Welcome to Gay Washington DC!

Think Washington DC and images of a politically divided America come to mind. However, the US’ capital city is one of the most liberal places in the States. And its rich array of gay bars, clubs and fetish and Pride events attract millions of LGBT+ visitors every year. Whether you’re looking for raves, drag shows or good old-fashioned Gay Cruising in Washington DC, you’ll find it in this incredibly diverse and welcoming of cities.

From prejudice to power: the history of Gay Washington DC

Look far back enough and we often see that our ancestors didn’t have a problem with homosexuality. Such is the case with Washington. Indeed, several Native American tribes in the state recognised people with so-called ‘two-spirits’. In other words, men who had sex with men.

But of course, this changed thanks to what’s called ‘civilisation’. In 1893, the state’s first sodomy law came into being. And men found guilty of violating ‘crimes against nature’ faced up to 14 years in prison.

Even worse, by 1949, those convicted of sodomy were defined as ‘sexual psychopaths’. Charming indeed. A further, assault on sexual freedom followed from 1950 with McCarthyism and ‘The Lavender Scare’. This saw thousands of gay men fired from government jobs because they were ludicrously viewed as potential spies.

However, even institutional homophobia couldn’t stop gay men from forming communities. Dupont Circle became known as the historical centre of LGBT life. Additionally, from the 1960s to the 1980s, the area around 8th Street Southeast became known as ‘The Gay Way’. And it remained this way until the horrors of gentrification in the 2000s.

In 1975, Washington finally scrapped its draconian sodomy law. But Gay Washington DC really came into its own in December 2012 when same-sex marriages were made legal in the state.

Cocktails and go-go boys: the finest Gay Bars in Washington DC

Gone are the days when Dupont Circle was DC’s sole gay neighbourhood. Indeed, the scene there is dying a slow death. However, this means you’ll find queer debauchery everywhere. Check out these Gay Washington DC watering holes:

Bright lights and beauties beacon at The Green Lantern on Green Ct NW, Downtown. The friendly downstairs bar is great for meeting friends and dates. Meanwhile, the upstairs has a clubby vibe. Don't miss the underwear parties and monthly leather shindig.

Looking for something upscale? Strut your stuff at the two-story Number Nine on P St NW in the middle of Logan Circle. Plush, with plenty of seating, it’s the ideal spot to unwind. You’ll find guys of all ages and ethnicities.

Cocktails and Sushi abound at the super energised Uproar on Florida Avenue NW in Shaw. It also boasts one of the greatest roof decks in DC.

The Dirty Goose on U St NW in the heart of the U-Street Corridor is famous for its martinis and excellent hospitality. It has a New York vibe about it. But crossed with the more relaxed feel of Atlanta. A win win indeed.

Diverse dance extravaganzas: Washington Gay Clubs

Washington DC is constantly evolving. One club closes, another opens. Here are the latest unmissable dance parties:

Unleash that fierce inner party animal at Wild Days, every second Sunday of the month. The night comes courtesy of queer DJ collective Flower Factory. And while the venue isn’t one of the Washington Gay Clubs, the extraordinary rooftop of the ultra-hip Eaton Hotel won’t disappoint.

Ah, the 1990s! Who doesn’t want to step back in time occasionally? And thanks to Peach Pit, a non-stop dance party at DC9, you can. While this isn’t strictly one of the Washington Gay Clubs, you’ll certainly find your tribe here.

Get your booty down to Soundcheck for Avalon Saturdays. If drag shows and top DJs don’t entice you, then $4 for Absolut drinks surely will. All the fuel you need.

Again, the intimate Flash isn’t exclusively one of the Washington Gay Clubs. But its Flashy Sundays LGBT+ party provides ample shirtless hunks to delight all of your senses.

Best Gay Cruising in Washington DC

Sadly, DC’s only Gay Sauna, Crew Club, has closed. As has the Washington branch of The Eagle. However, for those gagging for Gay Cruising in Washington DC, there are still several saucy options.

The Glorious Health Club and Art Gallery is one of the most fascinating spots for Gay Cruising in Washington DC. Check out cutting-edge art before enjoying a shower and steam at this community centred venue.

Other unmissable opportunities for Gay Cruising in Washington DC can be had at January’s Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend. And May’s DC Leather Pride Weekend. Kink heaven!

Gay Washington DC at its most exuberant: Capital Pride

Capital Pride can be traced back to DC’s first Gay Pride Day in 1975.

Today's Capital Pride is held every June. And the focal point is the 1.5-mile parade through the Dupont and Logan Circle districts.

With an eclectic roster of events celebrating unstoppable queerness, Capital Pride is one of the best times to visit DC.