Columbia's Evolving LGBTQ+ Scene: From Safe Havens to Inclusive Nightlife

Columbia, South Carolina, like many cities across the nation, has a rich and complex history when it comes to LGBTQ+ spaces. Once vital sanctuaries offering refuge from discrimination and societal pressures, gay bars and clubs in Columbia have undergone a dramatic transformation. But with mainstream acceptance on the rise, and the digital age connecting people in new ways, what happened to Columbia's gayborhood? And what does the future hold for inclusive nightlife in the city?

A Look Back: The Rise and Fall of Columbia's Gay Bars

It might surprise you to learn that Columbia once boasted a thriving LGBTQ+ nightlife scene. Believe it or not, there were a whopping 13 different gay bars and clubs dotting the city from the mid-1980s through the mid-1990s. These weren't just places to party; they were lifelines. This was a time when South Carolina still had felony sodomy laws on the books and marriage equality was a distant dream. These establishments provided a haven, a space where people could be themselves without fear of judgment or persecution.

Consider the legendary Rumors. With a dance floor capable of holding 2,000 people, it was the place to be. Berliner, the resident DJ, was known for spinning the latest underground dance music. The club even hosted live entertainment, once featuring a pair of backup singers who debuted a new song - they later became The Weather Girls!

Then there was The Candy Shop, a Black-owned club that became a haven for Black LGBTQ+ individuals, a space where they could escape the racism that sometimes permeated other establishments. Dorae Saunders, now a nationally renowned drag performer, got her start on The Candy Shop stage. "You had gays there, straights there, you had everybody at The Candy Shop," she recalls. 'It was a place to get away from the racism at other gay clubs.'

Traxx, a lesbian bar that opened in 1995, offered a rare space specifically for women within the LGBTQ+ community. Tammy Lane, a patron, remembers it as a true rarity. Sadly, lesbian bars remain significantly less common than gay bars catering to men even today.

Finally, there was The Capital Club. This was a members-only club geared toward an older, mostly white clientele. Think cigar bar vibes, classical music on vinyl, and a strict dress code. Judges, politicians, and other high-profile individuals frequented the club, seeking a discreet and safe place to socialize.

The Shifting Sands: Factors Contributing to the Decline

So, what happened? Why did Columbia's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene shrink so drastically? Several factors played a role:

• The AIDS Epidemic: The emergence of AIDS in the 1980s cast a long shadow over the gay community. Fear and misinformation led to decreased attendance at gay bars, and the devastating loss of life had a profound impact.
• Increased Acceptance: As societal attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community evolved, the need for specifically "gay only" spaces began to diminish. Mainstream bars and clubs became more inclusive, offering a wider range of options.
• The Rise of the Internet: The internet provided new ways for LGBTQ+ individuals to connect, build community, and find information. Online forums and social media platforms offered alternatives to traditional brick-and-mortar establishments.

Greggor Mattson of Columbia University has tracked this trend nationally. His research showed a peak of over 1,000 LGBTQ+ clubs listed in travel books in 1995, with a steady decline afterward.

Columbia Today: A New Era of Inclusivity?

Today, Columbia has very few dedicated gay bars, a stark contrast to its heyday. But does this mean the LGBTQ+ scene is dead? Not necessarily. It's more accurate to say that it has evolved.

The Capital Club, for example, has adapted to the changing times. They've dropped the strict dress code and now host drag shows, which have proven to be a major draw for both LGBTQ+ and straight audiences. As Skipper, the club's president, puts it, the club can now make in a single night what it used to make in a week. Talk about a comeback! But can increased revenues, and a diversified audience erase the importance of dedicated spaces? The answer to that question is complicated.

While there might be fewer exclusively gay bars, many establishments throughout Columbia now strive to be more inclusive and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. Places like Art Bar are popular with people of all backgrounds and sexual orientations. Ultimately, the change reflects broader societal shifts and the increasing integration of the LGBTQ+ community into the mainstream.

The Enduring Importance of Safe Spaces

Even with increasing acceptance, dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces still hold value. As Fusaro, of The Capital Club says, "...there are still many places in the state, in the south and in the country where you can be the victim of violence." These spaces provide a sense of community, belonging, and safety that can be difficult to find elsewhere. They also serve as a reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ rights movement.

What is the role of memory in queer spaces? For many, these bars and clubs represent a tangible connection to the past, a way to honor those who fought for equality and create a sense of continuity for future generations.

Looking Ahead

Columbia's LGBTQ+ nightlife scene may look different today than it did in the past, but it is far from extinct. What does the future hold? Perhaps we'll see a resurgence of dedicated spaces, or maybe the trend toward inclusivity in mainstream establishments will continue. One thing is certain: the LGBTQ+ community will always find ways to connect, celebrate, and create safe spaces for themselves. Whether it's in a traditional bar, a pop-up event, or an online forum, the spirit of community will endure.