Welcome to Gay Seattle!

Known as ‘The Emerald City’ - it’s filled with greenery year-round - Seattle is an evergreen favourite for LGBT+ people. Its thriving bars, clubs, restaurants and brilliant performing and visual arts scenes make the historic Capitol Hill neighbourhood the ideal place for Gay Dating in Seattle. And much more besides. Welcome to the bustling, innovative port city that delivers one surprise after another. Here’s all you need to know about being sleepless in Seattle. And relishing every moment of it.

Bribery, drag and liberation: the history of Gay Seattle

Today’s Gay Seattle can be traced back to 130 years ago. And it's rooted in the most delicious vices of the city’s Tenderloin district with its brothels and gambling dens.

But 1893 saw a crackdown on sexual minorities with an anti-sodomy law. Guys and gals looking for Gay Dating in Seattle found themselves under increased risk of persecution.

Industrialisation in the 1930s saw the emergence of a more visible Gay Seattle scene. The Casino Pool Hall was a popular spot for same-sex dancing and Gay Dating in Seattle. And then in 1934, the Double Header Bar opened above the Casino Pool Hall. This became the US’s oldest continually operating gay bar before it closed in 2015.

World War Two cemented gay urban communities. And Seattle, as a port city, brought thousands of men together as a gay subculture bloomed.

After peace was declared, many Gay Seattle venues appeared in Pioneer Square and First and Second Avenues. Drag and cabaret proliferated. And The Garden of Allah became the place to be seen in one’s finery.

Whereas police raids were common in New York, there were relatively few in Seattle during the 1960s. Why? Because Gay Seattle had a police playoff system. However, this came to an end in the early 1970s as corrupt police officers went on trial.

But gay men remained at risk from the draconian anti-sodomy law until homosexuality was decriminalised in 1976. By this time, gay liberation had swept the US. And Gay Seattilites played a crucial role in the fight against oppression by forming the city’s first gay rights organisation, The Dorian Society, in 1967. Ten years later, the city held its first gay pride week.

The battle lines were once again drawn in the 1980s with the AIDS crisis. In response, a Seattle chapter of ACTUP was formed by the end of the 1980s. The fight for legal equality gathered pace throughout the 1990s and 2000s. And triumphed in 2012 when gay marriage became law in Washington State. Now, there’s a city committed to diversity!

Fabulous and friendly: Gay Bars in Seattle

The Capitol Hill area remains the epicentre for Gay Dating in Seattle. But you’ll find bars bursting with hot guys throughout the city. Head to these Gay Bars in Seattle for fun, freedom and fleshy frolics galore.

CC’s Seattle on E Olive Way in Capitol Hill delivers a wonderful chilled vibe. Not to mention strong drinks and open mic nights for you to unleash your inner diva.

Queer/Bar on Capitol Hill’s 11th Street is a beacon of queer inclusivity. Its performance space makes it one of the most inspirational Gay Bars in Seattle for those seeking avant-garde art.

Union Seattle on E Union Street provides ample indoor and outdoor space. Its cosy fireplace is ideal for Gay Dating in Seattle.

Where would kink lovers be without the trusted Eagle? The Seattle Eagle on E Pike Street with its black painted walls oozes raw sexuality.

The Cuff Complex on 13th Avenue has been one of Seattle’s best gay clubs since 1993. With its huge dance floor and four bars, it’s the essence of hardcore clubbing.

Neighbours Nightclub on Broadway opened back in 1983. It’s recently undergone a major facelift, meaning it maintains the crown as one of the hippest and friendliest Gay Bars in Seattle.

Your Seattle Sexathon: Gays Saunas in Seattle

For those not interested in Gay Dating in Seattle but wanting something shorter term, there are several steamy options.

Steamworks Seattle is part of a chain of bathhouses. This Gay Sauna in Seattle provides full-service spa facilities. Plus plenty of private cabins and play spaces where one can enjoy a full service of an altogether different kind.

Club Z in Capitol Hill was voted Best Gay Sauna in Seattle. It’s been spreading the love for three decades. And now offers a new sauna and cutting-edge tech. Most appropriate for this innovative city.

Celebrate creativity and freedom at Capitol Hill Pride and Pride Seattle

Kick start the fun at Capitol Hill Pride. This one-day festival is held in the fabulous gay quarter on the last Saturday of June every year. Capitol Hill Pride is the perfect prelude to full-on festivities at Pride Seattle.

Pride Seattle returns in supreme style for its 46th year. Join the huge Pride Seattle parade as you mingle with over 500,000 attendees at the fourth largest parade in the US.

Our summary of Gay Seattle

Port cities have a deserved reputation for sexual shenanigans. And Seattle is no exception. With its liberal social attitudes, tranquil west coast vibes and creative spirit, Gay Seattle is a destination for love, respect and joy.