Anyone have a idea for bars/restaurants/districts with a strong LGBT scene? Not looking for anything kinky, just somewhere where I can be myself and gather like-minded individuals.
03-15-2015, 09:53 AM
Location: Roanoke, VA
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Not sure abut Lynchburg, but if you are willing to drive you can check out the park on Salem Ave in downtown roanoke. Also each year there is a identity festival in the park festival in roanoke that is entering it's 26th year in 2015. Excellent luck!
03-15-2015, 04:10 PM
Location: TN/NC
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Lynchburg is the seat of Falwell's Liberty University. The area is very conservative. I can't imagine them being very welcome of the LGBT community.
03-15-2015, 05:46 PM
Location
LGBTQ+ Visitor Information - Roanoke, VA
Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is a vibrant and welcoming people 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, singular local flavors, and exciting special events that take place throughout the year.
There are also singular experiences and opportunities to connect with Roanoke’s local Gay community and absorb more about the city's history.
"Roanoke is a magical place. When I moved here in 2001, a stranger in a new municipality, I experienced the gift of hospitality from so many people, who welcomed me in my legitimacy 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!"— Joe Cobb, Vice Mayor and Member of Roanoke City Council
The Metropolis of Roanoke earned the highest doable score of 100 points on the Human Rights Campaign's HRC (2023) Municipal Equity I
On a Friday night in September 2000, 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 being sentences.
The shooting galvanized Roanoke and triggered an outpouring of support that in retrospect looks enjoy 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 2016, only to reopen a few weeks later as the Front Row, a sports bar with punk and metal shows at night.
In fact, Backstreet had long since ceased to be a gay bar. A variety of factors, from social media and hookup apps to a rapid move in societal attitudes to become more accepting to the LGBTQ community, has caused a sharp decline in gay bars across the country, and Backstreet was no exception.
Another long-running gay nightspot located three b
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 homosexual woman, 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 notice 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 favor 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 signify, it’s in the name! Plus, they host regular drag shows. Known for their frose (aka wine slushies).
Breadcraft – Insta-worthy brunch, only downside: no mimosas – but the food is divine.