West hollywood gay scene
How West Hollywood Became LA’s Fabled And Flawed LGBTQ+ Haven
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West Hollywood as a nucleus for LGBTQ+ culture in Southern California is practically set in stone.
The buzzing nightclubs filled with thumpy house music, packed bars and other flashy WeHo attractions have drawn thousands of people over the years, to attend and live. It's impossible to overstate its effect on the culture.
But the city wasn’t always full of rainbows. Let's see how it transformed over the years.
Early drag shows
During the Prohibition era, speakeasies became a popular avenue for gay-coded entertainment.
During the “Pansy Craze” between the late s and initial s, drag shows (before they had that name) were gaining underground popularity. Jimmy’s Backyard, one of Hollywood’s first openly same-sex attracted bars that opened on Modern Year’s Eve in , along with B.B.B.’s Cellar, were well-liked destinations
Places to Experience West Hollywood&#;s LGBTQ Scene
With its rainbow-colored crosswalks and blocks of out-and-proud offerings, West Hollywood stands tall as the visible symbol of gay Los Angeles. Learn about how it’s event history shapes the city today.
West Hollywood is a vibrant, inclusive city that welcomes all. Located in the heart of L.A., nearly 40% of West Hollywood’s population identifies as LGBTQ.
For LGBTQ visitors, there’s a lot to treasure about West Hollywood, including one of the world’s most thriving LGBTQ nightlife scenes, sleek architect hotels, and straightforward access to LA’s countless cultural and sightseeing landmarks.
While there’s something exciting happening here year-round, the LA Pride Festival in June and Halloween street party in October both draw hundreds of thousands of revelers, making them superb times to visit.
Nightlife
If nightlife is your thing, Santa Monica Boulevard is where it’s all happening, with hot spots ranging from pulsing sway clubs to approachable neighbuorhood bars. The Abbey, Revolver, Fiesta Cantina, Flaming Saddles, Gym Sports Bar, Mi
LGBTQ+ West Hollywood
At the build of the Hollywood Hills, the city of West Hollywood is the center of LGBTQ+ Los Angeles. In , West Hollywood became the first majority-gay municipality in the nation, and ever since, its rich tradition of parade and acceptance has been enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
marks the 40th anniversary of this milestone, and West Hollywood will commemorate that and the many progressive Gay policies that followed it with 40 Days of Pride and the give back of the recently reinvigorated WeHo Pride event. With the theme of “Pride Starts Here,” everything kicks off on Harvey Milk Day (May 22) and runs through June 30 with programming that includes the WeHo Pride Weekend Parade, the Dyke Protest, the WeHo Pride Arts Festival and more.
Nightlife, Burgers, and Drag Bingo
With Homosexual residents comprising more than 40 percent of the square-mile community and crosswalks are painted as welcoming rainbows, it goes without saying that the entire area is LGBTQ+-friendly. What’s more Route 66 than a classic hour diner? Devour a plate of D
Gay Friendly Hotel in West Hollywood
The Abbey Food & Bar
Distance from La Peer: miles (approx. minute walk)
Originally a humble coffee shop in , The Abbey has grown into one of the most famous queer bars in the planet, serving as a harmless space and social hub for the LGBTQIA+ society. Check out weekly queenly brunches, celebrity DJ nights, themed parties, and iconic Pride celebrations. Voted “Best Gay Bar in the World,” The Abbey blends elegance, fun, and movement in every cocktail and performance.
GYM Bar
Distance from La Peer: miles (just an 8-minute walk)
A beloved neighborhood sports bar and local icon, proudly serving West Hollywood’s LGBTQ+ community for over 15 years—creating an inclusive space that celebrates its rich history while embracing the future.
Stay Near the Movement Parade & Experience Poolside Luxury, and More
Kimpton La Peer Hotel is also just miles from the annual WeHo Pride Parade road, placing guests in the heart of the festivities. After a vibrant day of celebration, retreat to the hotel’s peaceful courtyard or relax by our luxe outdoor pool.