Gay bars in tacoma washington
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Tucked between the big queer paradise known as Seattle and the little queer paradise known as Olympia you’ll find a resplendent medium-sized queer paradise: Tacoma, Washington. Equally damp and flannel-friendly as its neighboring cities, it’s pretty much raining lesbians in Tacoma.
Tacoma hasn’t always had the most gleaming reputation, but over the past 15 years it’s become home to a hearty arts scene and a panoply of great bars and restaurants. And whaddya know, it’s a brilliant place to be a gay lady!
I’ve spent 20 years of my life in Tacoma. So please, allow me to give you the lowdown on this seriously queer little locale. And hey! You can obtain gay married in Washington now. So maybe you’ll want to move here some day? Think it over.
Where to Live/Be
In lieu of a gayborhood (as gay as it is, Tacoma doesn’t have one), take a gander at these three neighborhoods.
6th Avenue (Roughly between Proctor Lane and Sprague Avenue) Not all, but many of Tacoma’s worthwhile bars and restaurants can be set up along 6th Avenue. Many of Tacoma’s young people/queers live off of 6th Avenue: it’s cheap and convenient to lots of the places t
Rainbow Center
Tacoma Pride Festival Returns to Wright Park on July 12, 2025
The Rainbow Center is thrilled to announce that the Tacoma Movement Festival will restore to Wright Park on Saturday, July 12, 2025!
As Tacoma Pride has grown over the years, so has the need for a larger venue. After thoughtful consideration and collaboration, we’re pleased to partner with Metro Parks Tacoma to bring the festival back to the park where it all began. We’re deeply grateful to Metro Parks for their back in helping us make this beloved community event more accessible, inclusive, and vibrant than ever.
Get Involved with Tacoma Pride
We’re already gearing up behind the scenes—and we’d admire for you to join us. Here’s how you can get involved:
Booth Applications
Booth applications have been extended until Wednesday, May 21st! Utilize here: https://forms.gle/J3XpbDY2SSTiGYsk6
Questions? Email us at vendors@rainbowcntr.org.
Entertainment Opportunities
Are you a local musician, flamboyant artist, or musician based in Washington State? We’re actively booking talent for this year’s event. If you’d prefer to be considered, please fill out this form before Friday, May 30th: https://forms.gle/7CKWS4RWbq
Tacoma, Washington Gay City Guide
Situated on beautiful Puget Sound near Seattle, the Tacoma area is acknowledged as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly areas in the territory. In fact, The Advocate named Tacoma the “Gayest City in America” in 2012. Tacoma proposals abundant natural beauty, plenty to see and do, and opportunity for everyone, all amidst an eclectic, free-spirited, welcoming vibe. The “City of Destiny” as Tacoma is often called, would truly make a wonderful destination to call home!
A Look at Tacoma’s History
Tacoma eventually came to serve as the western close of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and as a result, grew quite steadily during the 19th century, and resulting in the city slogan, “Where Rails join Sails.” The city's name came from Mount Tacoma, which was the original name for Mount Rainier, whose stunning peaks overlook the city. Tacoma means "Mother of the Waters," and is a fitting name, given the city's location on Puget Sound. The city has always been an important harbor and railroad hub – although it proposals far more than that. It is also a city of opportunity, plenty of arts and culture, and much to observe and do. It'
I’m Here, I’m Homosexual, Where Do I Hangout?
On first arrival to Tacoma, a new queer transplant might wonder what there is for them in a city not as well known as nearby Capitol Hill. How do you make new friends, find a protected space and help the community in this new city? Seattle has the hill, San Francisco the Castro, but is there a “gayborhood” in Tacoma?
The answer is yes, and if you want a tour it would be a good notion to start on St. Helens Route near Market Avenue and meet Brock Leach, co-owner of The Mix.
“I basically live on [St. Helens],” Leach said. “I obtain my wine, beer and cheese at Stink. I procure my haircut at Supernova, I serve out at the [YMCA]”
Leach Is the co-owner of The Mix with Travis Scheff and Matt Henderson. Leach is also a math professor at Tacoma Community and Pierce colleges. He moved to Tacoma 10 years prior and has grow a big part of the neighborhood, which he describes as laid-back.
“Don’t get me false I love going to Seattle,” Leach said. “But I feel like we connect more here. Bigger cities acquire more cliques and small groups.”
The Mix is one of the two official gay-bars in the city of Tacoma. Scheff and Henderson also have The