Gay bars in roanoke va
On a Friday night in September , a former Marine who had drifted into Roanoke walked down Salem Avenue and into a gay bar, where he ordered a beer and then proceeded to open fire.
He killed Danny Overstreet, 43, and injured six others. Ronald Gay later claimed he targeted the bar after a lifetime spent entity jeered for his surname. He pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and is now serving four existence sentences.
The shooting galvanized Roanoke and triggered an outpouring of support that in retrospect looks love a pivotal moment in changing attitudes toward LGBTQ individuals. The Backstreet Cafe reopened its doors just a week after the shooting, and then remained open for another 17 years. It finally closed at the end of , only to reopen a few weeks later as the Front Row, a sports bar with punk and metal shows at night.
In truthfulness, Backstreet had long since ceased to be a gay bar. A variety of factors, from social media and hookup apps to a rapid alter in societal attitudes to become more accepting to the LGBTQ community, has caused a sharp decline in gay bars across the co
LGBTQ+ Visitor Information - Roanoke, VA
Roanoke in Virginia&#x;s Blue Ridge is a vibrant and welcoming collective to visitors from all backgrounds, including the LGBTQ+ community.
We encourage you to plan your next metro mountain adventure and explore the incredible variety of outdoor trails & recreation opportunities, diverse arts & cultural scene, one-of-a-kind local flavors, and exciting special events that take place throughout the year.
There are also singular experiences and opportunities to connect with Roanoke&#x;s local Gay community and understand more about the city's history.
"Roanoke is a magical place. When I moved here in , a stranger in a new metropolis, I experienced the gift of hospitality from so many people, who welcomed me in my truthfulness and wholeness. I am glad to be part of our City Council who celebrates our rich diverse, multi-cultural and inclusive citizens and landscape. Welcome to Roanoke!" &#x; Joe Cobb, Vice Mayor and Member of Roanoke City Council
The Metropolis of Roanoke earned the highest achievable s
LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces Guide
By Contributor Bonnie Chavez – CEO, Building Beloved Communities
I’ve found Roanoke to be a welcoming community, and the folks are lovely here.
-Bonnie Chavez
As a transplant from Albuquerque, NM, I had concerns about moving to “The South”. I am a Mexican-American, an out female homosexual, and a feminist. Since moving here, I’ve found Roanoke to be a welcoming community, and the folks are lovely here. I’ve compiled a list of great spaces for our LGBTQIA fam. We love to catch your feedback, so if you have your own safe spaces or recommendations, please let us know, and we can insert it to the list! If you ever want to chat about what life is fond of for LGBTQ+ community members or just as someone looking to relocate, I’m happy to chat anytime.
Coffee Shops
RND (Roasters Next Door) in Wasena Neighborhood
Big Gay Brunch Spots
Jack Brown’s is a burger and craft beer haven in the market square of downtown Roanoke
- Well Hung Vineyard – I imply, it’s in the name! Plus, they host regular drag shows. Known for their frose (aka wine slushies).
- Breadcraft
Walking Tours
The Southwest Virginia Gay History Project offers three LGBTQ history walking tours in Roanoke, Virginia. In we launched our first tour, the Downtown Roanoke LGBTQ History Walking Tour. In we launched our second tour, the Vintage Southwest Gayborhood Walking Tour. In , we began offering our newest tour, the Salem Avenue Historic District Walking Tour.
Our Roanoke LGBTQ History Walking Tours are free monthly walking tours exploring Roanoke&#;s queer past.
Tour Options
Downtown Tour
*Online Resources for the Downtown Tour*
Did you know that Downtown Roanoke once featured as many as six gay bars? On our Downtown Tour, you will learn about the role of downtown businesses, general spaces, and street existence in shaping Roanoke&#;s LGBTQ history. Tour stops may include Roanoke&#;s late nineteenth-century red light district; places associated with the history of gay rights activism; and sites of struggle between local government, police, and the LGBTQ community.
Old Southwest Tour
*Online Resources for the Old Southwest Tour*
Did you know that Roanoke&#;s Old