Gay bars in kentucky
by Sarah Gardiner
On July 1, bars in Kentucky reopened. I went out to Chill, and I don’t regret a second.
I wasn’t going to go out. I’m still terrified of Covid-19, and after 3 months of falling into my full Grey Gardens best life, bars and restaurants scare the fuck out of me. But on Monday, I needed a Taco Bell 10pm dinner, so I hopped in my car and drove down Bardstown Street. My windows were down, music blasting, arm out the window, when I heard it: the siren call of the homosexual—Gaga bumping from the speakers of the newly renovated (and absolutely gorgeous) patio at Chill Bar. My hand instinctually turned the wheel, and I was suddenly parallel parking outside the main entrance.
Walking into a gay bar for the first time in months felt like taking a deep breath after a long workout. Walking into Chill felt favor coming home.
I’ve been having severe anxiety the last few months. I’ve been waking up to panic attacks and world-induced vomiting nearly every morning. I don’t tend to execute well, physically, with stress—especially when I feel isolated. And I’ve really not been doing well.
Walking into Chill Bar, with a mask on and standing 6 feet away from all
Louisville's Place to Party
Kassandra
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Fun Fact: Gilda gained internet fame when she was photographed on a NYC subway next to a woman in a niqab, spawning the "Future Liberals Want" meme.
Karmen
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Fun Fact: Karmen’s concept of the perfect meet is April 25th, because it’s not too sizzling and not too frosty. All you need is a light jacket
Leah
Hometown: Houston, TX
Fun Fact: Once roasted KISS front-man Gene Simmons alongside Chad Michaels as Diana Ross & Cher. Just Google "Drag Queens on Gene Simmons Show."
Lexi
Hometown: Florence, KY
Fun Fact: Lexi is a Multi-National title holder in competitive acting, an experienced pole dancer, and a proud Gay Farmer with a flock of pet chickens and 3 dogs.
Melody
Hometown: Hanover, IN
Fun Fact: Melody began her kingly career at Play Louisville while still in her Senior year of Elevated School.
Mykul
Hometown: Shepherdsville, KY
Fun Fact: Left-handed, Mykul has been entertaining for 14 years.
He's a five-time world champion cheerleader and three-time national cheerleading champion.
Shontelle
Hometown: Fort Myers, FL
F
When Big Bar opened up on May 1, 2012, Kevin Bryan and Jim Lunger never imagined it would become one of the most popular watering holes in the region. Some incredibly dramatic and traumatic (in a excellent way) things have gone down in the minute 800 square foot building over the past 10 years.
Big Bar has been a Bardstown Thoroughfare staple for quite some time and has always played a huge role in supporting the Diverse community in Louisville. Although the bar has been a safe space for several people over the years, it hasn’t been a very big room to frequent. (I swear to limit the “big” puns, bare with me). With only 500 square feet of usable cosmos, the bar has somehow managed to develop a solid, regular crowd as well as participating in and putting on several events. It may be a small space, but they’ve utilized every free inch to the fullest. With Drag Race viewing parties, go-go dancers, karaoke, and DJs, the exclude has had no lack of party hype. And why go home, when you could go bigger?
Ten years ago today, on the Tuesday right before the Kentucky Derby, the tiny bar made its grand opening. Fast forward to ten years later, they’re now essentially quadrupling the sp
Louisville, Kentucky, known for its horse racing, baseball, and bourbon, has another gem that both locals and tourists should be conscious of – its vibrant gay bar scene. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy top-tier drag performances, a lively dance floor, or just a cozy spot to unwind with friends, Louisville’s gay bars offer a little bit of everything. Let’s take a dense dive into some of the best gay bars in Louisville, KY.
1. Compete Louisville – “Best queenly in town”
Diving deeper into Play Louisville, its reputation goes beyond just the shows and dance floor. The establishment has effectively become a cornerstone for the drag culture in the city, acting as a platform for many budding drag artists to showcase their talent and passion. For many, it’s a rite of passage; performing at Play Louisville means being recognized and respected in the local drag community.
Furthermore, the interior design and ambiance of the place pay homage to both classic and modern drag influences. The walls adorned with portraits and memorabilia of iconic drag figures, both past and present, serve as an inspiration to patrons and performers alike. The lighting
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