Now more than ever, the importance of the gay bar cannot be overstated. As President Obama put it, these gathering places are for more than “to be with friends, to dance and to sing, and to live—it is a place of solidarity and empowerment where people have come together to raise awareness, to speak their minds, and to advocate for their civil rights.”
Lucky for us, the city is packed with a variety of LGBTQ bars as unique and diverse as the community itself. There are plenty of places to soak in some herstory, belt out showtunes alongside a handsome pianist or add a few new stains to an already questionable couch.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got 12 of New York’s best LGBTQ bars below where you can rub elbows (among other parts) with your fellow queers. Celebrate Pride month at some of our favorites, and leave yours in the comments.