“We don't have to worry about some of those other things that we worry about when we go into non-LGBT-identified clubs,” like not feeling welcome or facing discrimination. Perhaps the most under-the-radar gay bar to outsiders, as well as the most political of Washingtons gay bars, the Diner is home to high-profile Democratic and Republican operatives. At night, however, the tables are cleared away for the drinking crowds. “It’s finally something that's of our own,” she said. DC9 itself is not considered a gay bar and hosts musical acts (mainly indie bands) nearly every night, but don’t let that stop you from checking it out on any ole weekend nightyou’ll almost always. Effective December 21, 2021, in accordance with the Mayors directives, masks are required for patrons entering Green. The 18 th & U Duplex Diner, known as The Diner to regular patrons, is a proper restaurant by day, serving delicious greasy spoon fare. She said this project holds a special significance for her. “We haven't had those events in a while because of the pandemic.”ĭJ Amina Brown, who has performed around the district for over a decade, is a consultant for As You Are Bar and will be the space’s resident DJ when it opens. “Socialization is just something that we're missing, especially in the queer community,” Paris said.
The duo started their podcast two years ago after feeling silenced in the area’s LGBTQ community, which they both described as “white-centric.” They said they particularly admire the bar’s goal of being a “well-rounded space for all to enjoy,” instead of one focused mainly on drinking and hooking up. Around the same time that queer nightlife was expanding in Capitol. Top Gay Clubs & Bars in Dupont Circle: See reviews and photos of Gay Clubs & Bars in Dupont Circle, Washington DC (District of Columbia) on Tripadvisor. and countless other perks, including an Asian fusion restaurant, caf and three on-site bars.
So many LGBTQ businesses and organizations lined Capitol Hill’s 8th Street commercial corridor that the Blade dubbed the thoroughfare Washington’s Gay Way. Raffi Umanzor and NuNu Paris, hosts of the LGBTQ podcast “Wait! Don’t Do It!”, said they are “obsessed” with the concept behind As You Are Bar. Much of this scene was clustered into three communities: Capitol Hill, DuPont Circle, and South Capitol Street.