I often hear that people didn’t know Wilmington was home to so many LGBTQ identified residents, but luckily I can prove them wrong! Not only are there gay owned business but we even have a few exclusive bars and many more that are friendly. Here is a current list of what’s “out” there in Wilmington for you. It is vitally important that we recognize these businesses and support the places that support us. So without further ado:

Ibiza Night Club: Caters to the LGBTQ community. The crowd is usually predominately male but there are always some women. If you’re a lady looking to meet other ladies I suggest Thursday Nights. My friends and I refer to it as “Dyke night”. They even host a Drag King show on Thursdays which is very entertaining. Check them out on Friday for the Drag Queen show. These girls are seasoned pros and really turn into divas when they hit the stage. Ibiza has two levels with two bars and features an outside patio. Its probably one of the nicest clubs in Wilmington, aesthetically speaking.

Underground: This is a great bar for someone who enjoys a more intimate setting. The crowd here seems to have a higher ratio of women to men, and it’s not always entirely exclusive so its an easy choice if you are going out with a mixed group of friends. Since there are fewer people here its pretty easy to make new friends. They also usually have good drink specials plus their bartenders are super sweet and friendly. On Saturdays they have karaoke, and other nights feature live acoustic acts. And if that’s not enough, they serve food! Really, what more could you ask for?

Costello’s: This place is a classy, well decorated piano bar, and their pianist is sometimes accompanied by a vocalist. The crowd is all encompassing but all of the times I went it appeared to have a majority of gay male customers. It’s no surprise to me that the local paper, The Star News called it ‘hetero-friendly,’ because the first time I went with my very straight friend. He suggested it because of the really good bartenders that make excellent drinks. I was definitely not let down. The drinks here are made well. Another plus to Costello’s is that smoking is only allowed in designated areas.

St. Jude’s Metropolitan Community Church: The “gay” church as some locals refer to it in Wilmington has developed into a great resource for LGBTQ and straight members alike. The church had been in the works long before it moved to its prominent location on Market Street. Their pastor is so genuine and sincere that she will take the time to get to know each of their new attendees. St. Jude’s hosts Alcoholics Anonymous and Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) meetings. Be sure to check out their website for a detailed calender of events.

Level Five: This is not a LGBTQ bar at all but, they do host the Tea Dance for our Pride Festival. Level Five is a great place to take someone from out of town because of their scenic outside rooftop bar. They are also home to City Stage where they have theater productions and comedy shows occurring regularly.

The Soap Box: The Soap Box is home to the scene. Here you can find some of the best live music in Wilmington, and be surrounded by lots of active and artistic minded individuals. If you are into drinking PBR and riding bikes, look no further. Whats so gay about The Soapbox? Not much really, but they did host some Pride 2008 events. Out Impact is also hosting its LGBTQ event this month at the Soapbox. I’d like to think that the staff here is very into all things different and that’s why LGBTQ people are spending their time there. Also awesome drink specials, they really have a great variety of beer and hook it up on certain days of the week. And if you are the multi-tasker you can even wash, dry and fold a load of laundry while enjoying all of the above.

Blue Post Billiards: This is a beer bar with fun games. They have quite the selection on tap and even brew their own signature beer! Blue Post not only has your typical pool and darts but they have ski ball, air hockey, foosball and some old school video games. This is the place to go with a large group of friends. Blue Post is so hip that everyone is going there lately, so you can definitely find some members of the LGBTQ community inside.

Juggling Gypsy Hookah Bar: Just another LGBTQ friendly establishment. At the Gypsy they have everything and everyone under the sun, they have hookahs of course, food, beer on tap, live music, a drum circle and a fire show. This is hands down where to find the most interesting and unique groups of people. I’ve been told they have a large number of Lesbian customers on Thursday nights which is the fire and drum circle day. The are so open they’ll even invite you up on stage to preform on open mic night, just tell them you want to and consider it done. Here everyone becomes friends, its a great venue to meet new people because the people here are so open and warm to outsiders. It is also Wilmington’s FIRST hookah bar!

And Last But not least, The Rainbow Factory (also known as the Be Yr Own Queero House): In classic Southern hospitality we are opening our home to you. Come join us every Sunday to watch the final season of the L Word, and be sure to check out our first Queer Dance Party, Valentine’s Gay on February 14. Find out more information in our events category.

If anyone in our community works for or knows a LGBTQ owned or friendly business please let us know about it. We would love to feature you on our list. Drop us a line at BeYrOwnQueero@gmail.com or comment below.