LGBTQIA-Owned & Operated Businesses in Durham
Support these local LGBTQIA-owned businesses this month and the other eleven months of the year, too. Read More
Durham is the most diverse, proud and vibrant destination in North Carolina.
Posted By Ashley Strahm on May 23, 2025
It doesn't matter what time of year you visit; you will find queer folks celebrated, partners of all types walking down city streets, and Pride flags waving in front of established businesses frequented by proud Durhamites of all kinds.
From its activist roots to its current reputation as a progressive Southern city, Durham's community intends to ensure that the Bull City is a welcoming place for all who visit. When the North Carolina General Assembly passed HB2 in 2016, Durhamites stood in solidarity with the LGBTQIA community through protests, fundraisers for non-profits, and "We Don't Care" bathroom signage. This is a community that will uplift you, support your dreams, and give you strength. Whether you're staying for one night or the rest of your life, you'll feel right at home here.
June is national Pride month, and though we all eagerly anticipate Pride: Durham, NC's parade and official celebration in September, we honor our LGBTQIA community every day. Here's a snapshot of how Durham is celebrating the wonderful, bold and colorful this month, and all year long.
Durham has a long history of working toward inclusive ideals as a community. From sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement to widespread support for gender-neutral restrooms and the trans community in the face of HB2 and other forms of bigotry, Durhamites aren't afraid to challenge injustice with action. One of Durham's great icons is Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray, a queer African American activist who fought tirelessly for the equal rights of all individuals. Murray's childhood home is now a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public as The Pauli Murray Center, a space for community and activism.
Check out the Pauli Murray in the World mural on Roxboro Street. Photo: Discover Durham
While Durham has been the home of North Carolina's Pride march for over 15 years, it is also where what is considered to be the first Pride march in the state took place. On April 17th, 1981, 125 individuals gathered in front of the Durham County Judicial Building protesting for equal rights for the queer community. Then, in 1986, a second public demonstration took place on Duke University's campus.
For the next 14 years, North Carolinians gathered in a different city every year to take part in the NC Pride March. Eventually, the march settled in one city, Bull City, to be exact. You can read about it all in-depth on the website for The LGBTQ Center of Durham.
Programming at the LGBTQ Center of Durham (a "family room" for the LGBTQIA community) includes discussion groups, movie nights, open mics and more in an effort to affirm, support and celebrate all LGBTQIA experiences.
PFLAG Triangle offers friendship and support for parents, families, friends and allies united with LGBTQIA people.
Durham Gender Alliance is a moderated gender issues support group serving the Triangle.
Cofounded by Durhamite and Southern Black lesbian activist, Mandy Carter – who is well-known for her 50-year history of social, racial and LGBTQIA justice organizing – SONG is a home for LGBTQIA liberation across all lines of race, class, abilities, age, culture, gender and sexuality in the South. Since 2013, SONG's Durham chapter has organized around efforts like the Black Mamas Bail Out Action, Guerrilla theater workshops, Team of the Willing Dinners and many more.
Today, Soul Sanctuary is an event space and farm collective with a vision for a multi-generational, multi-racial, Black feminist intentional community centered on the support of our LGBTQIA+ elders. Spaces are available for rent and the property hosts public events including Saturday morning Farmers’ Markets.
Durham gayborhood? Try the whole city. This is a place where we fiercely defend our fellow humans' rights to express themselves honestly and authentically. Beyond gender or sexual orientation, we proudly celebrate community, connection and love in all its forms. So, you won't find a street or neighborhood where gay culture is celebrated; you'll find its warmth and beauty all around you.
117 W. Main St.
Found in the heart of downtown Durham, this queer-owned bar and venue is "a safer space for queer and otherwise marginalized folks to express themselves and feel comfortable doing so." Head to The Pinhook for queer dance parties, drag shows, karaoke and movie nights, as well as live music several nights a week.
Check the Pinhook's events schedule to see if there's something fun happening during your stay. Photo: Discover Durham
331 W. Main St.
Delve into Arcana, through the alleyway and down the steps, to enjoy a one of a kind cocktail bar experience. Recently becoming the 32nd lesbian bar to be added to The Lesbian Bar Project's list, Arcana has been a beloved space for queer folks to gather since 2015. Patrons here enjoy cocktails, music, tarot and community events year-round.
119 Orange St.
Co-owned by five women, this new bar in town is an inclusive space for folks of all backgrounds to enjoy a cocktail. With both indoor and outdoor seating, the Velvet Hippo is a perfect spot to kick back and have a few drinks with friends, a date or even solo.
1200 W. Chapel Hill St.
Owned by Stacey Poston and wife Wendy Woods, the two have lived, worked and thrived in the Durham area for over 20 years, and created GRUB as a laid back, and accessible gas station turned eatery for everyone. The restaurant and rooftop is a beloved staple; you'll know you've arrived when you see the trans and gay pride flags out front by West Chapel Hill Street.
Go to GRUB for a great plate of food and a welcoming environment. Photo: Discover Durham
607 William Vickers Ave.
By making self-care and spa treatments like massage, facials and reiki approachable and accessible, Auroraflow aims to help people in marginalized communities live healthier, better lives.
June 3, 2025 + The First Tuesday of Every Month
Saddle up for a night of country karaoke, line dancing, rooting and tooting at The Pinhook. Line dancing will be facilitated by Joelle from Arthur Murray Dance Studio while DJ Good Dirt will handle the tunes. This event kicks off the first Tuesday of Pride Month, but will return the first Tuesday of every month for the rest of the year.
June 7, 2025
You'll never attend an event like this anywhere else.
For twenty years, the Beaver Queen Pageant has been the Triangle’s own special mix of folly, pageantry, and humor, and the LGBTQIA community has always played a pivotal role in the event. The event is unique to Durham, bringing awareness and funding to the environment but also serving as a mechanism to celebrate queer Durham.
The Beaver Queen Pageant is truly a one of a kind event that you won't want to miss. Photo: SP Murray
What began as an underground, after-hours drag pageant in 2005 led by activist Katherine O'Brien has evolved into $15,000 raised in the past half decade for the Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association and the wetlands our local beavers call home.
Expect to see contestants take on beaver personalities and compete for the title of Beaver Queen with their fashion, talent, and personality. Each year, the Annual Beaver Queen Pageant appoints a theme, like "Damilton!", and there will be music, a Scrap Exchange tail-making booth, food trucks, and much more on the banks of the Ellerbe Creek in the Duke Park Meadow. The event is free and family-friendly; all are invited to vote for their favorite contestants (or bribe a judge).
June 7, 2025
Join the Common Woman Chorus at Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for a Pride showcase featuring songs that celebrate all the colors of the rainbow. Experience tunes of joy and songs of yearning aimed to remind all that every shade of who you are belongs.
June 7, 2025
The Creatives Club host this evening of shopping, sipping and strolling at the Glass Jug RTP.
June 12, 2025
Roll on up to Wheels Durham for a night of Pride and rollerskating for a good cause. All ticket revenue from this event will go directly to the LGBTQ+ Center of Durham.
June 14, 2025
Show up to The Pinhook wearing rainbow on rainbow on rainbow for this Pride month drag show housted by House of Coxx sisters Stormie Daie and Naomi Dix. The show will feature "Bull City O.G herself, Jazmine Brooks."
June 14, 2025
This event is not just about fun—it's also about making a difference with drag shows, food and beverages, dancing and local vendors. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Durham-based charity Sacred Solidarity.
Monthly Pride Parties
This is not a drill. House of Coxx star Naomi Dix's Club ERA, a gay, queer and trans (and beyond) club, celebrates Pride all year long. Check their events calendar to see which day their Monthly Pride Party is going down. Can't make it to the Pride party? Not to fear. Come by every Saturday for Dance, Drag, Drink, Repeat.
June 26, 2025
This annual event is in partnership with Equality NC, the LGBTQ Center of Durham and the Durham Police Department, with each organization receiving in-game recognition.
The evening's contest features a Bulls Pride flag raised in center field. Wool E. Bull displays a Bulls Pride flag on the field before the first pitch, which is auctioned off with proceeds benefitting the LGBTQ Center of Durham. With such a strong community, this event quickly became an annual celebration.
June 28, 2025
Get ready for a Conjure Pride party at PS37. Come ready to dance till the wee hours of the morning. Keep an eye out for the lineup announcement closer to the day of the party.
August 14-17, 2025
Held at the historic Carolina Theatre, OutSouth is the second-largest gay, lesbian, and transgender film festival in the Southeast, and is held every August. The films range from features to documentaries to shorts, highlighting directors from across the country. In addition to screenings, the schedule includes a kick-off party, family-friendly events, and food trucks. 2025 will mark the festival's 30th anniversary, so get ready for a weekend of film befitting of this milestone.
The OUTSOUTH Queer Film Festival is the second-largest LGBTQIA+ film festival in the Southeast. Photo: Alec Himwich / Carolina Theatre / Discover Durham
September 26 & 28, 2025
Pride: Durham, NC leads Durham's annual celebration of equality on the last Saturday in September. Led and organized by the LGBTQ Center of Durham, the two-day event includes a market, downtown concert, parade and community kickback draws thousands of marchers alongside decorated floats and vehicles. Additional activities include festival vendors, speeches, and parties taking place around the Triangle. It's a great opportunity to support an inclusive community.
Find all the details on our Guide to Pride: Durham, NC.
Created by DJ Gemynii, The Conjure has provided the community with a "safer space dance party that features & celebrates the magic of Black & Brown femmes, theys, & thems" for over 8 years. While The Conjure organizes stand alone events, keep on the lookout for dance parties in tandem with special events in Durham like Biscuits and Banjos and Pride: Durham.
Plan to see a House of Coxx Drag show, a collection of lively theatrical dance performances presented in traditional Queer comedic style. For a small cover fee, you'll have front-row access to Durham's foremost drag troupe (founded by the charismatically charming Vivica C. Coxx, House of Coxx is now under new leadership after Vivica has moved on from Durham).
Several Bull City venues host regular and periodic drag shows, so make sure to check out our blog post to learn how Durham Does Drag all year long.
Enjoy a drag brunch event at multiple venues in Durham. Photo: Discover Durham
There's also free readings and discussions of queer romance selections at Durham's Southwest Regional Library, as well as game nights at The LGBTQ Center of Durham every month on first Fridays. Plan to enjoy games — these events are free and open to the public.
Since 1983, the Common Woman Chorus has lifted its uncommon voices to sing in celebration of the diversity and strength of its woman-identifying, gender-nonconforming and transgender members. The chorus is a progressive voice and LGBTQIA centered space for queer joy. Lend your voice to the chorus or attend an event.
Y'all means all here in Durham! We hope to see you soon to celebrate Pride all year long in Durham.
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