Gay Joburg: Bars to visit this Pride Month

TRENDING

It’s finally that time of year again when companies switch their logos up for an LGBTQ+-inspired theme. Adverts just can’t help but maintain that they’ve always been in support of LGBTQ+ rights, even though the only time they even talk about queer rights is during Pride Month.  

READ: Sexual health practitioners snub Sexpo

However, there are a few places that wave the Pride flag high all year round, and if you’re looking to celebrate your pride with some good music, drinks and even some entertaining drag queens, if you’re lucky, then here are some of Johannesburg’s most entertaining gay clubs and bars:

Shakers 

Nestled in Maboneng, arguably the heart of Johannesburg culture, Shakers is a queer bar with all the vibes. Shakers Maboneng brings everything fun about being queer in one place. Shakers is the place for your choice of cocktails, and hosts some of South Africa’s biggest talents.  

Beefcakes 

When you add some delicious burgers, karaoke, good music and drag queens together, you get an unforgettable night and that is exactly what Beefcakes is. Fit with locations in Cape Town, Pretoria and Johannesburg, this option offers an all-inclusive experience, no matter where you are.

READ: The Little Mermaid did not disappoint

This month, the bar will be hosting some of its resident drag queen talents, such as Holly, and will even have its live show, I’m Not a Violent Person, on  June 28 and 29. Beefcakes is your one-stop for good eye candy and entertaining and welcoming vibes. 

Babylon the Joburg Bar 

Babylon Bar has become one of Johannesburg’s most beloved queer spots. It is racy, raunchy and loud. Located in the heart of Illovo, Babylon is home to some of the best queer entertainment South Africa has to offer. It offers more of a mainstream approach to queer entertainment, with mainstream drag acts such as RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Trinity the Tuck making the bar one of her stops on her South African tour in 2021 and Manilla Luzon, who made an appearance earlier this year. If you’re looking for extravagant queer fun, then Babylon is definitely the place for you. 

Babylon is the perfect place for a more mainstream queer experience. Photo: Instagram

Ratz Bar Melville

It seems karaoke is intrinsic to queer culture, and Ratz Bar Melville is no exception. Ratz’s karaoke Sundays offer some of the most impeccable vibes with cash prizes to be won by the night's best singer. Ratz also offers some of Melville’s most affordable drink prices with some of the friendliest staff that make your night out worth it. You can feel the warmness all around you at Ratz, and their DJs never disappoint.  

Ratz Bar Melville karaoke Sundays. Photo: Facebook

Smoking Kills 

In a small and quiet corner on the popular 7th Street Melville is a bar that offers more than meets the eye. Smoking Kills is definitely more for the alternative queer, who is looking for something different.

READ: Come on Barbie let's go party: Barbie's stellar cast revealed

If the eclectic and grungy décor isn’t enough for you, then their choice of DJs and themed nights will be enough to have you going back every weekend. Acts such as their queer DJ duo Second Cousins or their themed music Saturdays with drum and bass and their live rock nights provide a rare and unique queer nightlife experience. 

Smoking Kills bar Melville. Photo: Twitter/JoBluen