Gay bars in roanoke va

By Contributor Bonnie Chavez – CEO, Building Beloved Communities

I’ve initiate Roanoke to be a welcoming community, and the folks are lovely here.

-Bonnie Chavez

As a transplant from Albuquerque, NM, I had concerns about moving to “The South”. I am a Mexican-American, an out lesbian, and a feminist. Since moving here, I’ve found Roanoke to be a welcoming community, and the folks are beautiful here. I’ve compiled a list of great spaces for our LGBTQIA fam. We love to learn your feedback, so if you have your hold safe spaces or recommendations, please let us comprehend, and we can attach it to the list! If you ever crave to chat about what life is like for LGBTQ+ community members or just as someone looking to relocate, I’m content to chat anytime.

Coffee Shops

Big Gay Brunch Spots

• Well Hung Vineyard – I imply, it’s in the name! Plus, they host regular drag shows. Known for their frose (aka wine slushies).
• Breadcraft – Insta-worthy brunch, only downside: no mimosas – but the food is divine.
• Scrambled – Easy breakf
  
  

  On a Friday night in September , a former Marine who had drifted into Roanoke walked down Salem Avenue and into a gay bar, where he ordered a beer and then proceeded to open fire.
  

  He killed Danny Overstreet, 43, and injured six others. Ronald Gay later claimed he targeted the bar after a lifetime spent creature jeered for his surname. He pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and is now serving four being sentences.

  The shooting galvanized Roanoke and triggered an outpouring of support that in retrospect looks prefer a pivotal moment in changing attitudes toward LGBTQ individuals. The Backstreet Cafe reopened its doors just a week after the shooting, and then remained open for another 17 years. It finally closed at the end of , only to reopen a few weeks later as the Front Row, a sports bar with punk and metal shows at night.

  In facts, Backstreet had long since ceased to be a gay bar. A variety of factors, from social media and hookup apps to a rapid change in societal attitudes to become more accepting to the LGBTQ community, has caused a sharp decline in gay bars across the country, and Backstreet was no exception.

  Another long-running gay nightspot located three blocks up

  Walking Tours

  The Southwest Virginia Diverse History Project offers three LGBTQ history walking tours in Roanoke, Virginia. In we launched our first tour, the Downtown Roanoke LGBTQ History Walking Tour. In we launched our second tour, the Antique Southwest Gayborhood Walking Tour. In , we began offering our newest tour, the Salem Avenue Historic District Walking Tour.

  Our Roanoke LGBTQ History Walking Tours are free monthly walking tours exploring Roanoke&#;s queer past.

  Tour Options

  Downtown Tour

  *Online Resources for the Downtown Tour*

  Did you know that Downtown Roanoke once featured as many as six gay bars? On our Downtown Tour, you will learn about the role of downtown businesses, universal spaces, and street experience in shaping Roanoke&#;s LGBTQ history. Tour stops may include Roanoke&#;s late nineteenth-century red light district; places associated with the history of gay rights activism; and sites of opposition between local government, police, and the LGBTQ community.

  Old Southwest Tour

  *Online Resources for the Old Southwest Tour*

  Did you know that Roanoke&#;s Old Southwest neighborhood is the city&#;s gayborhood? On our Old Southwest Gayborhood Tour, you will l
  

  LGBTQ+ Visitor Information - Roanoke, VA

  Roanoke in Virginia&#x;s Azure Ridge is a vibrant and welcoming community to visitors from all backgrounds, including the LGBTQ+ community.

  We encourage you to design your next metro mountain adventure and explore the incredible variety of outdoor trails & recreation opportunities, diverse arts & cultural scene, distinct local flavors, and thrilling special events that get place throughout the year.

  There are also unique experiences and opportunities to join with Roanoke&#x;s local Gay community and learn more about the city's history.

  "Roanoke is a magical place. When I moved here in , a stranger in a new capital, I experienced the present of hospitality from so many people, who welcomed me in my authenticity and wholeness. I am happy to be part of our City Council who celebrates our rich diverse, multi-cultural and inclusive citizens and landscape. Welcome to Roanoke!"  &#x; Joe Cobb, Vice Mayor and Member of Roanoke City Council

  The City of Roanoke earned the utmost possible score of points on the Human Rights Campaign's HRC () Municipal Equity Index (MEI), an annual as

  .