The pointed toes of cowboy boots peek out from between lines of dancers. For those wanting exciting, mature eye candy, the Eagle and its centering of all things sexual-counterculture is here for you. The Old Gays have amassed more than 7 million followers on TikTok with delightful videos that bridge generational gaps. In 2021, he took part in the second cohort of Jose Sols BIPOC Critics Lab with the Kennedy Center. The rave showcases the talent that exists throughout the African diaspora, with an emphasis on femmes. For organizers: to update event, contact us. For organizers: to update event, contact us. It's been three years since our first ever social!! Bachata class 5pm | Social dancing (Salsa & Bachata) 6-8:30pm We've set aside a number of free tickets for folks who may be experiencing financial hardship, if. People begin to fill the dance floor for another night of Stud Country line dancing. But its the perfect space to grab a workday brunch with a colleague or for co-working sessions co-hosted on Tuesdays with Gay Asstrology. The feeling when you finally get the dance makes you feel very connected with the people around you. Do it again, for real.. Festivals. Redline opened next to the noteworthy Precinct in 2014 and maintains loyal crowds who come regularly to drink truly great cocktails, dance, and nibble on light eats. Just ask Queerchata's founder, Bex. 101 Dance Center, 3246 Cahuenga Blvd W, Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA Website: womenscenterforcreativework.comInstagram: @feministcenterforcreativeworkWhere: Glendale and throughout L.A. Co-founders Tiffany Tharpe and Michelle Race have taken their lived experiences as Black women and their appreciation for the outdoors and spun them into a beautiful, expansive community. Things to look forward to: a beginner-friendly bachata class bachata & salsa dancing performances by amazing artists and a really great queer time! "Great teacher and atmosphere good vibes all around and a great workout! Queer Self Defense Class. Theres an ease that comes with not having to explain layers of your queerness and nonconformity. His areas of focus include theater, dance and social change. A post shared by Gordon Bellamy (@cybercooper). Salsa Fundamentals With Cristina And Alex, Become A Salsa Sensation At Capoeira Besouro Studio. This might seem counterintuitive to couples and friends gathered for a night out under the glow of a giant disco ball. bachata & salsa dancing and a really great queer time! packing its small dance . Line dancing is folk dancing, its storytelling, explains Salisbury. 2. Valley Girl is a monthly comedy show by L.A. locals for anyone who needs a good laugh. Kirsten Hart has you covered. Music. This all-ages queer dance party on wheels is a sober event held every Wednesday from 8 to 11 p.m. Website: moonlightrollerway.comInstagram: @officialmoonlightrollerwayPhone: (818) 241-3630Where: 5110 San Fernando Road, Glendale. The next event, which will celebrate the cafes one-year anniversary, is June 18 at 9 p.m. ($12) and will feature an open mic at the end. Queer Tango is to dance Argentine Tango without regard to the traditional heteronormative roles of the dancers, and often to exchange the leader and follower roles. who organizes an underground, queer-oriented party called Spotlight in Los Angeles. As festive as it is, the wine selections and cocktails are excellent, while the bar bites are also quite good, including hot pretzels plus an Atlantic salmon over tri-color pasta. Grab your best 90's fit and come dance with us. newsletter, 8933 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, 8857 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, 10937 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601, 5520 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038, 1532 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027, 4356 W Sunset Blvd, Silver Lake, CA 90029, 4219 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90029, 3428 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90804, 2915 W Beverly Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640, 15 Hot Brunch Spots to Check Out in Los Angeles, 16 Places for Happy Hour Drinks and Deals in LA, The Essential Guide to Los Angeles Hot Dogs, 2023 Edition. A post shared by Aaron Tilford (DJ) (@dj_aarontilford). Chico is deceptively small on the outside. More Info. Its no secret that finding your people can be challenging; the same goes for finding spaces around Los Angeles that align with your current adult self. "Can someone take me to Millennium?" "My MDC Family, I love this studio. Lina Abascal is a writer born and raised in Los Angeles. Dead Beatles, Fake Drake and robot songwriters: Inside the panic over AI music. Prior to joining the staff, he was an Entertainment and Arts intern. "Millennium, you. Art Roving will host "2023 Queer Art Salon Opening & Dance Party" on Friday, July 7 at 8 p.m. at Selina Union . This is a space for dancing, meeting new friends, and spending time in community. There are plenty of watering holes, eateries, and trendy shops. The school is based in Woodstock and charges R150 per drop-in class. Website: blackgirlstrekkin.comInstagram: @blackgirlstrekkinWhere: Throughout L.A. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. This is a space for dancing, meeting new friends, and spending time in community. from 6-8:30pm. During the festivals first iteration four years ago, Valenzuela invited dancers internationally and from around the U.S., telling them to invite anyone from their community. Oh, and rosemary vanilla bean sugar cookies, black truffle potato chips and sparkling wine. The Hip Circle belly dancing lessons are . Im still fighting for that truth that needs to be told, he says. The majority are classic dances learned by the founders at Oil Can Harrys; others were picked up at events across the country. Visitors consider the shop, whose services range from fresh fades to hair coloring, a balm for the gender performance often expected at other establishments. For those looking to shake some ass or cry at a heartfelt performance on stage, theres space for it all at Mickys. When Manoel returned to the scene in 2009 to teach punking to new generations, he realized how much of its origins had been lost in translation. Fellow punker Michael Angelo, the DJ on Saturday nights, held contests where accomplished dancers could compete for a $1,000 prize. The mercado was co-created by Ryan Montez, who oversees entertainment coordination, and Gaudencio Mrquez, who oversees outreach and helms a complementary podcast, which highlights members of the mercado community. Flame Saturdays Salsa / Bachata At State Social House. A range of LGBTQ organizers also host regular events here. Through the group, Black women and others can access the serenity and rejuvenation of being immersed in nature. Where to hang out in Los Angeles when you want to meet queer folks but dont want to roll up to the usual gay bars and clubs. Thanks in advance!! In 2021, when the 52-year-old bar announced its closure due to new building ownership, Monaghan and Salisbury were just two of the many line dancers in Los Angeles without a queer-friendly space to convene. Website: juniorhighlosangeles.comInstagram: @juniorhighlaWhere: 603 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale. Its a sentimental experience because were a family when were in there, never taking for granted that not everyone has access to queer-friendly spaces, explains Tibi. L.A. Affairs: He changed my mind about love. And even though its a sports bar, Hi Tops has an excellent menu along with a great people-watching view to Santa Monica Boulevard. Francis Lee. In 1978, Manoel and his friends started going to Ginos II disco on Santa Monica and Vine. But in the meantime, the Bahia dance floor will do. Silver Platter went came under new management a few years back, but still has it all with cheap glasses of champagne, an eager dance floor, and a documentary endorsement by local artist Wu Tsang. Therefore, it is related to open role or same-sex tango. If you show up next Monday, by March you can help a new Stud when they ask what a kick-ball-change is. Los Angeles LGBT Center to Host Second Annual Boyle Heights Block Party with Sabor de Mi Centro on July 8. May 20 Queerchata Class And Social This is a space for dancing, meeting new friends, and spending time in community! "Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, rated the country's #1 . From June to September 2022, the mercado will provide a free 10-by-10-foot space for school-age students interested in selling their art and crafts or launching their small business. The dance classes are for trans and queer folks, plus friends, and are offered on a pay-what-you-can sliding scale of $5 to $25, with a number of free tickets available. He previously reported with such outlets as E! Once it was safe, the duos dance classes shifted from online to in person. The Cuties community is a special place for queer and trans folks looking to form genuine connection, or, as Chief Executive Sasha Jones endearingly puts it, the tenderqueers a.k.a., the playful community of artists, poets and lovers who are uninspired with the typical WeHo crowd.. People you vibe with, ideally where the layers of your personhood are honored, the belly laughs roll freely and the door for each others authentic selves is always wide open. All classes at Mirrors Dance are queer-friendly, but hopefully, in these specially tailored dance classes, we inspire more people in the LGBTQ+ community to experience the joy of learning how to dance. Kirsten Hart and Lucy Smith at Girl(friends) L.A. Riso Printing Workshop with Cynthia Navarro/Tiny Splendor at Feminist Center for Creative Work. LA Times Today: Hoot and holler at Stud Country, L.A.s lively queer line-dancing party, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Looking for queer community in L.A.? Whens the last time you went roller-skating? Get our L.A. Instagram: @highandtightlaEmail: N.Johnson_1102@yahoo.comWhere: 4759 W. Washington Blvd., Mid-City. A fellow dancer had introduced Valenzuela to the unique style when the two were a part of the Funkdation dance crew. This month's theme is Disco! He stepped back from the scene. $135. Queerchata Class & Social JOIN US FOR OUR JANUARY SOCIAL! It was a celebration of the freedom I saw from other performers being out and queer onstage, because for a long time, I tried to minimize my own queerness.. Complete with a pool table and stage, this LGBTQ-friendly bar turns the karaoke up to eleven with LCD projectors and video monitors for every karaoke hog. But once hundreds of boots start stomping and Wrangler-clad hips begin shaking, it starts to make sense. Visitors enjoy cozy vibes, gorgeous natural light and a variety of pastries, coffees, teas, smoothies, breakfast burritos, sandwiches and snacks. Bachata class is at 5 p.m. and social dancing will be from 6 to 9 p.m. You can also catch the Queerchata group performing at the halftime show for the L.A. Sparks on Pride Night, June 23. Looking for wholesome fun in an environment that centers queer women and underrepresented genders but welcomes all? But then his friends began dying of AIDS. Always contact event organizers before attending this event (sign in/up to access contacts & info). INFO: While Stud Country is for everyone, novice dancers know thats the time for them to grab a drink or people watch. We are the guests. Strike With Forces next event is slated for March 2023, in Mexico City. Its a feeling of unity, says Imogene Strauss, a creative director and Stud Country regular. Both country music lovers, they were hooked. Stay up to date on Queerchata events on Instagram or Discord. A post shared by Diana Bradbury (@cleandiana), By submitting your email, you agree to our, Sign up for the Rainbow Skate Night is the perfect occasion to throw on that outfit youve been waiting to take for a spin and fully lean into the carefree fun and blissful nostalgia of a skating rink. Couples dance under multicolored lights and a glittering disco ball during Stud Countrys line dancing night. June 2, 2022 So instead of standing outside on the street, overwhelmed by the bright lights and sparkling decorations, consult our list of 20 LGBTQ+ (and ally) owned, operated or founded hotspots. Every Monday, the night kicks off with free time to partner dance, where gender is disregarded as couples decide who leads and who follows in a two-step. Virtual classes today. At Mirrors Dance we feel passionate about creating a space where people in the LGBTQ+ community have a safe place to learn to dance freely. A group of men dressed in drag during an event at 3rd Street and Main in downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 1949. The founders dream of going on tour and even opening their own dive bar with a dance floor. Cory Your Fabulously Fierce Instructor Says>>>>> . West Los Angeles. This month's theme is Disco! The art deco wallpaper and teal hues detailing the walls give the space the dual possibility of the intimacy of a boudoir and the dream-like whimsy of a dance party. Thursdays to Sundays, July 14 - Sept. 30, 2023 - 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m./8:30 p.m. 1345 N Montebello Blvd., Montebello, CA. California Classic Summer League. Hey lovely humans, it's time to join the skulk. JOIN US FOR OUR DECEMBER SOCIAL! The original Downtown gay bar, Jalisco is a dive bar that caters to the Latinx and Mexican LGBTQ community. Precinct DTLA, 357 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, Los Angeles, CA 90013, Sign Up to get Personal Story Stream, Nearby Events & more. The Ruby Fruit closes at 11 p.m. on weekends, so it isnt exactly part of the late-night LGBTQ scene in LA. South Bay Greek FestivalSt. During their Wednesday karaoke nights, expect tipsy patrons singing their hearts out to their peers. Sometimes you just want to shake off your worries on the dance floor, serve a lewk, bussa whine, flirt and be surrounded by community while your body responds to a fire DJ set. Disclaimer: Danceus.org does not organize events and only provides events listings. . Queer Contra Camp , a weekend at Monte Toyon, a camp facility in the redwoods near Santa Cruz, debuted in 2008. Instagram: @thequeermercadoWhere: Hilda L. Solis Learning Academy, 319 N. Humphreys Ave., East Los Angeles. Self Defense at 8pm! She is the author of the nonfiction music book Never Be Alone Again: How Bloghouse United the Internet and the Dancefloor.. Bailey Salisbury and Sean Monaghan, shown at left, lead line dancing night for a large crowd. including a monthly online meditation class, cooking sessions, virtual watch parties . A couple dances together at Stud Country. Couples hold hands and dance together at Stud Country. After a few simple dance lessons, seasoned dancers are invited to jump into line dances they know by name either from a past Stud Country event or elsewhere. Below them, dancers follow along, hooting and hollering every time they master even the simplest of steps. Before heading out for an evening at Club Tempo, make sure to bring out the best cowboy boots and expect to be dancing all night to Latin folk songs. The queers have spoken, so we're bringing back themes. Pink Panther is one of Cape Town's most popular LGBTQ nightlife spots. Salsa Fundamentals With Cristina And Alex, Become A Salsa Sensation At Capoeira Besouro Studio. Instagram videos have brought in a younger crowd in velvet tops and furry cowboy hats; they share the dance floor with Oil Can Harrys veterans in simple flannel shirts and jeans. Men were dancing together and kissing and hugging, and I actually freaked out because when youre not used to seeing things like this, he recalls. Circle Left began in January 2013 with the goal of specifically attracting young people and queer people. Also in the mix are queer family picnic meetups (dog parents and those looking to get info about expanding their queer, trans and gender nonconforming families are welcome), weekly co-working dates in Long Beach, with another weekly co-working meetup launching in the Arts District later this month, and the June 16 Nite Market, with more than 20 vendors and music performances at Plant Chica in West Adams. 0. Bachata, good vibes and dancing it out at the park is a winning combination. Come dance salsa and bachata in community. (The originators of the style are known as punkers, while newer generations of dancers are called whackers.) Four years ago, she launched her own dance festival in Los Angeles, Strike With Force, that aims to uphold the history of punking and whacking while fostering a community for a new generation of dancers. SAME SEX WEDDING CHOREOGRAPHY & QUEER PRIVATE DANCE LESSONS FOR COUPLES OR SOLOS, 2021 by Mirrors Dance. The expression from that oppression via movement is where this punking dance style came into fruition. To Manoel and his friends, punking spoke to the freedom they found in the club. Couples dance at Stud Country, a queer line dancing night at Club Bahia in Echo Park. Developed in Los Angeles around the time voguing took hold in New York City, the roots of punking can be difficult to trace which is why Manoel is determined for new generations to understand the weight that comes with each pose and move. Queer people are never just queer of course were so much more than that one identity but that experience is unique and it comes across in [peoples] artistry every time. Instagram: @girlfriendslaWhere: Throughout L.A. Punking and whacking had found a new home. Van Gogh Expo. spins Latin and dance music on its dancefloor, has three bars and is one of the only L.A. spots to have a trans night with Transfix on Thursday nights . Queers, Fems & Em - A Petite Variety Show Thu, Jul 27 9:00 PM + 5 more The Pack Theater - Broadwater Second Stage Queer Artist Networking & Skill Share Session Monday 7:00 PM PIRATE.COM - Rehearsal & Recording Studios Queer Latinxs in Tech - Los Angeles July Happy Hour Tomorrow 6:30 PM Redline - Food & Bar Lee's . Junior Not High is the biweekly Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, which is free and open to anyone seeking sober community. Couples touch hands while whirling by during Stud Countrys line dancing night. For his part, Manoel is still teaching the dances history and movements. Treat yourself to a high-energy one-on-one dance class with Instructor G. In this uplifting private session, you can choose to learn a new dance style or practice your favorite, with options including Afro, Afrobeat, dancehall, hip-hop, fitness dance and party dance. The evening's draw was Stud Country, a queer line-dancing and two-step class and party that usually takes place in Los Angeles. Fun fact: The shop is also an event space for parties and other gatherings. Gyms can be a mixed bag, especially when factoring in who and which kinds of bodies are made to feel welcomed or alienated. Website: ora.la/liberation-coffee-houseInstagram: @liberationcoffeehousePhone: (323) 993-8954Where: 6725 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. Oops. Things to look forward to: a beginner-friendly bachata class bachata & salsa dancing and a really great queer time! From Santa Monica to East LA and down to Long Beach, queer bars are just as expansive as the diversity within the LGBTQ community. Dates: July 3 & 5; Location: Sacramento at Golden 1 Center; Teams: Charlotte Hornets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs . She then went on to produce other Strike With Force festivals in Italy and Mexico, and smaller gatherings began to pop up as the community started growing. Photojournalist Allen J. Schaben began his career at the Los Angeles Times shortly after he earned his bachelors degree in journalism with minors in art and psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1994. Yet Soma belly dancing is not the only school that teaches belly dancing in Cape Town. July 3, 2023 - Sabor de Mi Centro is a vibrant summer celebration centering the Latine community of LA's Eastide served in partnership with the Latino Equality Alliance On Saturday, July 8, the Center's Mi Centro community center in . For organizers: to update event, contact us. On the agenda this summer: themed poetry nights (Junes theme is joy), guided outdoor sound baths, Zoom drawing hangouts and a movie night series in partnership with arts nonprofit the Queer 26 featuring The Watermelon Woman and The Handmaiden.. It is set to close sometime this spring. Joining us this month from Austin, TX , are Angie and Audrey who are known for their Non-Binary, Afro Latin Dance style! He stopped the music mid-freestyle and goes, Really? Jul 15 Queerchata Class And Social The queers have spoken, so we're bringing back themes. Sign up for the email list and keep up with the Instagram for future meetups. The neighborhood felt Roosterfishs absence until ownersMario VolleraandPatrick Brunetbrought it back from the dead. It's been closed for almost a year, while other LGBTQ spaces throughout the city and country have shuttered for good: Cuties in East Hollywood L.A.'s only queer-focused coffee shop; Rage. CraftNight starts 9pm! A post shared by Hector Saavedra (@condom_nation_cruisers). The focus may have started with hikes, but plans to broaden the group activities are on the horizon. A typical mercado experience may feature queer DJs, drag shows, poetry and comedy, dance lessons and youth music performances. Downtown L. A (DTLA) has recently seen some significant improvements. Queer salsa,bachata & other dance classes and dance parties. Queer Mercado, a monthly gathering of vendors who identify as Latino and part of the LGBTQ community, is hosting its one-year anniversary. Disclaimer: Danceus.org does not organize events and only provides events listings. At Stud Country, a weekly queer country and western line dancing class, there are no drinks allowed on the dance floor. First dates, two engagements, a number of familial reconciliations and introductions to a loved ones queerness have all taken place at the monthly market. For organizers: to update event, contact us. Every Monday night, Stud Country draws a community of queer Angelenos and allies who pay $20 to line dance. When he isnt dancing, or writing about dance, he is scrolling through TikTok and obsessing over the latest internet trends. In October 2022, Stud Country found its current home at Club Bahia, a large Latin music club in Echo Park. Paint, Sip, Salsa, Bachata, Date Night, Art Class At Azziart Gallery. In February 2023, Honeys at Star Love and the Ruby Fruit both opened, helping to bridge a gap for the queer and lesbian community alongside other pillar events and pop-ups that have long been doing that vital work. 0. This wine and supper club centering queer Black women, femmes and gender-expansive folks in Los Angeles is a space to commune and feel good. Los Angeles Dodgers apologize, reverse decision on disinviting drag group . 14 Roaring Sports Bars in Los Angeles for the Super Bowl. Bachata class 5pm | Social dancing (Salsa & Bachata) 6-8:30pm We've set aside a number of free tickets for folks who may LA DanceFit Studio. Alondra Each member drew influences from their own distinct cultures and interests. From the couches to the feel-good selection of music, comfort has remained a priority at High & Tight since it opened in February 2019. Instagram: @queerchataWhere: Elysian Park, downtown L.A. Its where they can show off their pride in both who they are and where they come from. Chef, artist and Black Food Futurist Nia Lee who coined the latter title to describe the ever-evolving intersection of historical Black food traditions and art says the pop-up gatherings around L.A. are intentional, loving, nourishing, lit! And foods at the center of it all. With an cozy patio, jukebox, and pool tables, the Crest is a neighborhood bar. During his time at USC, he co-founded the Equity Board with Annenberg Media through a Poynter Media Project and penned the newsrooms Guide for Equitable Reporting Strategies and Newsroom Style. His short documentary, Dancing at Home, earned first place in the L.A. Press Clubs Life in the Time of the Coronavirus contest in May 2020 and awarded the PPAGLA Student videographer of the year. After noticing the dearth of lesbian bars in L.A. and struggling to find comfortable queer spaces as a bisexual woman, Hart created Girl(friends) L.A., a party series/social club focused on establishing community and friendship. In 2017, Salisbury, who was raised by a dance teacher mother in San Luis Obispo, and Monaghan, who grew up Irish dancing in the Bay Area, began attending line dancing nights several times per week at Oil Can Harrys. Palos Verdes Peninsula and Orange County viewers can watch on Cox Systems on channel 99. Its hard not to love Long Beachs Silver Fox with its spacious, art deco style. One of Long Beachs few, if not only, three-level gay bars, Executive Suite boasts a karaoke bar, video games, pool tables for rent, and regular drag shows. when: March 18 @ 5pm - 8:30pm. Los Angeles has pride parades, pride proms, pride concerts and pride comedy shows planned throughout June. Things slowed down during the pandemic, and the physical space in Frogtown is no longer, but the good news is programming, including art exhibits and happy hours, will be picking up steam. More Info below. He eventually returned to Paradise Ballroom and, with friends, started to create a dance that pulled from pop culture, media and art including Art Deco, paintings by Ballets Russes founder Serge Diaghilev, ice skating and silent movies. A class at Everybody gym in Los Angeles on May 29, 2018. Disclaimer: Danceus.org does not organize events and only provides events listings. Half dance class, half dance party, Stud Country took its official form when the lessons moved to Plaza, a gay bar in West Hollywood, a setting better suited for social dance. A conversation at the supper club can easily flow from whats bringing guests joy lately to exchanging excitement over the newest Akwaeke Emezi novel to the roller-coaster ride of dating in L.A. as a queer person. She went on to land in the top three at the festival that year the only Latina to place. Fans wept when Roosterfish, the Westsides oldest gay bar, closed in 2016. I want to know if anybody in Somerset West gives morning classes for grade 1's. I am also looking for a teacher that is absolutely great with teaching singing to her. Expect easygoing, creative, adult community center vibes at the Feminist Center for Creative Work (formerly the Womens Center for Creative Work). Site designed by. Joining us this month from Austin, TX , are Angie and Audrey who are known for their Non-Binary, Afro Latin Dance style! For a little bit of luxury (and to avoid lines at the bar) you can get a VIP booth and table service. More Info below. Subverting heteronormative stereotypes that often come with the country-western fan base and community, the night aims to create a safe space for queer lovers of line dancing as well as curious beginners. As if Mexican comfort food and stellar margaritas werent appealing enough, Casita also houses the Cavern Club Theater, an alternative performance space with frequent LGBTQ programming. Its also easy to just step outside for a minute and grab a quick bite to eat from a taco vendor Executive Suite hosts on its patio. The vibe is lively, with no smoking or drinking allowed. Precinct, 357 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013, Sign Up to get Personal Story Stream, Nearby Events & more. Things to look forward to: a beginner-friendly bachata class with guest instructors Joel & Karol! Our monthly dance is high energy and holds a strong sense of . 2pm Bachata open level 2.45 to 3:30 Salsa Footwork Sliding scale $5 to $15 pay what you can Via Venmo @arlenethesalsaqueen get link once you pay #arlenethesalsaqueen. At Mirrors Dance we feel passionate about creating a space where people in the LGBTQ+ community have a safe place to learn to dance freely. The classs instructor Viktor Manoel who was also a judge at the dance competition that year spotted Valenzuela and asked her to freestyle that day. Featuring vaquero-themed bars, bars with glittery go-go dancers celebrating their bodies on stage, and open mics that make space for queer storytelling, LGBTQ bars have always been beacons championing the unapologetic self-expression of sexuality and gender in LA. As soon as word-of-mouth caused attendance to quadruple, the founders received news that Club Bahias building was sold for possible redevelopment. The area is a large neighborhood made up of diverse districts.