Gay Guide
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About LGBTQ+ Charlotte
Marriage equality reached North Carolina in 2014, and Charlotte, the state's largest city and a Southern banking capital, has grown a thriving queer scene alongside its fast expansion.
The most LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhood is Plaza Midwood, just east of the Uptown core, a walkable, inclusive district of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops, with the arts-driven NoDa close behind. Chasers on The Plaza does drag and themed nights, and White Rabbit on Central Avenue is the long-running LGBTQ+ bookshop. Down in South End, the Scorpio, founded in 1968 and the city's oldest LGBTQ+ club, has moved into a three-room complex, with Argon and Sidelines, the queer sports bar open since 2007, sharing a building on South Boulevard. Woodshed, out by I-85, has been the leather and bear bar since 2001, and Time Out Youth works with LGBTQ+ young people.
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Charlotte pairs New South ambition with a growing creative streak, and its queer community has expanded right along with the skyline.
Charlotte Pride takes a free weekend in mid-August at First Ward Park and along Tryon Street in Uptown, with the parade on the Sunday, drawing crowds from across the Carolinas.
North Carolina's largest LGBTQ+ Pride event, held annually in Charlotte over a late-summer weekend. Charlotte Pride draws hundreds of thousands and has grown into one of the US South's most significant Pride celebrations.
A gay bar and nightclub on South Boulevard in Charlotte. Argon runs regular themed nights and draws a mixed LGBTQ+ crowd.
A gay bar and nightclub on The Plaza in Charlotte, Chasers is known for drag shows, themed events, and a lively weekend crowd.
The Carolinas' only LGBTQ+ sports bar, open since 2007 on South Boulevard in South End, with pool tables, darts, giant Jenga and a long craft beer list.
A Charlotte centre where LGBTQ+ youth aged 13-24 find belonging, with programs, counselling, housing support, and safe spaces.
Long-running LGBTQ+ bookshop and gift store in Plaza Midwood, stocking books, cards, pride wear, designer underwear and adult novelties.
Charlotte's gay leather and bear bar since 2001, out by I-85, with pool tables, daily drink specials and a big patio with two outdoor bars.
Charlotte's oldest LGBTQ+ nightclub, founded in 1968, now in a South End complex with three bars, two rooftops, a dance floor and drag shows.