DRA celebrates cherish, acceptance, and accessibility in support of our LGBTQ+ society, not just during Pride month, but every day. The LGBTQ+ community has deep roots in Downtown Raleigh and we have an ongoing commitment to foster a downtown that embraces diversity & equality.
We encourage you to carry the spirit of Celebration throughout the year by supporting Gay safe spaces and actively championing inclusivity, human rights, and respect; because you can’t spell people without unity.
If your downtown business is LGBTQ-owned or otherwise belongs in this manual, please email communications@ to voluntarily opt-in.
DTR Businesses With Pride
These businesses elevate, embrace, and create space for the LGBTQ+ group year-round. *Voluntarily identifies as a LGBTQ-owned business
Blackbird Books & Coffee*
Blake St.
Copperline Plant Co.
23 W Hargett St.
CrossFit Work for + Wellness*
Fayetteville St.
Current Wellness
S East St.
DECO
S Salisbury St.
Edge of Urge
East Franklin St.
Guest House
S Bloodworth St.
Re
Rainbow flags still fly in Raleigh's 'Gayborhood' decades later
RALEIGH, N.C. — Celebration holds a longstanding history in Raleigh where all are welcome.
What is commonly referred to as the "Gayborhood" located in the Warehouse District, serves as an anchor to the LGBTQ+ community. The neighborhood flourishes with rainbow art and two LGBTQ bars within a square mile radius.
What you need to know
Raleigh's "Gayborhood" district attend as an anchor for the LGBTQ+ community
The collective in the Warehouse District was established decades ago
To learn more about the LGBTQ+ community in Raleigh, visit the Mordecai Historic Park.
“What people refer to as the Raleigh Gayborhood is a few blocks between Dawson Street and Harrington Street downtown, I consider probably the original block is the block of West Hargett Street, and it all got started right here at ,” Kent Parks, an LGBTQ historian said.
Parks grew up in Raleigh and frequented the Gayborhood.
“This is where I met my current husband 38 years ago,” Parks said, referencing
Raleigh Gay City Guide – Making Your Home in the City of Oaks
Known affectionately by residents as the City of Oaks for its vast number of oak trees and beautiful green spaces, this capital city of North Carolina has so much to offer. It is well known for its amazing educational opportunities, but beyond that, it has a diverse performing arts and music scene, plenty of museums and cultural attractions, many job opportunities, and lots to observe and do. All of this, and growing LGBTQ community welcoming to visitors and residents alike build Raleigh a great place to consider calling home.
A Look at Raleigh’s History
In , Raleigh, named after Sir Walter Raleigh of England, was established as the capital of North Carolina, which was one of the 13 imaginative colonies. Chosen for its location in the geographical center of the mention, it began as a acre purchase of territory and began to develop steadily. Initially a society primarily of farmers, it eventually grew to encompass one of the state’s first industrial areas and its first university. Still today, Raleigh is famous as a city
8 Gay Bars and Clubs in Raleigh
Welcome to our queer urban area guide series by Lex! Raleigh, North Carolina, may not be the first place to approach to mind when thinking about queer bars, but it actually is home to a thriving LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, offering everything from high-energy dance clubs to laid-back queer-friendly bars. Whether you're a local looking for your next go-to spot or just visiting and searching for the best queer nightlife in Raleigh, you’ll find plenty of spots that celebrate all things LGBTQ+.
This instruction covers the best areas for queer nightlife in Raleigh, along with the top 8 Diverse bars and clubs where you can dance on the sway floor, find drink specials, advocate patio hangouts, and connect with the local queer crowd.
Download Lex to connect with LGBTQ+ friends in Raleigh.
Best Areas for Gender non-conforming Nightlife in Raleigh
While Raleigh doesn’t have a specific "gayborhood," there are several LGBTQ-friendly nightlife districts where queer nightlife thrives:
1. Warehouse District
A trendy, artsy area packed with a queer-friendly bar scene, craf