Gay clubs iowa

LGBTQ+ Organizations

One Iowa

With both a non-profit (One Iowa) and a political action organization (One Iowa Action), One Iowa seeks to improve the lives of LGBTQ Iowans by protecting and advancing equality and inclusiveness through education, improving workplace culture, and increasing access to quality healthcare across our state.

Iowa Safe Schools

Iowa Safe Schools offers straightforward services and supports to students who have been bullied anywhere in the state of Iowa.

Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus

DMGMC uses the art of tune to sing in support of justice, inclusion, and love. It is open to those who sing in the tenor and bass ranges, regardless of gender.

First Friday Breakfast Club

FFBC is a social and educational team for LGBTQ+ people. FFBC members gather for fellowship, mutual encourage, and education on community affairs. Each meeting they listen to a speaker and, of course, enjoy breakfast together.

Des Moines Self-acceptance Sports League

Recreational and networking opportunities through sports to the LGBTQ+ community in Central Iowa.

The Pride Center

The

Before âThe Gayborhoodâ

Des Moines Forgotten

By Kristian Day

6/5/

Bob Eikelberry at the Barn Door in Photo courtesy of Gary Moore

With another Pride month here, I have dug deep into the history books of the gay lore of Des Moines. In November of , I wrote a column on the Blue Goose and the P&S Lounge, two homosexual bars with origins dating back to the late s and early s.

The P&S Lounge was located at Second Ave. and owned by two lesbians, Peggy and Shirley. P&S eventually sold to Chuck Brooks (brother to Des Moines city councilman Archie Brooks) who went on to open many same-sex attracted bars including the famous City Disco Park.

The Blue Goose was located at Third St. and was owned by Marlys Watson and her husband, Marty.

The s and s was a unrestrained time for âGay Des Moines.â There were usually five or six lgbtq+ bars in the heart of downtown around Court Way at any given time along with multiple dirty bookstores separating the store fronts.

The address of Grand Ave. was home to three different bars including the M-2 (owned by Tim Mumma and Steve

The history of Iowa’s oldest gay bar has been made into a documentary. Here's how to watch

On a representative Friday night at the Blazing Saddle in Des Moines’ East Village, tightly packed bodies crowd around the bar’s main stage, hands poking out from the throng to propose cash tips to performersdressed in drag. It’s the Saddle Gurls & Friends show, and once the artists take their closing bow (or more commonly, dip into their most impressive split), the spotlights cut and the song bumps. Bargoers turn the stage into a technicolor dance floor, strong drinks in hand, staying accurate to the bar's motto: "Always a double, never a cover."

The Blazing Saddle is Iowa's oldest operating gay bar. It just celebrated its 40th anniversary. Opened in by Bob “Mongo” Eikleberry, it’s been referred to as the “Gay Cheers” and has seen Iowa — and the nation — through decades of change for the LGBTQ population: from the beginning — and end — of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, to the outbreak of the AIDs epidemic, to the legalization of gay marriage and the more recent passing and signing of anti-LGBTQ la

Bars and Nightlife

Gay Bars and Clubs

Blazing Saddle ( East 5th Ave), If you&#x;re looking for a approachable LGBTQ+ bar in Des Moines, then you&#x;ve set up it! The Saddle is open days a year featuring daily Happy Hour, Trivia Night every Tuesday, and monthly charity events for non-profits. Additionally, Latin Nites and various types of Drag Shows every Wednesday through Sunday. Watch the Blazing Saddle Calendar of Events.

Buddy's Corral ( East 5th St) is a mixed, relaxed neighborhood bar with jukebox, karaoke, located next to Blazing Saddle.

The Garden Restaurant & Show Lounge ( E Grand Ave) is an LGBT+ owned and operated business that is place to a host of amazing talent with an outstanding legacy. The Garden offers a wide variety of entertainment and a full kitchen menu.