Not only does June mark Pride Month, but the summer season means it’s also time for the hotties to step out of the house and show out. For the LGBTQ+ community, it can often be hard to find safe, inclusive bars and clubs to get lit with fellow queer people or allies. Luckily, in metro Detroit, there are a handful of LGBTQ+-centered venues and other spots that frequently hold queer-specific events. We compiled a list to make it easier for you to have fun this summer while being your authentic self.
This gay and drag bar coins itself as the “entertainment capital of Michigan, where everyone is welcome and accepted for who they are.” Gigi’s is the perfect place for drinks and a show, offering lively cabaret performances on the lower level and a dance floor upstairs. After over 50 years running, the exterior of the space just got a bright renovation.
If you want to dance where Madonna did when she was 16, Menjo’s is where to go. Reportedly, it was also the first club in Detroit where DJs mixed records live. Located in the Palmer Park neighborhood since 1974, this spot has turned into much more than just a gay bar. Menjo’s accepts everyone, and is also home to Eagle Leather Bar and the Olympus Theater. The complex hosts unique LGBTQ+ events weekly.
Since 2004, Soho has been a premier gay bar in metro Detroit. The casual lounge welcomes all for weekly events including trivia, karaoke, dance parties, and more.
It can be super difficult to find lesbian-specific events or spaces anywhere, but this Detroit-based pop-up has got you covered. Lesbian Social was created by Detroiter Chelcea Stowers just a few years ago to provide an opportunity for Michigan lesbian women and allies 21 and older to connect. Now, the curator holds events every month at different venues in Detroit, along with an annual block party in conjunction with Motor City Pride.
Owned and operated by trans women, this spot is known for its karaoke nights on Thursdays, where you can belt your heart out without judgment. The smaller neighborhood bar is open to everyone, but well-known as a welcoming space for gay and trans people.
Founded in 1980 and formerly known as Hayloft Saloon, this bar is an LGBTQ+ space for men offering sports screenings, karaoke, and pool tables. HALO hosts events such as bear brunches, Package Mondays, and a bondage club.
For the queer hip-hop and R&B lovers, Inuendo is the spot for you. Also located in Palmer Park, the bar focuses on entertainment, food, and drinks for party-goers of all preferences.
Serving the local LGBTQ+ community for decades, this restaurant and bar offers patio seating for lunch and dinner, and turns lively at night. The welcoming space includes Pronto Bar, Pronto Diner, and Five15, hosting queer-centered events year-round. On the weekend, the dance floor is packed and iconic music is playing all night long.
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Necto
516 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor; 734-994-5436; necto.com
Pride night at Necto nightclub has been running every Friday since 1984. The large club has two dance rooms, and is often full of local college students, especially as it is 18+ rather than 21+. Often, Necto Pride features special guest drag queens and performances to make the night even more entertaining.
This small, New York-themed bar is an inclusive gay-friendly space with weekly LGBTQ-centered events. Standing as Oakland County’s longest operating bar, the spot offers good drinks and elevated bar food in a comfortable atmosphere.
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Escape Lounge
19404 Sherwood St., Detroit
Formerly known as Stingers Lounge, this gay-owned dance club is small but fierce, offering many drink specials and all-night food. It is mostly frequented by the city’s male gay scene.
While not a gay bar, this neighborhood pub in Midtown is outwardly gay friendly, and sometimes hosts viewing parties for RuPaul’s Drag Race and other queer events. It always offers good food and drinks, with a welcoming atmosphere and lots of seating. Plus, it even hosts pool parties sometimes outside the space.
Located in the basement underneath Bobcat Bonnie’s in downtown Ypsilanti, this space is super inclusive. The restaurant’s windows are covered in every pride flag, and the accepting energy is felt in the downstairs bar just the same. Karaoke is every Friday and sometimes there are queer specific events, but the space is open to everyone.
This hot venue in Islandview is also not LGBTQ+-specific, but it prides itself on a mission of inclusivity. Spot Lite is a gallery, coffee shop, record store, and nightclub where you can catch DJ sets, live music, and art alongside great energy.
This small dive bar is gay-owned and frequently hosts DJ dance nights. While it recently closed due when part of its facade collapsed, we’re told the damage was not extensive and the bar is working to reopen as soon as possible.
This new LGBTQ+ bar in Ann Arbor was recently announced and is set to open its doors in late summer of 2024. Its website says the space will offer comfort food and cocktails, alongside trivia, karaoke, drag brunches, and dance parties. Uplift is located in the former Millenium Club space under Circ Bar.
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