Unfortunately, some places can be inhospitable for members of marginalized groups. Members of the LGBT+ community, particularly Black ones, may be wary of traveling to certain destinations. Black lesbians and bisexual women find themselves in an uncomfortable position where homophobia, sexism and racism intersect.
Is society more tolerant than it used to be? Yes, to an extent. But there’s still a ways to go, not just in dismantling homophobia, but increasing visibility for Black LGBT+ people. We have a tool now that didn’t exist until recently: the internet. Platforms like Meetup, Eventbrite and also social media are key to helping us find each other and create community.
There’s a hierarchy under the LGBT+ umbrella. In the US, the vast majority of LGBT+ events, conventions and spaces cater to white gay men. As George Johnson wrote in his article for NBC News in 2019, “although white queer people share in our queer oppression, they are still beneficiaries of white supremacy — and are not above wielding that power in our safe spaces.”
The “safe spaces” Johnson refers to include the various Black pride events across the country in places like Atlanta, Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia, among others. Even though these events are “ours,” it’s never surprising when outsiders trickle in.
Here are 5 destinations where Black bisexual women and lesbians can have a good time.
1. Atlanta
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Atlanta is not only one of the Blackest cities in the US, it’s also very welcoming for gay people.
The city hosts the largest Black Pride convention in the US. It includes workshops, more than 25 events, celebrity appearances and more.
Check out the woman- centered events for this year’s Atlanta Black pride here.
2. New York
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You’ll be hard pressed to find a city more diverse than New York. The gay hub would likely be lower Manhattan, where many of the gay bars are.
There’s Stonewall of course, and two lesbian bars, Henrietta Hudson and Cubbyhole. The former has hosted watch parties for The L Word: Generation Q, which features more melanin than the original series did.
Black gay women may be the minority, but there’s still mingling to do and fun to be had.
3. New Orleans
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NOLA is home to what is said to be the oldest gay bar in the US: Café Lafitte in Exile located in the French quarter.
New Orleans Black Pride took place June 30 to July 3, 2022, according to Center For Black Equity.
Because NOLA is so colorful and “out there” all year round, it’s safe to say that even bars that aren’t marketed as “gay” are at least gay-friendly.
Be sure to show love to the Black-owned businesses in NOLA we’ve listed here.
4. South Africa
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Homosexuality is a criminal offense in some parts of Africa. And where it isn’t criminal outright, it’s usually taboo.
South Africa is one exception. It legalized gay marriage in 2006- the first African country to do so.
Johannesburg Pride takes place in October and it’s been going on for over 30 years. It also has the distinction of being the first of its kind on the African continent.
The very first march, which was held in 1990, was pro-gay and anti-apartheid.
One activist who was present, Simon Nkoli, said, “I am black and I am gay. I cannot separate the two parts of me into primary or secondary struggles. They will be all one struggle.”
5. Amsterdam
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The “live and let live” mentality exists not just in The Netherlands, but Dutch territories like Curaçao, Aruba and St. Maarten.
As such, the gay community in all its variations is welcome.
Bar Buka is a lesbian bar in Amsterdam with friendly vibes and a solid drink selection. There also Club Saarein, which caters to “all queer-minded” people.
The heart of Amsterdam’s gay scene is Reguliersdwarsstraat (whew!) There you’ll find not only bars and clubs, but cafés; both the kind that offers coffee and pastries and the other kind.
