This page is dedicated to Atlanta's rich and colorful gay bar history. The video features many of the bars and hangouts from Atlanta's past.
UPDATED OCTOBER 2022: MORE THAN 300 ATLANTA BARS LISTED
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SPONSOR NAME*
Celebrates Atlanta's
Rich & Colorful
Gay History!
*SPONSOR NAME & LOGO will be featured prominently on this page and in the printed materials such as posters, postcards and stickers.
We were featured in a segment of CityLights - Check it out!
NPR/WABE FM City Lights with Lois Reitzes
We have completed a list of
over 300 bars from Atlanta's gay past.
Feel free to suggest bars I may have missed.
Not all of these bars were 'gay' 100% of the time,
but they all played a memorable part in Atlanta's gay community.
The names in RED above were voted the most popular by Facebook members
based on my poll which reached nearly 5000 people.
Inclusion in this list is in no way intended to suggest the sexual orientation of any of the
owners, staff or patrons of these establishments.
Surviving Legends Atlanta Eagle and The Heretic continue to serve Atlanta's gay community.
We have created a line of commemorative products based on the 'Celebrating Atlanta's Gay History' design [above left] and the list of bars [above right]. Click on the 'New Design' image above to see the full line of products. These products will benefit YIMBY, a Georgia nonprofit organization serving the homeless community.
SPONSOR NAME*
Celebrates Atlanta's Rich & Colorful Gay History!
ADDITIONAL LGBTQ+ RESEARCH RESOURCES:
GEORGIA:
- The Georgia LGBTQ Archives Project
- GSU LGBT Digital Collections
- Emory University LGBTQ Collections
- Gay Atlanta Flashback
- Invisible Histories Project: AL, MS, GA
- Touching Up Our Roots GA LGBTQ Story Project
- Atlanta LGBTQ History Project
- Auburn Ave. Library African American Lesbian and Gay Print Culture Collection
MORE RESOURCES ON OUR ARCHIVES PAGE
Video Interviews About
Atlanta's Gay Bars
EPISODE THREE: Roy Oldenkamp
In this episode of the GayBarchives Podcast we talk to Roy Rogers Oldenkamp about his Backstreet documentary, gay clubs in Atlanta and gay life. #gaybarchives #ilovegaybars #lgbthistory Find more segments at tv.GayBarchives.com #pridemonth
EPISODE FOUR: Jimmy James
In this episode of the GayBarchives Podcast we talk to Jimmy James about his amazing career as the best Marilyn Monroe illusionist in the world, gay bar life in San Antonio and touring the country performing at dozens of gay bars [including Backstreet Atlanta]. We also talk about his hit single 'Fashionista'.
Watch Episode Four: Jimmy James
EPISODE FIVE: Juan Cezar
In this episode of the GayBarchives Show we take a stroll down memory lane with Juan Cezar, former lighting tech at Charlie Brown's Cabaret, host of a weekly talent showcase and lead singer of the synth-pop band Frisky Monkey. He sheds some light on his fondest memories of Atlanta's colorful gay bar scene.
#gaybarchives #ilovegaybars #lgbthistory Another look into our gay history through the lens of our gay bars gone by. GayBarchives is a combination of the words Gay, Bar and Archives. Find more segments at tv.GayBarchives.com #pridemonth
Watch Episode Five: Juan Cezar
EPISODE NINE: Chris Coleman
In this episode of the GayBarchives Podcast we talk to Chris Coleman about his memories from the Atlanta bar scene, managing a gay entertainment complex and his plans for a GayDM music festival. #gaybarchives #ilovegaybars #gayhistory GayBarchives = Gay + Bar + Archives Find more segments at tv.GayBarchives.com #pridemonth
Watch Episode Nine: Chris Coleman
LINKS: Facebook, Twitter, Website
EPISODE TEN: Miguel and Holly Show 101.5
In this episode of the GayBarchives Show we talk to Tampa radio hosts Miguel and Holly about the GayBarchives project and Miguel recalls a story about his mother at Backstreet Atlanta. #gaybarchives #ilovegaybars #gayhistory Find more segments at tv.GayBarchives.com #pridemonth
Watch Episode Ten: Miguel and Holly Show
EPISODE FIFTEEN: The Goddess Raven
In this long-awaited episode of the GayBarchives Podcast we chat with Monte [aka The Goddess Raven] about his amazing career as a performer at Backstreet Atlanta and how the gay bar scene molded his personality and his career. We also discuss life on a farm in Oklahoma and other unexpected topics. #ilovegaybars #gaybarchives #lgbthistory
Watch Episode Fifteen: The Goddess Raven
LINKS: Facebook, Twitter, Website, Watch Videos on YouTube
EPISODE THIRTY EIGHT: Bob Taylor
Episode 38. Bob Taylor [patriarch of the Haus of Taylor] reminisces about his days on stage at Lavita's in Atlanta, Rene's Disco and Tracks in Tampa and Orlando's iconic Parliament House. Tiffani Middlesexx, Chad Michaels, Rachel Wells, Amber Richards, Tina Devore and The Goddess Raven are all mentioned. #gaybarchives #ilovegaybars See all the GayBarchives segments at tv.GayBarchives.com #pridemonth
Watch Episode ThirtyEight: Bob Taylor
LINKS: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
EPISODE FORTY: Ted Binkley
Episode 40. Ted Binkley recounts stories from his first gay bar experience in Nashville [1952], several bars from the 1960s Long Beach scene, Atlanta's Gallus, Illusions and Crazy Rayz. We also discuss the last bar he owned in Montgomery AL [Zippers]. You have to look up 'The Salvation Army Song' online and you will understand how Dora DeVille eventually came to be. #ilovegaybars #gaybarchives Find more segments at GayBarchives.com #gayhistory
Watch Episode Forty: Ted Binkley
LINKS: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
EPISODE FIFTY TWO: Jonny McGovern
EPISODE 52: Jonny McGovern, perhaps best known for his Gay Pimp videos and his Hey Qween talk show, talks about his memories from gay bars gone by. LA and NYC: Cock, Boys Room, Mr. Black, The Saint, Backstreet Atlanta. #gaybarchives #ilovegaybars #lgbthistory Find more segments at GayBarchives.com #pridemonth #gaypimp #heyqween
Watch Episode FiftyTwo: Jonny McGovern
LINKS: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Hey Qween Twitter, Wiki, YouTube, Patreon, HeyQween Website
EPISODE FIFTY NINE: Larry Tee
EPISODE 59: Larry Tee is one of the most outrageous personalities in Electronic Music and Fashion. Although perhaps best known for his collaborations with RuPaul and Lahoma in NYC, his roots are in Atlanta. In this segment, Larry Tee takes us back to the vibrant gay scene in 'Hotlanta' in the 1970s and 80s as well as NYC in the 90s. #gaybarchives #ilovegaybars #lgbthistory Find more segments at GayBarchives.com #pridemonth
Watch Episode FiftyNine: Larry Tee
EPISODE EIGHTY FIVE: Pamala Stanley
EPISODE 85: Legendary Disco Diva Pamala Stanley discusses her six decade career singing her way across the country and around the world, including many gay bars along the way. Pamala had numerous Billboard Top 20 hits including "Coming Out of Hiding" and "I Don't Want to Talk About It". At nearly 70 years of age she still delivers a high energy show! #gaybarchives Exploring Gay History One Bar at a Time! #ilovegaybars GayBarchives = Gay + Bar + Archives #lgbthistory Find more segments at tv.GayBarchives.com #pridemonth
Watch Episode EightyFive: Disco Diva Pamala Stanley
EPISODE EIGHTY SIX: Scott Blount/ Scarlett Dailey
EPISODE 86: Renowned Drag Diva Scarlett Dailey [aka Scott Blount] shares memories of a long and storied career in gay bars across America, including Lavita's [Atlanta], Paddock Club [Greenville NC] and Friends Lounge [Jacksonville NC]. #gaybarchives Exploring Gay History One Bar at a Time! #ilovegaybars GayBarchives = Gay + Bar + Archives #lgbthistory Find more segments at tv.GayBarchives.com #pridemonth
Watch Episode EightySix: Scarlett Dailey/ Scott Blount [ATL & NC]
LINKS: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube
EPISODE EIGHTY SEVEN: Dr. Jesse Peel
EPISODE 87: Atlanta's own legendary Dr. Jesse Peel discusses the colorful history of Hotlanta's gay scene and his experiences as an activist in the 80s and beyond. #gaybarchives Exploring Gay History One Bar at a Time! #ilovegaybars GayBarchives = Gay + Bar + Archives #lgbthistory Find more segments at tv.GayBarchives.com #pridemonth
Watch Episode : Dr. Jesse Peel - Atlanta
LINKS: Website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube
EPISODE ONE HUNDRED: Matt Colunga - Richards/ Johnsons
EPISODE 100: Matt discusses his long history with Atlanta's iconic gay full-nude strip club Swinging Richards as well as his new brainchild, Johnsons. The Fort Lauderdale location recently celebrated its FIFTH ANNIVERSARY as the second location nears opening in Tampa FL. A third [Dallas] club is in the works as well. #gaybarchives #ilovegaybars #lgbthistory #gayFL #gayTX #gayhistory Find more segments at tv.GayBarchives.com GayBarchives = Gay + Bar + Archives #pridemonth
Watch Episode OneHundred: Matt Colunga - Richards/ Johnsons
LINKS: FtL Web, FtL FB, Tampa Web, Tampa FB, Dallas Web, Documentary
EPISODE ONE-0-FOUR: The Heretic Atlanta
EPISODE 104 Bev Cook and Alan Collins discuss the long history of Atlanta's renowned Heretic bar and its predecessors, 2069 and The Sportspage. We also discuss Alan's and Bev's previous gay bar experiences in Atlanta. #lgbthistory #gayATL #gayGA #Hotlanta #gaybarchives #ilovegaybars #lgbthistory Find more segments at tv.GayBarchives.com GayBarchives = Gay + Bar + Archives #pridemonth
Watch Episode 104: Bev Cook and Alan Collins - The Heretic
LINKS: Website, Heretic FB, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
EPISODE 107: Marc Jones - Atlanta
EPISODE 107 : Legendary Atlanta choreographer and dancer Marc Jones recalls his days at the renowned show bars Sweet Gum Head and Illusions. He also talks about his interior design career and his current project, 'Stars of Atlanta: A Night of Legends'. #gaybarchives #ilovegaybars #lgbthistory #gayATL #gayGA #Hotlanta Find more segments at tv.GayBarchives.com GayBarchives = Gay + Bar + Archives #pridemonth
Watch Episode 107: Marc Jones - Atlanta [Sweet Gum Head, Illusions]
EPISODE 109: Richard Ramey - The Atlanta Eagle
EPISODE 109 : Richard Ramey has owned the Atlanta Eagle for 20+ years. He joins us in this segment to talk about the history of this historic Atlanta gay bar. We also feature the grand opening of its new location after a 2 year Covid-induced siesta. The #gaybarchives #ilovegaybars #lgbthistory #gayATL #gayGA #Hotlanta Find more segments at tv.GayBarchives.com GayBarchives = Gay + Bar + Archives #pridemonth
Watch Episode 109: Richard Ramey - The Atlanta Eagle
EPISODE 117: Mr. Charlie Brown [Nashville & Atlanta]
EPISODE 117 : The legendary Mr. Charlie Brown reminisces about his long history in the gay bar scene including Watch Your Hat & Coat in Nashville [1970s] and Sweet Gum Head in Atlanta [late 1970s]. We also discuss his current gig at the Atlanta Eagle and his upcoming tell-all book. #gaybarchives #ilovegaybars #lgbthistory #gayATL #gayGA #Hotlanta Find more segments at tv.GayBarchives.com GayBarchives = Gay + Bar + Archives #pridemonth
Watch Episode 117: Mr. Charlie Brown [Nashville & Atlanta]
LINKS: Website, FB, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
EPISODE 119: Martin Padgett [Sweet Gum Head Atlanta]
EPISODE 119 : Martin Padgett, author of 'A Night at the Sweet Gum Head' discusses the Atlanta gay scene in the 1970s and 80s. #gaybarchives #ilovegaybars #lgbthistory #gayATL #gayGA #Hotlanta Find more segments at tv.GayBarchives.com GayBarchives = Gay + Bar + Archives #pridemonth
Watch Episode 119: Martin Padgett [Sweet Gum Head Atlanta]
LINKS: Website, FB, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
EPISODE : The Deana Collins Bars [Atlanta]
COMING SOON : The legendary Deana Collins reminisces about her long history in the Atlanta gay bar scene including The Rose, Uptown, Deana's One Mo' Time, Hoedowns and 3 Legged Cowboy. #gaybarchives #ilovegaybars #lgbthistory #gayATL #gayGA #Hotlanta Find more segments at tv.GayBarchives.com GayBarchives = Gay + Bar + Archives #pridemonth
Watch Episode : The Legendary Deana Collins [Atlanta]
LINKS: Website, FB, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn
