Gay bars jacksonville florida
“How old are you?” she asked me.
“Eighteen.”
“You look twelve. Is this your first time at a gay bar, Mr. Eighteen? They can’t hear you, honey.” She pushed the microphone closer to my mouth.
“Yes.”
“Ladies and gentleman, we have a virgin.” The bar let out a singular, affable roar. I still believe that Florida’s drag queens are the best in the country. I haven’t met one who doesn’t have a preternatural sense of who needs to be singled out and doted on. “What’s your name, babydoll?” she asked me.
“Zack—I’m not a babydoll.”
“Sorry. Babyactionfigure. Why are you sitting on the floor, Zack? Honey, you have got to speak up.”
“No chairs.”
“You look like a chair yourself, Zack.”
—-
Telling people that I had a drag queen recline on my head on my first trip to a gay bar and announce to the room that she was “rubbing (her) taint on a twelve-year-old” has become a regular party anecdote for me—even when I often have to sputter something mollifying afterwards to answer the looks of horror the story can get. Usually these come from straight people, and sometimes queers from the north-ea
Top 5 Jacksonville Florida Gay and Lesbian Bars You Must Visit
Jacksonville (Jax), Florida, is home to a vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, with welcoming gay bars, twirl bars, and lounges spread across the city. Whether you're a gay traveler exploring the area or a local looking for a fun night out, Jax has something for everyone - from laid-back spots on King St and Park St to energetic nightclubs on Beach Blvd and Downtown.
And if you desire to meet LGBTQ+ people before hitting the town as a gay traveler, check out Lex - the app designed for making real queer connections. Download it now!
1. Park Place Lounge – Chill Vibes & Classic Drinks
Address: King St, Jacksonville, FL
Located in the Riverside gayborhood, Park Place Lounge is one of the most beloved gay bars in Jacksonville. This relaxed lounge is perfect for those who want to sip a strong drink, enjoy a game room, or hang out on the outdoor patio. If you’re looking for an inclusive, welcoming vibe, Park Place is the spot. Park Place opens daily from 12 PM – 2 AM (Happy Hour: 12 PM – 7 PM & 12 AM – C
Gay clubs in Jacksonville history
The former Club Jacksonville gay bathhouse at Hendricks Avenue in San Marco, now the offices of Group 4 Design.
Jacksonville has been house to bars, clubs and other venues catering to the LGBTQ community since at least the s. At a time when being out came with gigantic social stigma and often personal danger, these spaces served as safe havens for LGBTQ Jaxsons to meet, find a date or simply be themselves in public. While online dating and broadening acceptance of LGBTQ people in the wider community has led to a decline in the number of gay bars and nightclubs, their role in Jacksonville’s LGBTQ history can’t be overstated.
By , Jacksonville was abode to at least three gay bars. In , Roverta “Bo” Boen opened what became Duval County’s longest running gay bar, Bo’s Coral Reef. Originally located on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville Beach, Boen later moved it to Philips Highway. In , Bo’s returned to Jacksonville Beach in a building on 2nd Street. For nearly 40 years, it was a favorite hangout for LGBTQ people from across the First Coast and a popular
Ultimate Guide To The Best Gay Bars In Jacksonville
Sunny Jacksonville is one of the largest cities in Florida, known for its picturesque beaches, local art, and some of the best dining options in the region. While there’s no “official” gayborhood in Jacksonville, it’s quickly emerging as a gay-friendly destination.
If you’re looking for places where you can be yourself and party with other LGBTQ locals, check out our guide to the finest gay bars in Jacksonville. Whether you’re looking for a mad night on the dance floor or an intimate conversation over happy hour specials, this publish has some amazing options that’ll be perfect for any vibe.
Explore These Amazing Gay Bars In Jacksonville
Jacksonville’s sunny climate makes it the perfect place to adore a beach vacation, but the number of gay bars in the city has been drastically cut down since the pandemic. That said, there are still plenty of fabulous finds in the city.
Thinking of grabbing a drink or dancing the bedtime away with the local LGBTQ community? Check out some of the best gay bars in Jacksonville, Florida.