Portland oregon gay scene
[Find the Mercury's Queer Guide in print—available in more than spots citywide!—eds.]
The Silverado is obviously and stridently a gay bar. Rainbow tassels line the kitchen, attractive men in snug underwear sling drinks, and posters of shirtless guys adorn the walls. Also, after nine at night male strippers perform in the Silverado’s basement.
The Silverado was established over four decades ago and today is one of Portland’s longest-standing gay bars. It’s now in its third or fourth location, depending on how you count.
“It started as Flossie’s, which was up on Burnside where the Fred Meyer is now,” says Trevor Wion, the Silverado’s bar manager of nearly 25 years. He says that Flossie’s was “the same as what we are now, which is a very queer bar, but much quieter. I don’t think they started having dancers until ’”
According to Wion, sometime in the early ’90s the owner of Flossie’s surprised everyone by announcing that the bar was suddenly moving to what is now Harvey Milk Street.
“Everyone picked something up. There was a procession of bar stools, records, and bottles o
LGBTQ+ Nightlife
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A bartender makes sparks at Local Lounge.
You'll find plenty of LGBTQ+-friendly places to attend when the sun goes down in Portland.
3 min read
Note: This section was produced in collaboration with , formerly known as PQ Monthly.
Portland has no shortage of LGBTQ-owned and queer-friendly bars and clubs. Whether you’re looking for a safe space to enjoy a relaxing night with friends, a high-energy dance party or a drag show, Portland delivers.
North Portland
Florida Room is both queer-friendly and dog-friendly. Enjoy a drink with your favorite two-legged and four-legged friends on one of their two patios.
Eagle Portland is Portland’s leather bar and home base for the Oregon Bears. Guests who wear a leather harness, vest, chaps, or full drag with “significant effort,” get in free on Friday or Saturday nights.
Downtown and The Pearl District
Scandalscalls itself, “Portland’s Gay ‘Cheers.'” The relaxed vibe makes it a great place to rendezvous with friends, or meet new ones. During warmer months, grab a seat outside and watch the summ
LGBTQ+ Community
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Festival goers walk past the Portland, Oregon White Stag Sign, bespoke in their finest Pride wear for Portland’s annual Pride Parade.
Credit: Diego Diaz
Visitors to Portland can experience huge LGBTQ+ Pride parades, drag performances, queer film festivals, dance parties and more.
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Festival goers walk past the Portland, Oregon White Stag Sign, bespoke in their finest Pride wear for Portland’s annual Pride Parade.
Credit: Diego Diaz
Portland’s queer community includes a Guinness World Record holding drag queen, gay dance clubs and sports leagues, community organizations, and dozens of LGBTQ+-owned businesses. Portland was also the first major city to elect an openly gay mayor (Sam Adams in ).
Note: This section was produced in collaboration with , formerly known as PQ Monthly.
LGBTQ+ History in Portland
Portland’s LGBTQ+ history likely goes back to the first human inhabitants of the area. According to the First Nations Two-Spirit Collective, native people have celebrated gender and sexual minorities for millennia
8 Portland Best Gay Bars to Enjoy Queer Nightlife
Portland, Oregon, is known for its progressive culture, vibrant LGBTQ community, and legendary queer nightlife. Whether you're looking for a gay club in Portland, Oregon with an electrifying dance floor, a cozy gay bar for cocktails, or a venue featuring drag shows, the city has an incredible range of options.
From historic landmarks to hidden gems, this guide highlights 10 of the best LGBTQ-friendly bars, clubs, and lounges in Portland. Whether you're visiting the famous Darcelle XV or exploring the bustling Pearl District, there’s a perfect spot for everyone in the LGBTQ community.
Download Lex and meet LGBTQ+ friends and queer community in Portland! And check out our other metropolis guides here.
Best Areas in Portland for LGBTQ+ Nightlife
Portland is a urban area that proudly celebrates its LGBTQ community, offering a variety of neighborhoods where gay, lesbian, and nonbinary folks can enjoy an unforgettable night out. Whether you're looking for high-energy dance parties, laid-back LGBTQ bars, or unique queer-frien