Gay area of washington dc

For more than half a century, Pride festivities have infused the District with love, joy, and vibrant color, presenting a month-long series of events designed to inspire, empower, and connect the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. Arrange your visit now.

Activists, residents, and visitors from across the nation and globe have convened outside 1 First Street NW to commemorate key moments in American history, including the pivotal June 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage. A complimentary tour is offered Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

"This liberty can no longer be denied. No bond is more profound than marriage, as it encapsulates the supreme ideals of love, loyalty, dedication, sacrifice, and family. Through marriage, two individuals become something greater than the sum of their parts," Justice Anthony M. Kennedy declared in the majority opinion.

The District features a diverse array of LGBTQ+ bars. Cheer on the game at Pitchers or Nellie's (DC's first gay sports bar), dance the night away at As You Are, or unwind with a cool beverage at Red Bear Brewing Co., the District's solely LGBTQ+-owned brewery. For a non-alcoholic social outing, visit Spark Social Club on U Street; it welcomes all ages during the day and is 18+ after 8 p.m. Regardless of your preferences, DC caters to every taste.

A short distance east of Dupont Circle, vibrant rainbow crosswalks mark 17th Street NW. Explore local favorites like JR's (a DC stalwart since 1986, featuring Retro Fridays, Sunday Fundays, and drag-themed trivia on Wednesdays) or Dito's (situated in the basement of Italian restaurant Floriana). Notice the "Frank Kameny Way" street sign at 17th and R streets, an unofficial homage to the neighborhood's LGBTQ+ presence. Kameny, an astronomer by profession, became a gay rights advocate after being dismissed from the U.S. Army in 1957.

Though the neighborhood buzzes with activity at night - Pitchers and A League of Her Own, LGBTQ+ sports bars, present appealing opportunities for game-day and non-game-day outings - Adams Morgan's inviting eateries and fashionable shops also make it a must-visit during daylight hours. Discover exceptional thrifting and delectable dining experiences along 18th Street NW.

Dupont Circle, DC's original gay neighborhood, remains one of the District's popular areas, boasting a vibrant array of dining and shopping establishments. Enrich your experience by engaging in outdoor activities (try a pick-up chess game?) within its central grassy circle. Visit renowned landmarks such as Larry's Lounge, a local bar, or Kramers, a beloved independent bookstore with a substantial LGBTQ+ section.

The District offers magnificent weekend drag brunches, from renowned restaurants like Officina and Perry's to breweries like City Tap House and enjoyable venues such as Throw Social. If brunch isn't your preference, a wide array of drag performances and events (including bingo) are readily available throughout the city.

Visit the Congressional Cemetery, featuring a dedicated section commemorating the lives and legacies of significant queer figures and activists. Discover memorials dedicated to Frank Kameny (co-founder of the Mattachine Society, an early gay rights organization, and the first openly gay person to seek a Congressional seat), along with the resting places of Barbara Gittings and Kay Tobin Lahusen (founders of the first American lesbian rights organization). Seek out Leonard Matlovich's headstone, which reads: "A Gay Vietnam Veteran: When I was in the military, they gave me a medal for killing two men. And a discharge for loving one."

One of the trendiest neighborhoods favored by LGBTQ+ Washingtonians is Logan Circle, located just east of Dupont Circle. Establishments such as Logan Tavern, Jane Jane, Green Lantern, and Number Nine are instrumental in fostering a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere in this area. Throughout the year, but especially in the summer, residents delight in soaking up the sun in the neighborhood's parks and enjoying outdoor happy hour events. At night, well-regarded venues such as Studio Theatre and the Black Cat set the stage for artistic endeavors.

DC's public art scene extends beyond museum walls. Experience the city's murals and public artworks. Seek out Robert Indiana's AMOR in the National Gallery of Art's sculpture garden. Lisa Marie Thalhammer's Love is For Everyone ascends the Little Gay Pub in Logan Circle, while her rainbow LOVE mural adorns a Shaw alleyway. Nearby, the significant but somewhat hidden Together can be found at 1309 9th Street NW.

The most recent addition to DC's urban art scene is a half-mile-long mural, finished just in time for WorldPride. Rainbow Road, located along bike lanes on 15th Street NW (between O and V Streets), enhances visibility and safety. Conceived by Thalhammer, with a team of seven other local artists and numerous volunteers, this artwork adds an influx of color to DC's gay neighborhood, situated between Dupont and Logan Circles.

Within Barracks Row lies a space that provides respite from the city's pace: Little District Books. This establishment champions authors and creators across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum through its collection of titles, gifts, and community events.

Connect with the LGBTQ+ community's impact in DC through a visit to the Go-Go Museum, celebrating the genre's rich history and profound connections to the city's cultural landscape. Owned by Check It Enterprises, a nonprofit organization founded by LGBTQ+ youth, the museum acts as an inclusive hub for culture and creativity, where artists and visitors can gather, perform, and learn.

Fun fact: Mo, a co-owner featured in the documentary Check It, frequently mans the front desk.