Gay bars in windsor ont

History shows that past generations of the LGBTQ community have had to fight for acceptance in traditional society. At one time, gay bars and clubs were the only place people had to express themselves freely. Identifying as LGBTQ has become widely accepted, but there are some who are still uncomfortable being themselves outside of gay spaces.

As a gay man myself, I was closeted the first time I ever experienced a gay night club. It was the Legends of in Windsor, a bar that lasted for about five years until it closed in I remember everyone being so comfortable and free to express themselves—whether it was dressing and dancing a certain way or kissing who they wanted to.

Still struggling with my own sexual identity, I felt liberated. I spent my early teenage years in denial. Constantly monitoring the way I walked, the tone of my voice and how I acted, I felt the need to create this perception of myself based on what I thought others expected of me. I was lost, but by being able to be around other people like me, I learned to love myself as a gay man.

Today in Windsor, there are only two small gay bars. When it comes to events with larger capacities, promoters must look at other venues. Last month, the city had one of its biggest drag queen events to date. The event featured a total of eight drag queens—three who are local, two originally from Windsor who moved to Toronto and the others from London, Ontario.

Windsor Gay Bars

Lawrence Lavender, the organizer of the event, says there are not a lot of opportunities for local drag queens to showcase their talent. Understanding that the lack of spaces makes it very difficult for people in the LGBTQ community to come together, there are people who are trying to provide the community with opportunities to do ont that.

He is one of many who organize the annual PrideFest, which is in its 26th year. Research suggests that members of the LGBTQ community experience increased social isolation compared to other marginalized windsors. This year, the festival is being moved from the riverfront plaza to Lansbury Park.

He says they made the decision to gay for a multiple of reasons—the plaza is too big a bar to completely fill up and there are no trees or grass. With the sun beating down on the asphalt, it gets too hot. In the drag world, he is known as Hawaii Goodvibes. Born and raised in South Windsor, he attended a Catholic grade school.

In grade two, he was called gay by another student and that was when he explored the idea of what being gay meant. Years later, when Drouin came out to his family, he says he was supported but felt his mother had certain expectations for him to meet. Being homeless was difficult, but Drouin says people in the gay community made it easier for him to get back on his feet.

Drouin has pursued a lifestyle fuelled by fashion, drag and community engagement. Kyle Pitre is another drag queen in the city of Windsor.