Drag Queen Guides to LGBTQI+ Friendly Destinations Across the US
It seems no matter where you go, drag queens always have the tea or in layman’s terms, the gossip.
Drag queens are the pride and joy of the LGBTQI+ community, ruling the night with larger-than-life glamour, hijinks, and outrageous comedy. From Baltimore, Maryland to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, these drag queens beam with pride as they share their insider’s guide to unique pride destinations in the US.
Liquor Mini’s Guide to Dallas, Texas
Drag Name: Liquor Mini (she/her/Sis)
Location: Originally from Galesburg, Illinois, currently based in Dallas, Texas.
The Dallas LGBTQI+ Scene: The Dallas gay scene is progressive with a touch of country, featuring a vibrant gayborhood with various bars bustling on weekends.
- Favorite Local Gay Bars: Mr. Misster and Round Up Saloon are local favorites, especially on Friday nights and early Sunday evenings when the music is always hot.
- Favorite Local Restaurants: Street’s Fine Chicken is a must-try, especially for their Chickarones and brie mac and cheese.
- Perfect Summer Night Out: Enjoy dinner with friends followed by a legendary drag show at the Rose Room @ S4 nightclub and dancing at the Round Up Saloon.
- Catch Liquor Mini Perform: Hosting “Fly Queens Drag Brunch” the first Sunday of the month at Meza Mezcal in Irving.
Sadie Creekwood, The Wicked Beauty’s Guide to San Diego, California
Drag Name: Sadie Creekwood, The Wicked Beauty (he/him/her/she)
Location: Currently residing in San Diego, California.
The San Diego LGBTQI+ Scene: A large spectrum with a welcoming environment for all queer cultures.
- Favorite Local Gay Bars: Number One on 5th and Urban Mo’s are fantastic for entertainment.
- Favorite Local Restaurant: Baja Betty’s offers the best short rib enchiladas.
- Perfect Summer Night Out: Catching a drag show at Number One on 5th on a warm Thursday or Friday night.
- Catch Sadie Creekwood Perform: Co-hosting Function Friday at The Rail each month.
Scarlet Fairweather’s Guide to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Drag Name: Scarlet Fairweather (she/they in drag, he/they out of drag)
Location: Lives in the suburbs near Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh LGBTQI+ Scene: A growing scene characterized by diversity and accessibility.
- Favorite Local Gay Bars: Blue Moon Bar offers a lively atmosphere with open mic nights and drag shows.
- Favorite Local Restaurants: Banh Mi & Tea for delicious spring rolls and Condado’s Tacos for flavorful combinations.
- Perfect Summer Night Out: Exploring Squirrel Hill or Lawrenceville followed by a local drag show.
Adonis Alessi’s Guide to Tulsa, Oklahoma
Drag Name: Adonis Alessi (she/her/hers in and out of drag)
Location: Proudly born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Tulsa LGBTQI+ Scene: Features a diverse and kind community dedicated to inclusivity.
- Favorite Local Gay Bars: The Starlite where inclusivity and a unique aesthetic shine.
- Favorite Local Restaurant: Dilly Diner is not to be missed for breakfast tacos and local brews.
- Perfect Summer Night Out: Enjoying a classic drive-in movie at Admiral Twin Drive-In Theatre.
Lexi Belle’s Guide to Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Drag Name: Lexi Belle (she/her in drag, he/him out of drag)
Location: Moved to Cedar Rapids for college.
The Cedar Rapids LGBTQI+ Scene: A close-knit community rapidly growing in visibility and support.
- Favorite Local Gay Bar: Basix is a staple offering diverse events from trivia to drag shows.
- Favorite Local Restaurant: Chophouse Downtown, an LGBTQI+-owned gem known for its Monte Cristo sandwich.
- Perfect Summer Night Out: Experiencing local markets and festivities, especially during pride events.
Evon Dior Michelle’s Guide to Baltimore, Maryland
Drag Name: Evon Dior Michelle (she/her in drag, he/him out of drag)
Location: Residing in Baltimore city for four years.
The Baltimore LGBTQI+ Scene: Marked by a mix of diversity and inclusivity, making the local drag scene lively.
- Favorite Local Gay Bar: Level 2 @ The Manor, known for its karaoke and drag performances.
- Favorite Local Restaurants: Ibar and Papis Tacos come highly recommended for their delicious offerings.
- Perfect Summer Night Out: Walking around the Inner Harbor followed by a fabulous drag show.
Chicki Parm’s Guide to Richmond, Virginia
Drag Name: Chicki Parm (she/her)
Location: A decade in Richmond after growing up in Pennsylvania.
The Richmond LGBTQI+ Scene: A friendly community with an abundance of activities for all.
- Favorite Local Gay Bar: Thirsty’s for weekly drag shows and friendly ambiance.
- Favorite Local Restaurant: Joe’s Inn is famous for its chicken parm, a must-try!
- Perfect Summer Night Out: Enjoying time on the patio at Babes of Carytown.
Sabel Scities’ Guide to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
Drag Name: Sabel Scities (he/she/they)
Location: Originally from Texas, now contemporary life in Kailua-Kona.
The Kailua-Kona LGBTQI+ Scene: Small yet vibrant, focusing on community bonding.
- Favorite Local Gay Bars: MyBar and Masquerade are the go-to spots for entertainment.
- Favorite Local Restaurants: Fish Hopper for breakfast is highly recommended.
- Perfect Summer Night Out: Relaxing evening with friends at local bars and karaoke.
Ida Carolina’s Guide to Asheville, North Carolina
Drag Name: Ida Carolina (she/her in drag, they/them out of drag)
Location: Born in Columbia, SC, now based in Asheville, North Carolina.
The Asheville LGBTQI+ Scene: Eclectic and original, with a true Southern charm.
- Favorite Local Gay Bars: The Odd and Asheville Beauty Academy are local hotspots.
- Favorite Local Restaurants: Fresh Wood Fired Pizza and 12 Bones are must-tries.
- Perfect Summer Night Out: Enjoying drinks with friends at a local bar.