While the Oxwood Inn, LA County’s last surviving lesbian bar, closed its doors in 2017 after serving the San Fernando Valley for 45 years, we’re happy to report that a new guard is stepping up to create inclusive spaces, ranging from an underground club series to community-oriented queer field trips.
This makes it all the more disheartening that so many LGBTQ bars have closed in recent years, and in particular spaces that cater to lesbians, trans women, and other queer identities. More than a place to catch an entertaining drag brunch or dance until you drop, LGBTQ bars sprang up out of necessity to offer those communities safe spaces to meet others, congregate, and of course, celebrate identities that society has not always so readily accepted. Once firmly headquartered in West Hollywood, our city’s LGBTQ scene has since expanded to include worthwhile spots in Silver Lake and Downtown, plus a few roving parties that pop up at different venues around town. Following in the example of other nightlife venues and events, LA’s LGBTQ bars are slowly coming back to life and welcoming patrons of all identities, orientations, and proclivities back on their dance floors.