“With a huge outdoor area, fire pits, and an intimate club space, Nowadays is one of those few nightlife venues that strike the delicate balance of sexy and cute. Of the many queer-led events they host, my favorite is Body Hack, which is low-key the largest trans party in the world.”

“For more of a neighborhood watering-hole vibe, this Bed-Stuy staple is home to some of the best drag in New York. From Chiquitita to West Dakota, the queens will compel you, shock you, make you laugh hysterically—and years from now you’ll see them on TVs and billboards (if they aren’t already).”

“A sister bar to C’mon, this warehouse-y venue has a backyard for hosting gay nightclub moments and many watershed recurring events like OTA (Open to All), a ball that Lil Nas X, Rosalía, and Madonna have all stopped by. Large-scale drag artistry also happens regularly, like Baby Love’s ‘Fagtasia’ or Junior Mintt’s ‘In Living Color.’ The chicken tenders take a while, but they’re fabulous.”

“One of the last surviving lesbian bars in the country for a reason: Ginger’s has been investing in queer communities, art, and safe space since its inception. It has a pool table (duh) and a quintessential backyard patio for daytime flirting.”

“You will not find a bookstore queerer than this, and worth the trek to Manhattan. Its trans and sex-worker–led initiatives, community organizing, and mission shine through their incredible curation. Authors and titles you’ll never find at another bookstore are tucked away here.”

“This new-to-Williamsburg boxing gym is radically inclusive with classes, private training, and one-off drag shows, parties, and events. I’ve even seen some wrestling-themed drag in that boxing ring—WWE wishes!”

“When it comes to New York trans healthcare, Callen-Lorde is the standard. This community medical center provides compassionate care to LGBTQ+ folks regardless of their documentation status or ability to pay. Their program COIN [Cecilia’s Occupational Inclusion Network] is one of a kind, an affirming service health provider for sex workers founded by the late Cecilia Gentili.”

“These days, trans people often run the bars in Brooklyn, but Mood Ring was doing it before it was cool. Though it’s not technically a gay bar, we kinda like it that way. Rotating astro signs get discounts around the year, even the Geminis.”

“Performance art has never been so titillating and queer. If you find ballet or modern dance to be stuffy or boring, I guarantee you’ll have your mind changed by the burlesque stylings of Company XIV."

“The burlesque and drag performance collective Switch n’ Play is part of what makes this spot special. Their spooky and off-the-beaten path shows, put on by artists like Miss Malice, K.James, Vigor Mortis, Zoe Ziegfeld, and more, are deeply Brooklyn culture.”

“If only more coffee shops were like Playground, which is also a bookshop and wine seller, dedicated to combating gentrification and using mutual aid and community events to give back to Bed-Stuy.”

“This is the Berghain across the pond, if you ask me. I’m reluctant to share it here, but honestly you won’t survive inside if you don’t respect the culture that comes with this techno-house mecca. No phones, and dolls to the front, please.”

“Boasting swanky interiors and a faithful dedication to marginalized communities, this unique space is home to the L.A.-based pop party Gorgeous Gorgeous as well as the otherworldly trans strip show Thirst.”

“Papi Juice and Bubble T have become the blueprint for queer-led dance events, and their home is usually this megaclub with different rooms, patios, and areas to kiki and explore. Frozen drinks on summer days make it great for daytime.”

“Introverts and nerds rejoice! Though much of this guide feels like it’s not for you, as a part-time introvert and full-time nerd, I’ll send you to the greatest and most untapped resource for history lovers, zine collectors, and archivists. This is the largest in the world dedicated to lesbians—appointment only, so volunteer or plan ahead.”

“Everyone should have a chance to see the unnameable magic that is this beach, which is easily the trans-est place I’ve ever been to. When you hit the beach, turn left and go all the way to the end where the queers are, until you’re surrounded by top surgery scars, butts, smoke, and a cacophony of gay speakers.”