How to Connect With the Gay and Lesbian Community in Buffalo

The City of Good Neighbors rolls out the welcome mat to its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender residents. In Buffalo, you’ll find a dozens of social and political organizations with a GLBT focus.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Get moving. Buffalo offers gay volleyball, hockey, bowling, softball, biking and clubs for walkers and runners.

2. Find your friends. Buffalo social groups include Buffalo Gals for all women and Shades social group for lesbians of color. For gay men, there are the Buffalo Bears, Buffalo Jacks and the Buffalo Men’s Chorus.

3. Read up on the latest news. Get a copy of Buffalo’s Outcome gay paper or looking into the Niagara Falls Gaylaxians, queer readers of science fiction. And don’t forget the Lesbian Writers group.

4. Enjoy the nightlife. Check out the bars and clubs including Cathode Ray, Q and Tabu.

5. Meet other parents, if you have children, at A-Flag Alternative Families of Lesbians And Gays, the Gay Fathers Support Group and Uncommon Families organization.

6. If you are a transgender woman, gather with others through the Dredluv transgender women of color group or the Buffalo Belles.

7. Attend Buffalo Pride in June. Volunteer all year long.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the Gay Pages for GLBT-friendly businesses. Patronize them to support the community and meet other gay people.
• Offer your home as a meeting place for any group you’ve connected with.

Resources

• Bars and clubs
• Outcome newspaper
• Gay Pages
• Gay Singles
• Empire State Pride Agenda
• Stonewall Democrats of Western New York
• Buffalo Gals
• Buffalo Pride
• Pride Center of Western New York