That is the oasis a gay bar provides in a desert filled with homophobia, transphobia, intolerance, bigotry, violence, and fear. No matter the drag queen, leather-wearing 70-year olds, 20-something twinks, or the shirtless bartender, you realize that what ties these people together is the sense that they can be themselves in this space without fear of judgement or violence. While the initial sights are overwhelming, a bit comical, and breathtaking, there’s something more to this experience that touches you: Every person in this bar feels comfortable to be who they are.
It’s a stunning mix of people who vary across age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, and body type. Let’s not forget the 75-year-old man who just strutted by you wearing a leather newsboy cap, a tight leather vest exposing a bush of gray hair on his chest, and a pair of assless leather chaps, which reveal his deathly pale, but round bum.