washington d.c., a city with a significant Black population, previously lacked dedicated establishments for its Black queer residents. however, this changed with the advent of thurst lounge, a new venture spearheaded by Burke and Mykals.
their journey into nightlife began over a decade ago with the conception of "thursday bliss: an open mic experience."
the genesis of thurst lounge: from open mic to queer haven
initially conceived as a singular event to support their musician peers, Burke and Mykals quickly recognized the event's burgeoning potential, transforming it into a weekly staple.
"thursday bliss" found its first home in the intimate downstairs setting of bohemian cavern on u street. the event's growing popularity soon necessitated a move upstairs, and subsequently, to two different venues in the k street corridor.
despite the success of the recurring event, the founders grappled with a persistent feeling of not quite belonging.
building a loyal audience was one challenge, but establishing a business required a deeper level of commitment and introspection. a significant factor that spurred their entrepreneurial spirit was the increasingly common experience of receiving unwelcoming glances or encountering uneven service at establishments catering to a predominantly heterosexual clientele, even as their own gay customer base expanded.
addressing a void: the need for dedicated queer spaces
while acknowledging the general welcoming nature of most operators, these instances of differential treatment highlighted a pressing need for a space owned and curated by the community itself.
Mykals, a talented singer and musician, originally launched "thursday bliss" as a platform to showcase the artistic talents of his friends. as the event attracted a larger gay following, Mykals realized the necessity for him to assume a more prominent, leading role.
Mykals reflected on the early days, stating, "when we started, i knew i had to be more public about my identity and confront anything — i had to be ready to be present.
and now thurst is a true lgbtq space. i have to say out loud who i am." Burke echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the personal growth and visibility required in their endeavor.
post-pandemic resurgence and the call for community spaces
emerging from the pandemic and galvanized by the momentum of the Black lives matter movement, Burke and Mykals observed a heightened demand and collective desire for spaces that specifically cater to and center Black and Brown individuals.
this recognition ultimately inspired them to establish their own establishment.
recognizing the existing fanbase from the "thursday bliss" events, they outfitted the new venue with a spacious stage, ensuring a seamless transition for their established audience.
the interior design of thurst lounge thoughtfully integrates elements that honor history and culture. the staircase is adorned with photographs of influential Black gay activists and historical figures, including bayard rustin, james baldwin, and marsha p.
johnson, creating a visually rich narrative.
designing for community: interiors that tell a story
the upper level of thurst lounge is dedicated to celebrating the icons of Black culture, particularly female artists. bathed in natural light filtering through expansive skylights during the day, this space transitions to a vibrant atmosphere illuminated by the performances of divas and celebrated one-name artists like whitney, beyoncé, and rihanna - individuals who have profoundly shaped Black culture.
even the restrooms pay homage to the legacy of d.c.
Black pride, featuring photographs and posters of individuals who played pivotal roles in the annual event. the establishment's offerings will focus on a diverse drink menu, including beer, wine, and craft cocktails, complemented by regular drag shows and other weekly events.
thurst lounge operates from wednesday to sunday, closing at 3 a.m. on fridays and saturdays, and 2 a.m. on wednesdays and sundays.
trade: evolution and expansion in d.c.'s gay scene
located on 14th street, just south of p street, trade has been a cornerstone of the gay bar scene since its inception in .
initially a more laid-back, dive-style venue characterized by a compact dance floor and dimly lit booths, trade has since evolved into a significant nightlife destination.
trade has transformed from its original concept into a multifaceted venue encompassing four distinct areas: the initial space, an expanded outdoor patio, a dedicated dance floor, and a subterranean lounge.
bailey, a key figure in trade's development, has consistently aimed to refresh the venue every couple of years, even with minor updates.
strategic growth: adapting to a changing landscape
"i had been working to explore at trade how to do that," bailey remarked.
"yet i was limited in what was available, as the small space did not lend itself to major change. still, i had been able to update the patio and make some slight reno inside." the opportunity to expand arose when the adjacent property became available, prompting an immediate connection with the landlord.
despite delays caused by permitting and administrative processes, construction commenced approximately a year prior to the current reporting.
bailey noted that the expansion concept predated the emergence of a new wave of d.c. lgbtq+ bars, including bunker, lgp, crush, thurst, and district eagle.
reimagining spaces: sustainability and community focus
a primary objective of the expansion was to enhance the patio area, which is now more than twice its original size.
in keeping with trade's ethos, reclaimed and upcycled materials were extensively utilized throughout the renovation. patrons familiar with trade will recall that the original dj booth was repurposed from a church pulpit, symbolizing a new life for existing structures.
this sustainable approach was carried over to the patio, where reclaimed wood was used for seating and decorative elements.
a tree was planted in the center of the patio to provide shade and a natural focal point. the adjacent building, accessible from the patio, now houses a dedicated dance floor, a response to the demand for scheduled dance parties and events in d.c. the launch of this new space, which includes planned dance parties and additional programming starting in the fall, with an upcoming event in collaboration with the flower factory organizers, has been met with enthusiasm.
"we know now that it has been extremely well received, and it is very satisfying, given the time and effort we invested," bailey added, expressing his satisfaction with the successful transformation.
little gay pub: a growing presence in the queer landscape
little gay pub (lgp) has garnered considerable acclaim and success in both washington d.c.
and philadelphia, recognized for its generous drink pours, elaborate decor, signature dino nuggets, and a playful atmosphere conducive to memorable social interactions. the washington blade recently engaged with the owners to delve into the establishment's journey and future direction.
seville, one of the co-owners, shared her extensive background in the hospitality industry, stating, "i've been working in the industry for 21 years.
i managed nellies and number 9. i eventually went on to be gm at trade." she further explained the collective vision: "we are three lifetime bartenders who wanted to own our space. we felt the city was missing something."
the genesis of lgp: fulfilling a community need
the opportunity to realize their vision materialized in the summer of 2021 when the trio toured an empty space that resonated with their aspirations.
martinez recalled the initial apprehension following the covid-19 pandemic regarding the feasibility of opening a new physical establishment. "we did have worries after covid if opening a new brick and mortar made sense. but we were confident that our idea was good enough to take that risk."
the space itself played a crucial role in bringing their concept to life.
the owners' objective was not to compete with existing bars but rather to fill a specific niche and offer a novel experience. "our goal was not to take from other bars, but fill a niche, and offer something new. all three of us are different, but lgp was a vision of where all three of us would want to hang out," martinez explained.
expansion to philadelphia: a broader reach
seville elaborated on their decision to expand beyond washington d.c.: "we realized that we had a lot more to give, but not necessarily in d.c.
at this time. we looked farther away, and philly made the most sense." martinez further described the philadelphia iteration of lgp as "an all-inclusive welcoming space, all welcome, multi-generation."
navigating istanbul: a guide for queer travelers
for those planning a visit to istanbul, understanding the local context and available resources is essential.
the city offers a diverse range of experiences, from vibrant nightlife to historical exploration.
exploring istanbul's attractions and accommodations
istanbul, a city rich in history and culture, presents numerous points of interest for all travelers. for those seeking accommodation, several hotels cater to a comfortable and enjoyable stay, with many offering gay-friendly environments.
- tomtom suites: situated in the city's heart, this 5-star hotel provides excellent access to istanbul's attractions.
the suites feature views of sultanahmet and the sea of marmara, with air-conditioned rooms equipped with amenities like a minibar and spa bath.
- w-hotel istanbul: this historic 5-star hotel is conveniently located near cultural landmarks and dining options.
guests can enjoy facilities such as a sauna, valet parking, and a spa and wellness center.
- marmara sisli: found in the upscale şișli district, this hotel boasts city views, an in-house restaurant, and convenient services like express check-in and hour room service.
- marmara pera: located in beyoğlu, this 4-star hotel offers an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and a fitness center.
- the public hotel: this luxurious hotel on istiklal avenue combines 19th-century architecture with modern comforts, offering a stylish base for exploring the city.
for those looking for local experiences and insights, home-sharing platforms offer opportunities to connect with residents and gain a deeper understanding of the city's rhythm.
this can be particularly helpful in navigating the local gay scene and discovering the best places to eat and socialize.
cultural landmarks and historical immersion
istanbul is renowned for its iconic landmarks that reflect its rich past as a crossroads of civilizations.
- blue mosque: built in the early 17th century, this architectural marvel is celebrated for its intricate blue tilework.
- hagia sophia: a testament to Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, hagia sophia has served as a basilica, mosque, and now a museum and place of worship.
- grand bazaar: one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets, it offers a vast array of goods, from antiques to textiles, with opportunities for bargaining.
- topkapi palace: once the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, this sprawling palace complex provides a glimpse into the empire's history.
- taksim square: the modern hub of istanbul, this area is a center for commerce, culture, and entertainment, featuring numerous shops, restaurants, and pedestrian avenues.
experiencing istanbul: tours and culinary delights
to make the most of a visit to istanbul, guided tours can offer invaluable insights and streamline exploration.
- top sites of istanbul tour: this walking tour provides a comprehensive overview of the city's historical sites, allowing for a personalized pace with a private guide.
- istanbul layover tours: these customizable tours are designed for travelers seeking to experience the city during their layovers at istanbul's airports.
istanbul's culinary scene is equally captivating, offering a fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors.
- neolokal: this restaurant presents a modern interpretation of turkish cuisine, paired with an extensive wine list.
on weekends, it transforms into a vibrant club featuring live performances and DJs.
- cihan restaurant & bar: known for its high-quality ottoman cuisine, this establishment offers breathtaking views of the bosphorus strait.
- benazio coffee: a charming cafe in kadıköy, popular within the gay community for its relaxed atmosphere.
- yeni lokanta: this restaurant is celebrated for its modern turkish dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, offering a refined dining experience.
regarding travel logistics, the new istanbul airport (ist) has replaced atatürk airport as the primary international hub.
depending on nationality, a turkey visa may be required in advance. transportation options from the airport to the city center include taxis, airport shuttle buses (havaist and havabus), and pre-booked private shuttle services, with a future metro line also under construction.