Gay district seattle

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Whether you are a resident or visiting, Seattle is a city that welcomes all with open arms.

FAQ

Is Capitol Hill in Seattle a gay neighborhood?

Capitol Hill is a district located in the central part of Seattle, Washington and is well known for being a culturally rich and diverse neighborhood. Prefer a later start?

These organizations have been instrumental in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and providing support to the community.

Beyond Capitol Hill

While Capitol Hill is the most well-known neighborhood for the city’s LGBTQ+ community, there are places throughout Seattle that welcome and celebrate all members of the community. Check out Unicorn’s Gayme Nightevery Tuesday at 8pm for a drag queen bingo extravaganza.

The community can engage with filmmakers and their work during panels, screenings, community meet ups, and workshops.

You can also see a show by the Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus, which are among the largest LGBTQ+ identified choruses in the world. Summer features two annual Pride festivals, while the Seattle Men’s Chorus and Seattle Women’s Chorus are the largest LGBTQIA-identified men’s and women’s choruses in the world.

These establishments range from dive bars to upscale cocktail lounges, providing something for everyone. From the annual Pride Parade to Seattle Center’s PrideFest to the Dyke March around Capitol Hill, there are plenty of ways to join the action. The district quickly became a popular spot for LGBTQ people, and the community began to form around Capitol Hill.

Since their inception, these groups have been committed to advocating for the queer community and welcoming guest artists.

For a self-guided art tour, explore the city’s murals and discover works by artists like Stevie Shao, Ten Hundred, and Vivid Matter Collective.

gay district seattle

Visit Wildrose Bar, the oldest lesbian bar on the west coast, for tasty bites like buttered popcorn, nachos, and panini sandwiches. Spend with Pride with the Intentionalist by frequenting LGBTQIA-owned small businesses. The neighborhood’s history dates back to the early 1900s when it was primarily a residential area for Seattle’s upper class.

Historically, it was a hub for African-American culture, starting in the 1920s and continuing through the 1970s. You can usually find her searching for murals in Seattle and beyond, reading a book by a BIPOC author, and planning her next trip to New York. It’s also located right next to Pike Place Market and a short bus ride away from Capitol Hill.

For 2024, The W Seattle also offers a package to honor 50 Years of Pride with a room on a high floor, a $50 food and beverage credit, and a bottle of wine from LGBTQ+ owned winery Aluel Cellars.

About the Author

Aleenah Ansari is a Seattle-based writer covering travel, entrepreneurship, mental health and wellness, and representation in media for Insider, The Seattle Times, Byrdie, and more.

At Queer/Bar, enjoy the weekly Mx. Drag Show on Fridays and Saturdays with rotating gogo dancers and drag queens. Easy access to Interstate 5, Interstate 90, and Downtown, as well as ample street parking, also make the Central District an attractive and convenient place to live.

Make the most of Seattle’s Pride celebrations this summer, from top-notch LGBTQIA+ establishments to rainbow crosswalks and lively festivities.

Isabelle Johnson

Home to one of the oldest Pride celebrations in the country, Seattle hosts a seemingly endless variety of LGBTQIA+ festivities each June.

This area was a popular spot for sports fans to gather, enjoy a drink, and cheer on their favorite teams.

On the second floor, R Place featured a dance floor with a state-of-the-art sound system and lighting effects. The best part about murals is that they’re always evolving, so take a note of how different art walls and pieces change or grow over time.

At LGBTQ+ owned Crystal Lounge by Crystallography Gems (Downtown), you can browse crystals, minerals, and stones before enjoying a local craft beer or non-alcoholic beverage in the lounge.

Capitol Hill is often referred to as Seattle’s “gayborhood” because of the large number of LGBTQ people who live in the area. Aside from Capitol Hill, there are gay-friendly and gay-owned establishments just about everywhere in town. And for a performance with a side of history, don’t pass up Seattle Men’s Chorus.