Boost those rainbow banners high and gear up for a voyage through the vivacious gay milieu that is Los Angeles.
Whether you’re here for Pride or just a chill time, we’ve got your back. GayCities put together this list of attractions, cool neighborhood watering holes, and other queer points of interest for those who want to get to know the gayer side of LA.
1. Celebrate Pride in Los Angeles
Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
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There’s no better way to get to know LA’s gay community than at Pride. And Los Angeles is home to not one, but two massive celebrations, LA Pride in the Park and LA Pride Parade & Festival. The iconic LA Pride in the Park 2024 will take place on Saturday, June 8, at LA State Historic Park and the 54th Annual LA Pride Parade & Festival will be held in Hollywood on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
These travel-worthy events are some of the largest Pride celebrations in the entire country. But if you can’t make it to the City of Angels for Pride month, never fear! LA Pride also hosts movie nights and other events throughout the year. For more details, visit its official website.
Shout out to Christopher Street West
LA Pride is not just about glitter and rainbows. Christopher Street West, the organization behind LA Pride Parade & Festival, helps support community programs across Los Angeles. CSW keeps momentum year-round, making sure every color of the rainbow gets its time to shine.
Back in 1970, Christopher Street West decided to throw the world’s first officially sanctioned gay rights parade after the Stonewall Rebellion in NYC. Fast forward over 50 years, and they’re still at it, being the loud and proud voice for the community in Los Angeles and beyond.
2. Have a cocktail at LA’s best gay bars
Los Angeles boasts a vibrant gay nightlife scene that spreads across the city, with fun pockets popping up in nearly every neighborhood. The Silver Lake neighborhood, Downtown LA, and The Arts District are all great locales if you don’t want to stray too far from city center. Here are some of our favorites:
Eagle
Enter the enduring charm of Eagle LA, a leather bar nestled in Los Angeles’ Silver Lake neighborhood. This iconic hotspot has been a favorite among the leather crowd, offering unforgettable nights with cheap beer and talented DJs.
Located on Santa Monica Blvd, this venue dates back 44 years. It was formerly known as “The Shed” from 1968 to 1972, “The Outcast” from 1972 to 1983, and the famous “Gauntlet II” from 1983 to 2005.
In 2006, it transformed into what is now known as Eagle LA.
Akbar
Akbar, a friendly and congenial LGBTQ+ bar that exudes unpretentious vibes. With its cozy atmosphere, intimate dance floor, and jukebox brimming with tunes, Akbar is the ideal destination.
This establishment is celebrated for its welcoming ambiance, making it a favorite choice for both happy hour and late-night dancing.
Akbar frequently hosts events, including DJ-led dance nights, offering music enthusiasts and dancers a fantastic time.
Death & Co.
Death & Co Los Angeles
Upscale cocktail bar 818 E 3rd St · Los Angeles, CA 90013(213) -55-5-55
Website
For night owls seeking a haven, Death & Co. extends its embrace. This Arts District speakeasy-style lounge pays tribute to the Big Apple with an intimate seating area alongside a laid-back standing-room bar.
It’s a dimly lit establishment perfect for intimate company and racy conversation. Death & Co. will offer intrigue for any cocktail aficionado.
Precinct
Precinct is the go-to spot for a wild party on Fridays and Saturdays. Searching for a drag brunch? Get a ticket to its “Over Easy Drag Brunch” – the crown jewel of Sunday brunch celebrations in town.
Ruby Fruit
The Ruby Fruit
A strip mall wine bar for the sapphically inclined 3510 Sunset Blvd · Los Angeles, CA 90026(323) 522-6323
Website
The Ruby Fruit, put together by Emily Bielagus and Mara Herbkersman in Silver Lake, marks a revival for lesbian-owned queer bars in Los Angeles. Inspired by Rita Mae Brown’s “The Rubyfruit Jungle,” The venue aims to welcome a broad spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community, including lesbians, nonbinary, gender-nonconforming, and trans individuals.
The owners are dedicated to creating an inclusive, wine-centric, easygoing hangout with a no-reservations and standing-room-only approach. The Ruby Fruit serves a diverse selection of wines, beers, ciders, non-alcoholic beverages, and light snacks.
3. Feel inspired at Tom of Finland House
After serving in the Finnish army, Touko Laaksonen moved to Helsinki to work as an illustrator at McCann Erickson. In 1956, he submitted illustrations to the American magazine Physique Pictorial, publishing his first drawing in 1957 under the pseudonym Tom of Finland.
Tom of Finland House
Gallery inside craftsman home 1421 Laveta Terrace · Los Angeles, CA 90026(213) 250-1685
Website
After gaining recognition, Tom moved to Echo Park His home became a gathering place for queer artists and celebrities.
In 1984, the Tom of Finland Foundation was formed to secure his legacy and protect queer art, particularly by HIV-positive artists. The work that Tom produced in his attic studio would influence artists such as Mike Kelley and designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier and Thierry Mugler. He later returned to Finland, passing away in November 1991.
4. Take a journey through history at The Black Cat
Looking for a journey through history? The Black Cat Tavern is the spot.
This storied watering hole played a significant role in LGBTQ+ history starting in 1967. On New Year’s Day, a group of off-duty, plain-clothes police officers targeted and raided the tavern, arresting patrons who were kissing at midnight for “lewd behavior.” This event led to a peaceful demonstration on February 11, 1967. Often mislabeled in the annals of history as a riot, this uprising against police brutality is considered one of the first LGBTQ+ civil rights demonstrations in the United States.
The Black Cat
Historic landmark with old oak bar dining 3909 Sunset Blvd · Los Angeles, CA 90029(323) 661-6369
Website
The Black Cat was later recognized in 2007 as a historic landmark for its pivotal role in civil rights history. The bar that once occupied this historic building, however, no longer exists. It has now become a gastropub.
The restaurant has been operating under several names, but in 2012, it returned to its original namesake, The Black Cat. The restaurant offers a phenomenal drink menu with specialty cocktails.
5. Stay gay in Hollywood’s hottest hotels
As you hop around Los Angeles, you’ll need a place to crash in between point A and point B. If you want to stay close to the action, check-in at one of these hotels:
Tommie Hollywood
Tommie Hollywood
Style and comfort in a prime location 6516 Selma Ave · Los Angeles, CA 90028(323) 871-1234
Website
The Tommie is located in Hollywood’s red-hot Vinyl District, making it a convenient choice for travelers looking to explore the iconic attractions of the area. The hotel offers rooms with balconies, providing guests with a unique perspective of the vibrant Hollywood surroundings. There’s also a tropical oasis garden that begs you to create unforgettable memories.
Mama Shelter
Mama Shelter Los Angeles
Situated a stone’s throw from Hollywood Blvd 6500 Selma Ave · Los Angeles, CA 90028(323) 785-6600
Website
The name is meant to convey that a shelter is a place to feel protected from the city, while “Mama” represents the person someone loves most. Designed by Thierry Gaugain to honor the beauty of the Californian landscape, Mama Shelter LA features five floors of uniquely decorated rooms, each providing a cozy haven in this bustling city. Mama Shelter boasts a rooftop bar, ideal for enjoying dinner, sipping drinks, and capturing breathtaking sunset views.
Dream Hollywood
At the pinnacle of Dream Hollywood stands The Highlight Room, an outdoor rooftop with a lounge, pool, and grill. This elevated venue offers aerial perspectives of both the iconic Hollywood sign and the Los Angeles skyline.
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