looking for a vibrant gay bar in bethlehem, pennsylvania? getting there is easy! no matter if you're coming from downtown bethlehem, the central district, the city center, the east side, uptown, the west side, the north end, midtown, the south part of town, or even the surrounding countryside, getting directions to a new lehigh valley gay hotspot is a breeze.
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see the listings below for bethlehem, pennsylvania. these listings encompass various establishments like bars and clubs. for example, diamonz is located on w broad st. explore pennsylvania's lesbian and gay bars, restaurants, lodging options, pride events, and businesses using interactive maps of bethlehem, pennsylvania.
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diamonz, a bar and club, is located at w broad st in bethlehem, pennsylvania. explore all of pennsylvania with detailed maps. nearby locations include east norriton and east stroudsburg. according to anecdotal reports, even a friday or saturday night with twenty customers was considered a success.
the legacy of gay bars as community hubs
historically, gay clubs, such as stonewall, served as vital community centers.
these establishments provided a safe and welcoming space for individuals to connect and socialize. adrian shanker, the founder and director of the bradbury-sullivan lgbt community center in allentown, emphasized the significant role these spaces played in fostering a sense of belonging.
approximately 5.6% of adults in the united states identify as lgbt, according to the latest data from gallup.
that 5.6% represents an increase from 4.5% in previous years. in recent years, more restaurants, bars, and venues in the lehigh valley have actively embraced the lgbtq community.
they have started hosting pride nights and organizing special events specifically catered to this demographic. the bradbury-sullivan lgbt community center, established in downtown allentown, has played a pivotal role in addressing the diverse needs of the lgbtq community.
it offers a wide range of services, including supportive programs, healthcare assistance, fine arts initiatives, and social gatherings.
activists then marched to stonewall, holding signs and chanting slogans throughout their journey. surprisingly, the two establishments had a friendly competitive spirit.
in the mid-1990s, the two bars decided to put an end to their rivalry by organizing a joint event at rainbow mountain resort in the poconos. unsure of what to do with the collected funds, affa explained that they decided to create their own organization, fighting aids continuously together (fact).
stonewall memories project preserves local history
james features music by dj brad scott and drag performances by former queens of stonewall and queens of pride.
admission is free. the lehigh valley lgbt community archive, a collaborative project between bradbury-sullivan and muhlenberg college, has launched the stonewall memories project. this initiative aims to preserve photographs, personal stories, and other memorabilia from stonewall lehigh valley.
these memories will be incorporated into a future public exhibition and a dedicated issue of the lehigh valley gay journal.
for detailed instructions on how to contribute your memories, visit docs.google.com. stonewall lehigh valley, the last remaining gay bar in the lehigh valley, hosted a "final bash" on thursday, featuring dj entertainment, drag performances, and a champagne toast.
this event marked the end of its nearly 50-year presence in downtown allentown.
stonewall lehigh valley closes its doors
according to the morning call, stonewall lehigh valley patrons gathered on the dance floor in 2017. the allentown club permanently closed on thursday, september 29th, 2022.
the allentown property that housed stonewall is under contract for sale. this sale potentially marks the end of the lehigh valley's last gay bar, which has served as a welcoming haven for the lgbtq community for almost half a century.
finding alternative lgbtq+ spaces in bethlehem and the lehigh valley
while the closure of stonewall lehigh valley may feel like the end of an era, it's important to remember that the lehigh valley's lgbtq+ community is still vibrant and active.
numerous other spaces and organizations continue to provide support, community, and entertainment for lgbtq+ individuals and allies. here are some ways to connect and discover new venues:
- bradbury-sullivan lgbt community center: as mentioned earlier, this center offers a wide array of programs and services, including social events, support groups, healthcare resources, and arts programming.
check their website or social media for upcoming events and opportunities to get involved.
- pride festivals and events: keep an eye out for local pride festivals and events throughout the year. these events are a great way to celebrate lgbtq+ culture, connect with others, and support local businesses.
lehigh valley pride is a particularly significant event.
- inclusive bars and restaurants: many bars and restaurants in the lehigh valley are explicitly lgbtq+ friendly, even if they aren't exclusively gay bars. look for venues that advertise pride nights, rainbow decorations, or a generally welcoming atmosphere.
ask around and get recommendations from other members of the community.
- online communities and social media: join local lgbtq+ groups on social media platforms like facebook or meetup. these groups are a great way to find out about upcoming events, connect with other people in the area, and get recommendations for lgbtq+ friendly spaces.
- lehigh valley gay journal: this publication provides news, information, and resources for the lgbtq+ community in the lehigh valley.
check their website or pick up a copy to stay informed about local events and issues.
tips for finding lgbtq+ friendly establishments
finding a safe and welcoming space as an lgbtq+ individual can sometimes be challenging. here are some tips to help you identify lgbtq+ friendly establishments:
- look for visible signs of support: does the establishment display rainbow flags, pride banners, or other symbols of lgbtq+ support?
this is a good indication that they are welcoming to the community.
- check their social media and website: do they mention lgbtq+ events or causes on their social media or website? do they have a diversity and inclusion statement? this can give you a sense of their values and how they treat their customers.
- read online reviews: see what other lgbtq+ people have to say about the establishment.
are they generally positive and welcoming? are there any red flags?
- trust your gut: if you feel uncomfortable or unsafe in an establishment, leave. your safety and well-being are the most important thing.
- ask around: talk to other lgbtq+ people in the community and get their recommendations.
they can tell you about their favorite places and which establishments to avoid.
remembering the history and looking forward to the future
the closure of stonewall lehigh valley is a reminder of the importance of preserving lgbtq+ history.
stonewall and other gay bars have played a vital role in creating a sense of community and providing a safe space for lgbtq+ individuals to connect and organize. it's essential to remember this history as we move forward and create new spaces and opportunities for the lgbtq+ community.
while the landscape of lgbtq+ nightlife may be changing, the need for community and connection remains as strong as ever.
by supporting local lgbtq+ organizations, attending pride events, and patronizing lgbtq+ friendly businesses, we can help ensure that the lehigh valley continues to be a welcoming and inclusive place for all.
the future of lgbtq+ spaces in the lehigh valley
the evolution of lgbtq+ spaces reflects broader societal changes and evolving needs within the community.
while dedicated gay bars like stonewall lehigh valley held significant historical importance, the increasing acceptance and visibility of lgbtq+ individuals have led to a diversification of social spaces. many lgbtq+ people now feel comfortable socializing in mainstream establishments, leading to a decline in exclusively gay bars in some areas.
however, this doesn't mean that the need for lgbtq+ specific spaces has disappeared.
rather, it's evolving. community centers like bradbury-sullivan continue to play a vital role in providing support, resources, and a sense of belonging. pop-up events, pride nights at mainstream bars, and online communities offer alternative avenues for lgbtq+ people to connect and build relationships.
the future of lgbtq+ spaces in the lehigh valley will likely involve a blend of dedicated spaces, inclusive venues, and online communities.
it's crucial to support these diverse options to ensure that all lgbtq+ individuals have access to safe, welcoming, and affirming environments where they can be themselves and connect with others.
in conclusion, while the closing of stonewall lehigh valley marks a significant moment in the lehigh valley's lgbtq+ history, the spirit of community and resilience continues to thrive.
by embracing new opportunities, supporting local organizations, and fostering inclusivity, the lehigh valley can continue to be a vibrant and welcoming place for lgbtq+ individuals for years to come.