Shi-Queeta-Lee performs at Trade in 2019 — Photo: Ward Morrison
The bulk of D.C.’s LGBTQ bars will fully reopen starting today, Friday, May 21, with no restrictions on capacity, seating, or time that can be spent at an establishment.
COVID-19 restrictions have been loosened for establishments with restaurant or tavern licenses, which means that some places serving our community may have to wait longer to drop capacity restrictions.
However, most expect to be open fully by the time the District lifts all COVID-19 restrictions on Friday, June 11.
Scroll down for a list of LGBTQ bars and eateries in D.C., their hours, and to find out when they will be at maximum capacity.
ANNIE’S
License type: Restaurant
When opening at full capacity: Friday, May 21. “Annie’s will be operating at ‘our’ capacity. We will be adding tables as we can staff them.” –Georgia Katinas, general manager
Weekend operating hours: Friday: 10 a.m. to midnight; Saturday: 8 a.m to midnight; Sunday: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Mask requirements: Guests are asked to keep on their masks until seated.
Mask requirements: Vaccinated patrons not required to wear masks.
Proof of vaccination: None.
Special measures for unvaccinated people: Outdoor space will remain available for unvaccinated guests (and those concerned about indoor spaces).
Additional information: Karaoke nights will resume on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays beginning May 23. Shirtless Thursdays from 10-11 p.m. and Underwear Specials from 12-12:30 a.m. will begin May 27. Visit www.greenlanterndc.com for more information.
Special measures for unvaccinated people: Welcome to sit on front patio.
Additional comments: The dance floor will open Saturday, May 29.
RED BEAR BREWING COMPANY
License type: Tavern and Restaurant
When opening at full capacity: Friday, May 21
Weekend operating hours: Friday-Sunday: 11:30 a.m.-12 a.m. Next weekend, 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
Mask requirements: Unvaccinated patrons asked to mask; optional for fully vaccinated patrons.
Proof of vaccination: Not required.
Special measures for unvaccinated people: Unvaccinated people are advised to stay socially distant and wear masks when not actively eating or drinking, per D.C. and CDC guidelines.
Additional comments: “We’re excited to welcome everyone back to our space and to bring back fabulous LGBTQ+ events and content to our stage. In this transition period, we ask our guests to be kind as we rewind back to full service!” –Bryan Van Den Oever, director of marketing and events.
THE DIRTY GOOSE
License type: Tavern.
When opening at full capacity: Friday, May 21.
Weekend operating hours: The Dirty Goose is expecting to open with full hours, but will adjust based on patron behavior. Friday: 5 p.m.-3 a.m.; Saturday, 2 p.m.-3 a.m.; Sunday: 2 p.m.-1 a.m. (Monday-Thursday going forward: 5 p.m. to midnight.)
Mask requirements: Vaccinated patrons may enter without a mask. Unvaccinated patrons are asked to wear a mask at all times. Anyone is welcome to wear a mask if they choose to do so.
Proof of vaccination: None.
Special measures for unvaccinated people: “The Dirty Goose encourages everyone to please get vaccinated. Mayor Bowser has stated verifying vaccine card validity is not possible for private establishments and we agree. Those that are not vaccinated are asked to consider those around them and to wear a mask.”
Additional comments: “We are excited to welcome everyone back. COVID-19 forced us to make massive changes that took a lot of effort from our staff. It will take the same amount of effort to return to normal. Please be patient with our staff! And get vaccinated!!” — Justin Parker, co-owner.
Proof of vaccination: None. Patrons are expected to abide by an “honor system,” and staff will continue to wear masks.
Special measures for unvaccinated people: Wunder Garten will be carefully monitoring site activities and addressing concerns as they arise. Patrons are encouraged to make wise and healthy decisions, while also respecting the decisions of others. If you are unvaccinated, please continue to wear your mask. Please respect our staff.
Please bookmark this page. We will be updating it throughout the weekend and week as more LGBTQ bars respond to our query.
A new survey finds that many LGBTQ Americans -- especially transgender and nonbinary people -- have altered their lives in response to a wave of anti-LGBTQ laws and rhetoric sweeping the country, with many reporting serious harm to their mental health and overall wellbeing.
Conducted from May 29 to June 13 by NORC’s AmeriSpeak panel for the Movement Advancement Project, the online survey polled 1,055 LGBTQ adults nationwide, including 111 who identified as transgender or nonbinary.
Operated by NORC at the University of Chicago, AmeriSpeak is a probability-based panel designed to reflect the U.S. household population. Randomly selected households are contacted through mail, email, phone, or in-person interviews.
Christina Aguilera has partnered with Grindr as part of the promotion for her upcoming headlining set at San Francisco’s Portola Music Festival on September 20. According to a September 15 announcement from the LGBTQ app, Aguilera -- dubbed Grindr's new “wingwoman” -- will lend her voice as a notification alert, letting users know they’ve got a message from a potential match.
From September 15 to 22, Grindr will swap its iconic “bloop” notification for the opening notes of Aguilera’s 1999 No. 1 hit “Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You),” promoting her Portola performance in the process.
Treven Michael Gokey was arrested by Phoenix police on September 17 for allegedly threatening to shoot up Cruisin’ 7th, a popular gay bar near his Arizona apartment. He faces felony charges of making a terroristic threat and using a computer to threaten, after blaming the LGBTQ community for recent acts of violence.
According to court documents, police were called to the 39-year-old's apartment for a welfare check after a crisis hotline reported he had threatened to shoot up the bar, claiming he was “triggered by political events.”
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