How to Recognize a Gay Bar

Gay bars don't always advertise themselves. In many communities--especially the most conservative ones--gay bars operate quietly and rely on word-of-mouth to bring in customers. Since these kinds of establishments are desirable places for members of the gay community to hang out and socialize, it's helpful to be able to recognize a gay bar if you walk into one. Fortunately, there are a few telltale signs you can look for.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Recognize bars with unusual or gay-friendly names. Many bars that don't advertise themselves as gay will let the public know of their true orientation with a well-thought-out name.
2. Look for same-sex couples in the bar. Just one or two same-sex couples aren't enough to identify a bar as gay-friendly, however. The ratio of same-sex couples to opposite-sex couples must be overwhelmingly in favor of same-sex couples.
3. Watch for flirting. Pay close attention to single men and whether or not they're going up to other single men to talk. Likewise, if you get more than one or two people of your same sex coming up to flirt with you, you've probably found a gay bar.
4. Look at the posters and flyers on the walls. Gay bars typically put up advertising material for other gay-friendly establishments and gay-themed events in the local area.
5. Recognize the fact that some heterosexual couples may be at the gay bar. Such couples may be there with gay friends or may simply be aroused by being around gay people. At any rate, don't assume the place is not a gay bar just because you see a few heterosexual couples there.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're having trouble deciding if a place is a gay bar or not, ask another patron, preferably one who is part of an obvious same-sex couple. Avoid asking the bartender or the owner, as they might not admit to it (and they might be offended by the question).
• When you go out looking for gay bars, bring a friend along with you. It's safer to travel in pairs and your friend can help you decide if any given place you visit is a gay bar. If your friend is of the same sex as you, you can use him to keep unwanted suitors at bay once you've located a gay bar. Your friend can also act as the designated driver if you're planning on doing a lot of drinking.