Gay Things To Do in New York

New York has thriving LGBTQ communities, rich history, and it remains one of the most welcoming places for LGBTQ visitors in the world.

These spaces, whether always gay friendly or only during certain times of the day or week, gave LGBTQ people the freedom to be themselves in a way they usually could not be in their personal or professional lives.

Eagle NYC

As well as being America’s most exciting city, New York was once America’s seediest city. Times Square was awash with hustlers and adult entertainment venues. By the 90s New York became for more shiny and clean. Alas, you can still have some wild times at Eagle NYC, a classic and ever-popular gay cruise club.

The dress code used to be much stricter. That being said, you should make some sort of effort: even if that means removing your shirt. The rooftop is probably the most fun bit. As this is NYC, you’re highly likely to see some major eye candy.

The Stonewall Inn

This is the most famous gay bar in New York, and the world, come to think of it. The Stonewall Inn was raided by police in 1969. It was pretty routine: gay bars were often raided in those days. During a raid, people would often be arrested, their names would be printed in the papers the following day, causing them to lose their jobs in many cases and face being ostracized by their families. On that fateful night in 1969, the patrons fought back, kickstarting the gay liberation movement.

Bushwick

One of Brooklyn’s most fascinating neighborhoods, Bushwick has been a vital part of the city’s LGBTQ+ scene for years. Bushwig, the city’s iconic drag fest, is named after the area it started in.

Industry Bar

Unlike cozy Barracuda, Industry is a sprawling, high-ceilinged space, featuring a long concrete bar (manned by hunky, often shirtless bartenders, naturally) a stage hosting drag and music performances and a sizeable dance floor. Those seeking a more intimate scene will find plenty of private nooks and comfy couches.

LGBT Community Center

Stationed in the west village, the community center is well worth a visit even if you’re on holiday. You can also visit New York’s only LGBTQ specific bookstore, General Bureau Queer Division. My favorite part of the entire building, however, is a tiny bathroom on the top floor: there’s barely enough room to fit three people in there, but the entire upper wall and ceiling are painted with a huge phallic mural by Keith Haring. One of New York’s finest, and best hidden, masterpieces.

Broadway

You can stroll to Broadway from Times Square. It’s worth exploring New York’s legendary theatre district during the day. You’ll see the major theatres and billboards for the latest plays. New York arguably has the world’s greatest theatre scene.

Broadway is hugely competitive. A bad review in the New York Times on opening night can sink a production and many people’s dreams down the drain. But if a show hits the big time – to use a New York expression – then the great and the good will be queuing outside the star’s dressing room.

You should see at least one Broadway show while you’re in New York. It’s a tradition. Broadway shows have helped to shape American culture.

Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay & Lesbian Art

The Leslie-Lohman Museum of Gay and Lesbian Art is the first art museum in the world that is solely dedicated to gay and lesbian art. The space also hosts lectures, readings, film screenings, and shows; all centered on LGBTQ themes.

Fire Island

One of the best gay things to do in New York City is to escape the concrete jungle in favor of Fire Island’s sea and sand. “America’s First Gay and Lesbian Town,” Fire Island is a gorgeous coastal retreat that has been enticing harried professionals since the 1930s.

New York City AIDS Memorial

New York in the late 70s and early 80s was disco central. Crime rates may have been very high, but people were partying like crazy. The spirit of the time was embodied by Studio 54. It seemed as if the party would never end.

A mysterious illness began to spread, disproportionately affecting the gay community, and the party came to an abrupt end. The best part of a generation of LGBTQ people was wiped out by the AIDS crisis. The AIDS Memorial commemorates the lives of over a hundred thousand citizens who died from the disease. It was designed by the artist Jenny Holzer.

The Big Apple is one of the hottest destinations for gay singles. With something for everyone, it’s simply not possible to spend a moment bored in New York City.

If you’re planning on meeting hot guys around New York City make sure to download our favorite gay dating apps like Jack’d, Gay Dating Solutions and Surge. Or try newer premier gay dating sites like My Gay Match.

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