Kansas city gay bars
A drag queen, at left, dances with another patron at the Colony Club, one of Kansas City's most vital gay bars in the 1960s. Credit Jack Ames/LaBudde Exceptional Collections, UMKC University Libraries
This story was produced in partnership with KCUR 89.3. To listen to the December 15, 2023, broadcast, visit: KCUR.org.
In a radio interview prior to Lucas Hilderbrand's speaking engagement at the Kansas City General Library, he says he never really imagined Kansas Capital “as being a gay city or a queer city.”
The University of California-Irvine professor of clip and media studies had visited family in Kansas Municipality a lot growing up, but it wasn’t until much later that he learned about the city’s rich history of gay bars.
“It actually had the best collection of any place around the country to tell the story of drag and how it emerged as a same-sex attracted bar staple,” Hilderbrand says, referring to the Gay and Lesbian Archive of Mid-America at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
Hilderbrand’s discoveries at GLAMA inspired him to make the city one of just a several he includes in his new manual, “The Bars Are Ours,” about the history and cultures of Amer
Gay Kansas City
Kansas Urban area lacks a remarkable gay district, yet diverse queer communities thrive across this sprawling midwestern metro. Beyond the bars and clubs of Westport, LGBTQ KC flourishes in linear neighbourhoods like Valentine and Midtown where rainbow flags wave proudly. The suburbs even elect openly queer leaders, while drag brunches, sports leagues and meetups build connection.
The city-wide Pridefest celebrates all colours of the rainbow. And while cruising still occurs, many opt for cuddling rescue dogs at laid-back patio bars like Prevent K. Kansas Metropolis rewards those who seek out its scattered gems of queer culture. Though often hidden, vibrant LGBTQ communities await discovery in every corner of KC.
While a unified same-sex attracted village may be absent, Kansas Urban area delivers an eclectic, welcoming version of Midwestern LGBTQ animation perfect for homosexual travellers seeking queer-friendly havens off the beaten path.
A NEW CHAPTER IN OUR JOURNEY
After eight incredible years of hosting Queer Lock Takeovers across Kansas Town, we are thrilled to announce the opening of our very own club: Q Kansas City! Located at 504 Westport Road.
This Week at Q
About Q Kansas City
Q Kansas Town is more than just a nightclub; it's a cornerstone for genuine connection, pride, joy, and belonging for the LGBTQ+ society and allies. We are committed to involving the community in every step of our journey.
504 Westport Rd, Kansas City Mo 64111
Thursday 7pm - 3 am
Friday 7pm - 3 am
Saturday 7pm - 3 am
Sunday 2pm - 3 am
Chat Us (816) 320-6885
Email: Info@qkansascity.com
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We're on the track for passionate, talented, and customer-focused individuals to participate our team as security, bartenders, DJs, and performers. Ready to be a part of something special? Click the link below to apply!
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Meet Our Dream Team
At Q Kansas City, we think in the power of community. Our dream team of designers, operators, marketers, and public relations experts is de
Missie B's opened it's doors in April 1994 as a piano/karaoke bar with special entertainment and drag shows. With the endorse of the community since we opened, we have been fit to expand from a very small neighborhood bar to the most popular nightclub in Kansas City. We are open from noon until 3:00 a.m. 365 days a year serving our clientele 21 years of age and over. We offer the most affordable drinks in town from noon until 8:00 p.m. daily, and offer nightly consume specials Sunday through Thursday. We have the friendliest staff in Kansas City and you are guaranteed to have a fine time any time you stop by . We have 3 separate prevent areas including a smoking patio, and 3 to 7 bartenders nightly to ensure the optimal service possible. After all, we are the home of Wonderful Times and Good Friends!
Through the years, we have done our best to give back to our community that has supported us. With the support of our sister bars and collective our most recent fundraiser was for the victims of Pulse which raised over $53,000.00. We have pot luck dinners on Thanksgiving and Christmas for those people who have no place to go. We have done many benefits for local same-sex attracted organizations and causes, includ