According to legend, the famous Southern playwright, Tennessee Williams once said, “America has only three cities: New York, San Francisco and New Orleans. All the rest are Cleveland.” Having lived in New York and San Francisco while only visiting New Orleans – I’m inclined to agree with him. Of course, he had a great flair for making dramatic statements – both on paper and in-person – so that has to be entered into the equation. I think a lot of people would agree with Williams, but many would also disagree.

This could be discussed for days. But right now I’m going to focus on the gay scene in New Orleans by starting with a very quick overview via nine dates.

(1) Starting 296 years ago: 1724 is the year that the first written reference to homosexuality in New Orleans appeared, (2) In 1805 the state of Louisiana outlawed sodomy, (3) 1848 was the year Walt Whitman lived in New Orleans, (4) Then in 1946 Tennessee Williams wrote “A Streetcar Named Desire” – the play that rocked the world, (5) And in 1972 the first Southern Decadence event was held, (6) Also in 1972 Tulane University Gay Student Union was founded, (7) In 1980 the first Gay Pride parade took place in NOLA, (8) The last lesbian bar, Rubyfruit Jungle closed eight years ago in 2012, and finally, (9) Same-sex marriage was finally made legal in the great state of Louisiana in 2015 or five years ago. 

THREE GAY NEIGHBORHOODS IN NOLA

The French Quarter – this includes the Lower Quarter from St. Philips Street to Esplanade Avenue

Faubourg Marigny and Bywater – this area is a quieter gay scene and is largely made up of established couples

Uptown – An “out student” scene concentrated near Tulane and Loyola   

NEED TO KNOW: GAY BARS NEVER CLOSE

This not entirely true, but it’s safe to say that, if you want a 24-hour party, the gay bars on Bourbon Street (especially Bourbon Pub) are the place to be. Even the bars that are not technically open 24 hours are often still kicking around 5 a.m. in the morning.

FOUR GREAT GAY SPOTS

FIRST: Bourbon Pub & Parade is New Orleans largest gay bar and nightclub or as they say, “We are – quite simply – the place to be!” Can’t argue with that! Many of the events in New Orleans begin or take place here, for example, during Southern Decadence this is the place to be.

You’ll find Bourbon Pub at 801 Bourbon Street (that’s at the corner of St. Ann and Bourbon). What you’ll come upon at this two-storey, 24-hour gay bar and dance club depends on the day and time. Sit at the downstairs bar and enjoy a cocktail or go upstairs for karaoke, drag, cabaret and burlesque shows. This is a big over-the-top gay bar that anchors the Quarter’s LGBTIQ scene (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning). If I’ve left anyone out – don’t tell me.

SECOND: Big Daddy’s Bar is a friendly “gayborhood” bar located at 2513 Royal Street. It is described as a jumping spot where all sexualities are welcome for friendly banter and cheap drinks. One happy customer says, “We chatted briefly with a nice couple who were sitting at the bar. They said that they were “neighborhood regulars” and thought Big Daddy’s Bar was a great place. I had to agree – they had excellent music and it seemed as if everyone was having a real good time. And by the way drinks were cheaper and better than at Mimi’s across the street.”

THIRD: Café Lafitte in Exile is at 901 Bourbon and they’ve been at this spot since 1953. Hello? That’s 67 years – which makes them the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the United States! So what’s with the name? Well, the owners once ran Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, when they lost their lease. So to make a long story short they opened Café Lafitte in Exile. That’s pretty cool.

FOURTH: I’ve saved the best for last because personally I think this place is very glam. And, let’s face it I LOVE GLAM! The Country Club is located at 634 Louisa Street and describes itself as the “best kept secret for over 40 years” that’s hidden away in New Orleans’ charming Bywater neighborhood.

They describe their “historic Bywater Center Hall home as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter.” It features a grand hardwood and granite bar, beautifully appointed dining rooms and a lush backyard with a cabana lounge, pool, bar and outdoor kitchen.

The Country Club is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Their Happy Hour is 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

And there you have it. Don’t say we didn’t take care of you!

Shaun Nelson-Henrick