vodka had helped to give them a foothold in Harlem where they had already built a following. When they settled on the premises on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd, they put special thought into the space and its appearance.
"We put a lot of time, effort and money into this space. All the art on the wall is from LGBTQ+ artists who gave it to us and designed the bottles as well."
And the venue has now grown to provide a stylish community space the welcomes different demographics of the community such as the ballroom scene, the drag scene, bears, lesbians, and more.
The bar had previously been 95% gay male but they've seen an increase in lesbians, trans folks, and even some straight women. "I remember once some straight men came in to play the video games and I remember they bought bottles and invited their girlfriends over. We get every walk of life who comes in here to have a good time," says Hughes.
While they have support now, getting the bar established wasn't easy — and when Covid happened and they had to close because the City of New York closed, they were down to their last few dollars when they launched a GoFundMe to try to bail themselves out. "We cried," says Hughes, now laughing a little painfully at the memory.
"We didn't want to ask people for assistance but we finally did it and once we did it for maybe a week, the City opened and we were able to open and generate some funds," says Hughes.
But they have done it all without investors so far. And they'd like to keep it that way so that they retain control. They have high praise for TD Bank who met with Hughes and Solomon and offered them a small business loan.
"They rolled out the red carpet," says Solomon, describing their meeting with the bank's LGBTQ Task Force, and the relationship continues to this day, with Hughes and Solomon featured in the bank's diversity ads.
@lemonbrands
It may have been a bumpy ride during the height of Covid, but the community has come out in support of the bar, regardless.
"The moment we opened the doors the line was around the corner," says Solomon. "And it was literally the last straw." They got a special permit from the city and were able to have their patrons out front, safely.
Today, the bar looks welcoming and stylish, with a very cool vibe—almost as if it was easy to set up. If it wasn't easy, at least it was right because they stayed true to the plan, despite the pushback they received when they announced they wanted to set up an LGBTQ+ bar in Harlem, or the doubts they faced about a vodka that was just for the LGBTQ community. But they were adamant about their vision.
@lemonbrands
People come to visit the lounge from all over: From Connecticut, from Jersey, and one night there was a man from Africa, who had researched the bar and sought it out when he came to New York.
"It was very emotional and humbling," says Hughes.
Humbling, maybe, but their vision is still grand, and that is to open a Lambda lounge in other metropolitan areas, starting with a megaclub version of the Lambda Lounge slated for Brooklyn, hopefully to open some time in 2022. Stay tuned!
Keep up with news, special events and theme nights here and here.
The Lambda Lounge
Ph: 646-669-8008
2256 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., New York, NY 10027
Info@lambdaloungeny.com
Covid protocols: Proof of vaccination required upon entry
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The gay scene in Bangkok is a lot of fun! It is open to all and you can guarantee a great night out every single evening. We loved making Bangkok our “home” base during our long trip in Asia and ended up spending many, many nights hanging out in the gay bars of Silom with both straight and gay friends.
The gay bars are mainly based around a small street called Silom Soi 4. Just around the corner on Silom Soi 2 are the main gay clubs, including DJ Station. Here’s a summary of our 5 favourites:
1. Balcony Pub and Telephone Pub
This is the beating heart of the gay scene in Bangkok. Balcony and Telephone are like the staple of the gay scene in Bangkok. They’ve been around for years and everyone knows them.
They are in fact 2 different large bars, but they’ve become so interconnected that you associate the Silom gay scene with these two.
They are set up with tables and chairs facing the road for people watching. The waiters are charismatic and very cute and they have great cocktails offered every night of the week (gigantic mojito pitcher for a tenner anyone?).
They also serve great food! Any visit in Bangkok does not officially begin for us until we’ve had our fix of Pad Thai here and downed a few margarita pitchers.
2. Stranger Bar
Stranger Bar has become another staple on the Bangkok gay scene. It’s a smaller bar than Telephone and Balcony but has a large indoor space, which gets busy after midnight. It’s also located in Silom Soi 4, right next door to Telephone and Balcony.
It’s owned by charismatic couple Sean and Chakgai who will soon become your good friends in the city as well. They’re really personable and make you feel like you’re coming to meet a family each time you visit. That’s why we like a night out at Stranger. Chakgai gave us his perspective of what it’s like growing up as gay in Thailand on our blog.
Stranger Bar also hosts themed parties and drag shows with Chakgai showing off some FIERCE outfits.
3. DJ Station
DJ is the staple on the gay scene for drag shows and dancing. It’s located on Silom Soi 4, another small street round the corner from the bars on Silom Soi 2.
After a few drinks in Balcony or Stranger, the crowd starts to head over to DJ at around 11pm for the really funny drag shows. WARNING: if you don’t want to join in and become part of the show, best stay away from the front of the stage.
After the drag shows finish, it becomes a large dancing venue with bars upstairs to chill and even a smoking room.
4. G.O.D.
After many, many drinks, you’ll end up dancing here at around 3 or 4 AM; most likely topless!
GOD is a three-storey venue with large dancing area downstairs, bar upstairs and dark room on the third floor. It’s around the corner from DJ on 60/18-21 Silom Soi 2/1 (just follow the crowd).
It’s fun and messy. And we love it…come to think of it, we can’t quite remember much of it…
5. HUGs Bar
HUGs is one of the best bear bars in Bangkok that puts on weekly karaoke parties. It’s located towards the back end of Silom Soi 4, attracting some of the city’s friendliest guys. It reminded us more of your local, friendly, neighbourhood dive bar, where everyone knows everyone, and you instantly feel at home. Even more so because it’s cash only, which is so typical of the many dive bars we’ve visited in our travels.
Weekends here are raucous – packed, with a boisterous fun bear crowd.
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His latest venture is the Main Street bar Sidekicks Saloon, which he bought during the summer. OUTvoices Kansas City sat down with Buddy to talk about his life and career.
“I was raised out in the country on a farm,” he begins. “It was great. I loved living out on a farm. … I played in the first gay softball league in the 1980s, and the rest is history.”
Later, after relocating to Florida, Buddy returned to Kansas City on vacation and stopped into “this little bar called Changes. … And I asked the manager how hard it was to tend bar. … And this was actually a Monday night, and he told me that one of their barbacks had just quit and if I wanted to come in the next night, I could just barback Tuesday and Wednesday and I could make some money on my vacation. I said, ‘Well, you know, it just seems like everybody has so much fun [behind the bar>.’”
This account illustrates two of Buddy’s most significant qualities: his tremendous work ethic (I mean, really, who gets a job while on vacation?) and his love of the social life inherent in the nightclub scene. His barback gig quickly turned into a bartending job, and Buddy decided to return to Kansas City permanently.
Later, in 1986, he began working at the now-shuttered Club Cabaret, tending bar there for many years. In 1994, he moved to a new venue, Missie B’s, which was not much more than a storefront bar at the time. That’s where his Belle Star persona was born.
Having performed in several Bartender Revues up to that point, Buddy remembers “walking up to the stage, and someone said, ‘You need to get a drag name, bitch!’ And I said ‘Let’s come up with one.’ And we ended up having a contest that was six weeks. We got 5,000 names, and I narrowed it down to the top 12. … And that’s how my name Belle Star came about.”
Eventually, Buddy left Missie B’s to open his own bar, Time Out, which catered to a Latino crowd. That venue, successful as it was, was torn down by the city to make way for the Sprint Center. Then, soon after a venture that was marred by an unfortunate partnership, Buddy returned to Missie B’s and began doing shows again.
Jan Allen, now manager of Missie B’s, has known and worked with Buddy for two decades. “When he left here and he got his own bar, I think that it was sort of a struggle. But he built a crowd. And then the city came in and said, ‘We’re going to tear this building down.’”
Allen says of Buddy’s career: “I think his charity work is definitely one of the highlights.”
She is referring to the extensive fundraising that Buddy has done for Family Health Care on Southwest Boulevard, a nonprofit safety-net clinic that provides family medical care. For the clinic, Buddy began the “12 Months of Christmas,” which held benefit performances throughout the year to buy gifts for young patients affected by HIV. Eventually, these performances morphed into the “Angel Tree Fund,” where bar customers can adopt a Christmas angel ornament for which they pledge a holiday gift for a clinic patient.
Now, with Sidekicks Saloon, Buddy has moved into a new chapter of his career, and this one is not without a bit of controversy. Sidekicks traditionally has been Kansas City’s gay and lesbian country and western venue, but now it will cater to a more diverse crowd, with drag shows, Latino-themed nights and karaoke.
Some in the community have criticized these changes, but Buddy defends them.
“If you bring me enough country people to keep it open seven nights a week … I’ll do it,” he said. “But you can’t — there’s not enough country people, and this is not just in Kansas City. … There’s not enough young cowboys growing. ... Running Sidekicks, I have to do what pays the bills.”
This pragmatism is characteristic of Buddy. Aside from all the fun and games involved in the nightclub business, it is a business, and hard choices underlie all of it. The fact is that Sidekicks Saloon may have closed if Buddy had not bought it. And the upgrades he’s made are impressive — new bar tops, tiling, improved restrooms and nifty freeway shield and neon sign designs give the place a clean and expansive feel that still preserves the country and western look.
Darren Steinwand, owner of the gay sports bar OutABounds, has known Buddy for several years. “Buddy,” he says, “is somebody that, honestly, hands down, is very open-hearted, very caring as far as taking care of other people and doing what he can to help.”
Jan Allen agrees: “People love Buddy, and he will always have a following.”
But perhaps Buddy puts it best when asked what he sees for his and his new bar’s future — “I expect to be successful. I expect no less. We are well on our way, well on our way, and I’m happy.” "