Years ago, I was bemoaning my dearth of a dating life in San Francisco to an Oakland friend. Not long after, I met my girlfriend Kelsey, the girl I would cross the damn bridge for, and have been a proud Oaklander ever since.
Women-loving women who want to get moving, should strap on their boots and try tapping their toes at Texas Rose, a queer women and trans-inclusive country two-step and line dancing night that happens on the second Saturday of the month at Lake Merritt Dance Center. At Hella Gay, the onus is on musicβorganizers and DJs strive to incorporate new tunes into each set. Each party is also a community fundraiser, with funds going to a different social justice organization or recipient each month. In addition to monthly dance parties, Oakland is also home to established and beloved queer bars and nightclubs, such as Club BNB formerly Bench and Bar , and Club 21 , both in the Uptown neighborhood.
Started by a judge and attorney, Club BNB has been around for 35 years and is the largest gay and lesbian nightclub in the Bay Area. The genealogy of Godzilla? You betcha. Nerd Nights have also been known to feature bands, acrobats, trivia and other high jinks. The design in the 2,square-foot space is a reflection of the city's industrial history and includes a shipping container modified into unisex bathrooms.
Its four-sided fireplace, spacious dance floor, pool table and variety of events will keep you partying till the cows come home or horses, to keep with the theme. Speaking of follies, a joke: How many queer feminists does it take to screw in a light bulb? Another performance option that features comedy and then some is Queer Sessions, a relatively new, monthly music, spoken word and performance night brought to you by Two Piece Tuesdays at the Uptown nightclub.
In addition to performances and no cover charge , fellow Oaklander, storyteller and host Ginger Murray also offers tarot card readings between sets to help you solve those pesky life dilemmas. The last time I went to Queer Sessions, I was treated to a delightful Americana band, comedy and a dash of swoony spoken-word poetry. And this is just a small sample of the thriving and open-minded communities fostered in Oakland.
