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.
The city of St. Petersburg has installed 11 rainbow-colored bike racks in response to the removal of several street murals -- including a Pride-themed mural -- by the Florida Department of Transportation.
The racks were installed in the Grand Central District at Central Avenue and 25th Street, the former location of one of five murals removed at the direction of federal and state authorities.
The mural at Central Avenue and 25th Street featured colored stripes representing the progressive Pride flag and was located just steps from Ride'em Cowboy, one of the city’s best-known LGBTQ nightclubs and a "safe space" for the community, according to Florida Politics.
The year's nearly out. Sometimes that calls for taking sweet stock of the past months' wonderful events. Coming to the end of 2025, on the other hand, is more like getting to that denouement in the action movie where the survivors take a breath and pat each other on the back for having made it out alive. At this stage, we are Newt getting tucked-in to her Sulaco hibernation tube.
With some effort and a pinch of luck, may we all fare better in 2026 than poor Newt's end at the start of Alien 3.
Why such a shitty year? So much of it, obviously, can be laid at the feet of Lame Duck Donald. Not that he hasn't had loads of assistance in his evil efforts to erase our transgender family and friends, colleagues, and leaders during 2025. The purge, as promised, began right out of the gate on Inauguration Day.
Little more than a year ago, Kamala Harris narrowly lost the presidential election. She may have suffered a swing-state sweep, but Donald Trump's 49.8 percent win was hardly a mandate. Consider Franklin D. Roosevelt won his first term with a bit more than 57 percent. That's a mandate.
But lose, she did. And I cried twice. Some frail dudes might not like admitting that, but I'm not so self-loathing that I'm compelled to deny human emotions. Initially, maybe a day after the vote, talking to a neighbor on our building's shared roof, my throat seized mid-sentence and I excused myself. I may have plenty to cry about, but I don't ever want it to make me the center of attention.
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