Richmond, Virginia, has a vibrant and growing lgbtq+Q+ community. Over the years, the city has transformed into a welcoming space for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities. The Carytown district, in particular, is known for its lgbtq+Q+-friendly businesses and events. The annual Richmond Pride Festival celebrates the diversity and unity of the community, drawing thousands of attendees. Additionally, the city boasts a variety of gay bars, clubs, and community centers that cater to the lgbtq+Q+ population. Organizations such as Diversity Richmond play a pivotal role in supporting and advocating for the rights and well-being of lgbtq+Q+ individuals in the area. With its rich history and commitment to inclusivity, Richmond continues to be a beacon for lgbtq+Q+ individuals in the South.

 

Popular Gay Events and Venues in Richmond, VA:

Richmond, Virginia, hosts a variety of lgbtq+Q+-friendly events throughout the year, fostering a sense of community and celebration. Here are some notable events:

1. Virginia PrideFest: Hosted by Virginia Pride, this festival is one of the largest lgbtq+Q+ events in the state, attracting thousands of attendees for a day of music, entertainment, and community engagement.
2. Richmond Pride Festival: An annual event that celebrates the diversity and unity of the lgbtq+Q+ community in Richmond. It features live performances, food vendors, and informational booths from local lgbtq+Q+ organizations.
3. OutRVA's Celebrate lgbtq+Q+ Tourism Day: Organized by OutRVA, this event promotes lgbtq+Q+ tourism in Richmond and highlights the city's inclusive businesses and attractions.
4. Diversity Richmond's Black and Bold Awards: An event that recognizes the contributions of Black lgbtq+Q+ individuals to the Richmond community.
5. lgbtq+Q+ Film Series at the Byrd Theatre: A curated series of films that highlight lgbtq+Q+ stories, experiences, and history.
6. Richmond Triangle Players' Performances: As one of the leading lgbtq+Q+ theater companies in the region, Richmond Triangle Players regularly hosts plays and performances that resonate with the lgbtq+Q+ community.
7. Queer Community Potlucks: Monthly gatherings where lgbtq+Q+ individuals and allies come together to share a meal and foster community connections.
   

List of gay bars and hotspots in Richmons, VA:

1. Babe's of Carytown: Babe's is a welcoming and inclusive bar that has been a mainstay in Richmond's lgbtq+Q+ scene for years. They host regular events like karaoke nights, drag shows, and even volleyball matches in their sand court out back. You can find Babe's at 3166 W. Cary St.

2. Barcode: known for its laid-back atmosphere, good food, and friendly crowds. It’s a great spot to enjoy a game of pool and a few drinks with friends.

3. Godfrey's- A popular lgbtq+Q dance club known for its excellent DJs, light effects, strong cocktails, and late-night drag shows. It’s a perfect place to do some dancing and have some fun on a night out in Richmond.

4. Fallout: A members-only club that is lgbtq+Q+ friendly and hosts regular events. This is a great spot if you're into the alternative scene, as they host unique themed nights, live performances, and more. Fallout is located at 117 N 18th St.

5. Richmond Triangle Players: This is one of the oldest lgbtq+Q+ dedicated theatre companies in the country. They put on regular performances that touch on themes relevant to the lgbtq+Q+ community. Their theater, the Robert B. Moss Theatre, is located at 1300 Altamont Ave.

6. Diversity Thrift: This isn't just a thrift store, it's a community hotspot. Run by Diversity Richmond, proceeds from the store go towards supporting the local lgbtq+Q+ community. They also host a regular event called "Fourth Friday" which is a free event with art, music, and more. The store is located at 1407 Sherwood Ave.

7. Pride Community Center of the Tri-Cities: Just outside Richmond, this community center offers resources, events, and support for the lgbtq+Q+ community. They host everything from youth groups to social mixers.

Arts and Entertainment in Richmond

The Richmond Triangle Players- The longest continuously-operating lgbtq+Q professional theater company in the entire mid-Atlantic region, and for many years, it has been producing excellent works, including several world premiere plays, which are relevant and important to the lgbtq+Q experience. The group seeks to educate, entertain, and elevate conversations in the community about the benefits of diversity and inclusion, and to bring recognition to and celebration of the lgbtq+Q community in Richmond and beyond.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts- For nearly a hundred years, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has been educating, inspiring, and delighting visitors from Richmond and beyond, with its extensive and stunning display of art from a wide variety of genres and time periods. It is one of the ten largest art museums in the United States.