The Evolution of the Gay Bar: From Safe Haven to Community Hub

Remember the days when a gay bar was more than just a place for a drink? For many, it was a sanctuary, a refuge where you could finally be yourself, free from the judgment and constraints of the outside world.

But how have these spaces evolved, and what does the future hold for the gay bar scene in cities like Calgary and Edmonton?

A Night Out: More Than Just Drinks

I remember a time when my straight friends, bless their hearts, decided it was time I ventured out from behind my computer screen.

They dragged me out to experience the gay bar scene in Calgary, a world that existed beyond the digital glow of my BBS. We embarked on a whirlwind tour, hitting up every gay bar we could find in a single night. It was an eye-opening experience, a crash course in the vibrant tapestry of the LGBTQ+ community.

Remembering the Classics: A Look Back at Calgary's Gay Bar History

Our first stop that night was Detours, a space that had seen its fair share of incarnations.

Before Detours, it was Dicks, and I'd even frequented the space next door when it was Empire, before its transformation into Arena. Arena, in its prime, boasted the best drag stage in Alberta, hands down. Imagine a three-tiered viewing experience: the main floor, a mezzanine, and a lounge perched high up by the DJ booth.

The stage itself was ingeniously designed, nestled between the main floor and mezzanine, complete with a catwalk extending into the audience. While Detours, with its Loading Dock happy hour lounge, didn't last long, it was a space brimming with potential.

Then there was Boyztown Metro and the Rekroom.

Navigating this bar was like swimming upstream against a tide of people. Now the Nite Owl, it felt like home, a space where bears and rugged types could mingle freely. Boyztown and the Rekroom became the place to be for the transgender community, drag queens, and cross-dressers.

The owners created a haven where people could express themselves authentically.

It was always packed, a testament to the need for such a space. These individuals simply wanted to live authentically, to be happy. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, and the stigma and fear surrounding them are entirely unwarranted.

More Than Just a Bar: A Place of Acceptance

After coming out to my mom, I decided to introduce her to my friends at these very gay bars.

I wasn't sure how she would react to it. I hoped that I opened her mind and showed her that these people are just like anyone else, and they should be treated with the same level of respect.

Expanding Horizons: Exploring Edmonton's Scene

Eventually, I ventured to Edmonton to explore their community.

The Roost, with its two floors and expansive patio, was a highlight. Uniquely, it housed a deli at the entrance, offering hot food during bar hours.

Boots, another long-standing establishment, even featured Garage Burger, an award-winning eatery within the bar itself. Boots became a hub for Bears, the leather community, and drag shows. And let's not forget Prism Bar, rumored to be the last lesbian bar in Canada, a testament to the diverse facets of the LGBTQ+ community.

When Boots closed, the owners of Prism rebranded and moved into the Boots space, creating The Junction.

While maintaining separate entrances, both bars were under the same management. And then there's Evolution Wonderlounge, a vibrant venue celebrating its anniversary and hosting video interviews with porn stars and celebrity drag queens. Are we seeing a shift towards more inclusive spaces?

The Shifting Sands: Why Gay Bars are Disappearing

Just as the tech world has undergone massive changes, so too has the gay bar scene in Calgary and Edmonton.

Economic downturns, market corrections, and dwindling demand have all played a role in closures. Skyrocketing leases forced some bars out of business, while others succumbed to fierce competition or simply failed to adapt to the evolving tastes of the community. The days of simply opening a dark bar, playing dance music, and expecting customers to flood in are long gone.

Can gay bars continue to compete in an age of dating apps and LGBTQ+ inclusion?

The Rise of Digital Connection: Has Technology Changed the Game?

Websites and apps like Grindr, Scruff, and Growlr have revolutionized how people connect, allowing you to find gay men in a straight bar.

This phenomenon isn't unique to gay bars; straight bars are constantly closing and rebranding. They're actively inviting the gay community in, while gay bars are reciprocating. I think the younger generation is more accepting today than previous ones.

Back in the day, bars like Boyztown and the Rekroom were male-member-only establishments, with women allowed as guests.

Near their end, they began offering memberships to women. Today, younger generations are coming out earlier, embraced by their friends. In the past, many of us remained closeted, only feeling free to be ourselves within the walls of a gay bar.

The Future of Gay Bars: A New Era of Inclusivity?

Some in the LGBTQ+ community yearn for dedicated spaces, but the demand isn't what it once was.

The number of gay magazines has plummeted, facing fierce competition from international gay media and mainstream outlets. Even mainstream media is experiencing cutbacks. However, many gay bars have thrived for a decade or more, some seeing owners retire or pass away.

The Texas Lounge, a landmark for nearly 30 years, benefited from new ownership eight years ago, reinvigorating the brand and improving the attached bathhouse, Goliaths.

The Backlot, too, has undergone ownership changes, resulting in renovations and a fantastic outdoor patio.

And as of recently, Twisted Element is under new ownership and management. Unlike The Texas Lounge and The Backlot, where existing staff took over, the new owners of Twisted Element have adopted a hands-off approach, entrusting day-to-day operations to the bar manager. Keep an eye out for more events there!

It's truly exciting to see what the gay bar scene will look like in the next five to ten years.

Take a look at websites for articles about many of the gay bar owners, past or present.

Evolution Wonderlounge: A Modern Success Story

Evolution Wonderlounge, with its weekly drag and monthly burlesque shows, is the perfect Pride destination. Serving the 2SLGBTQ+ community year-round, EVO has provided an unparalleled nightlife experience.

While touring drag performers occasionally make appearances, the local talent consistently captivates and dazzles. EVO is proud to be active in the community. Its accessible, street-level location is bathed in sunlight during the evenings, making it an ideal spot for meeting friends for drinks and food.

Yes, the new space has a full kitchen!

Burgers, wraps, pizzas, rotating entrees, and a wide variety of appetizers feature prominently on the menu. Weeknight music is chosen by you via our TouchTunes jukebox, controllable by an app right from your table! Weeknight programming includes Karaoke every Wednesday, Trivia every Thursday, with plans for bingo, live music, open mics, and more.

Final Thoughts: What's Next for the Gay Bar?

So, what does the future hold for the gay bar?

Will they continue to evolve into more inclusive community hubs, or will they fade into memory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the legacy of the gay bar as a safe haven and a catalyst for change will never be forgotten. Are these spaces becoming increasingly important to the community?