Social & Cultural Groups: LGBTQ+

There are so many ways to get out and about in Connecticut if you’re looking for LGBTQ+ destinations. Take it from Sky Casper — king of the drag queen scene. Not only does his company, Sky Casper Entertainment, host drag shows, pride festivals, and LGBTQ+ outings across the state, but he knows a thing or two about must-try spots in the LGBTQ+ world. Here are his top suggestions.

Guide to Gay Bars — The Big Five

Connecticut has a great LGBTQ+ nightlife scene – you just have to know how to find it. Here are the Big Five, in no particular order.

#1 Partners Cafe in New Haven — The unique thing about this bar/nightclub is there are three different rooms with three different vibes. The top floor is a dance club with drag shows on Friday nights with their rotating hosts Kiki Lucia, Mia E Z’lay, Tiana Maxim Rose, and Xiomarie LaBeija; the middle floor is a chill bar atmosphere where you can watch music videos, socialize, and play pool; and the basement is more of like a lounge feel with the occasional Latin night! @partners_cafe

#2 Chez Est in Hartford — Hartford’s legendary LGBTQ+ bar/restaurant/nightclub, going strong with a variety of drag nights and dance parties, including Connecticut’s largest Latin night hosted by Lady Tatiana, and Connecticut’s longest-running drag competition Chez Legends, hosted by the mother of the Haus of Lay, Mia E Z’lay. And, they have delicious food. *Mouth waters* @thechezest

#3 Troupe429 in Norwalk — Connecticut’s newest gay bar features a variety of weekly drag shows hosted by Angelina D’Amore, Robin Fierce, and Sienna Rose, and dance parties. Plus, they host many RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants at their venue. @troupe429

#4 Gotham Citi in New Haven — If you’re looking to turn up on a Saturday night, they’ve got two rooms, one with a house/pop music blend, and the other with a hip-hop/Latin mix with the occasional vogue beat and vogue battle! And, in their house/pop music room, they have a weekly drag show hosted by the mother of the Haus of Royal, Destiny Nations Royal! @gotham_citi_nightclub

#5 Trevi Lounge in Fairfield — Known for their wild Tuesday night Karaoke, their Wacky Wednesday open stage night hosted by Frankie Cyanide, hot bartenders, and a mix of dance nights and drag shows with different themes, Trevi Lounge hosts fabulous performers from around the state including Angel Rivers, Giganta Smalls, Tiana Maxim Rose, and Crystal Starz. @trevilounge

Guide to Gay Happenings — Unique LGBTQ+ Events in Connecticut

There’s always something going on here — including a diverse selection of events and shows. These are 8 recurring events to check out.

Annual Pride events at The Connecticut Science Center out on the patio and throughout the Museum and “Pride on Pratt,” where we take over Pratt Street to bring a small New Orleans to Hartford, CT with drag performances and sick beats. Both offer unique party experiences in Hartford. @skycasperentertainment

“Boys night” Tuesdays at Tisane’s in Hartford — A social environment and dance party every Tuesday. It’s been going for 15+ years now, but it’s kind of if you know you know, because it’s not advertised. A diverse queer crowd shows up on this night. Expect the occasional drag shows, fun beats, and a wonderful outdoor patio! @mytisane

Category Is… — New Haven’s Vogue Night was created with the help of Xiomarie LaBeija and APNH: A Place to Nourish Your Health for queer people of color to come together in the name of Ballroom — but they’re welcoming to everyone. Through collaboration with famous instructors from the ballroom scene, they have created an atmosphere of empowerment, confidence, and overall fun. They have practice days, special guest instructors, and shows every Tuesday at 7:00 pm. Food is always provided, and they offer free HIV/STI testing at all times. @apnhprevention

Juicy Fruit — A party that aims to celebrate and showcase POC talent, with music by DJ Edgewood, ranging from today’s top hits to throwback Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae, House & Disco. It’s a party that all are welcome to, with a great vibe, and sometimes turns into an intense dance party! NOTE: Unfortunately, York Street Cafe is closing so it will be moving spaces soon, so make sure to follow my good friend @1edgewood for updates.

One Big Event — A swanky annual gala where everyone gets dressed up, dances, and raises money for The Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective — usually at the Marriott Hartford Downtown. @hglhc_1983

The Place 2 Be Drag Brunches — A fierce and trendy drag brunch at Connecticut’s hottest brunch restaurant! You can expect high energy, stunts, a twerk competition, over-the-top food and drinks, and of course lots of laughs. @skycasperentertainment

Sweat — A pulse-pounding, sweaty party at The State House in New Haven with performances by New Haven’s legendary Miss Longo and dance/house rhythms by DJ Sabi + Chris Gallo. It gets a packed crowd! @butchqueenspresent

What can we help you find?

Social & Cultural Groups: LGBTQ+

Guide to Gay Bars — The Big Five

Guide to Gay Happenings — Unique LGBTQ+ Events in Connecticut

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