Providence ri gay

Home / gay topics / Providence ri gay

The staff is praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a positive experience for visitors.

providence ri gay

Bonfires are lit several times a year for the WaterFire art show, which provides 15,000 square feet of uninterrupted exhibition.

The median cost for a home in Downtown Providence is $565,000 and homes are selling for an average of $332/sqft. Craft cocktails and lively leather events are also part of the experience.   

Mirabar

This casual gay bar is a dance club that features karaoke, DJs, and live drag shows.

EGO Providence

This energetic gay bar has a vibrant dance floor, DJs, stage, and regular lineup of events.

Providence has a rich history with a diverse range of resources for the community.

The area typically has around 18 homes for sale.

The community is fostered with the help of the West Broadway Neighborhood Association (WBNA) who organize and connect neighbors to promote the diverse and historic community. There are some key neighborhoods you might want to start with. Levels are slightly less in the summer than winter months.

Events Not to Miss

Rhode Island Pridefest and Parade

Held every June in beautiful downtown Providence, the Pridefest gives you access to over 250 non-profit organizers, food vendors, and local businesses.

LGBTQ Providence – Since The Beginning of Time

One of the oldest cities in the United States is Providence, Rhode Island. It’s a gorgeous city to live in with great prices and fun events. The bar first opened in Woonsocket in 1947 and holds the distinction as Rhode Island's oldest continually operating gay bar. Today, those principles are still valued in a metropolis that has many things to be proud of.

The Alley Catis another spot worth checking out, offering a cozy ambiance and occasional themed nights. This index takes into account policies and practices that indicate strong support for LGBTQIA+ communities.

We value our LGBTQIA+ residents and have taken numerous actions to affirm and protect them, including but not limited to:

  • Updating the City’s health insurance policy to include gender-affirming care
  • Testifying in support of a ban on conversion therapy for minors
  • Updated City’s health insurance policy to extend benefits to transgender city employees and retirees
  • Raised the transgender flag at City Hall to commemorate Transgender Day of Remembrance
  • Designated all-gender restrooms in municipal buildings (currently at City Hall, Providence Public Safety Complex, Providence School Department, and the Joseph A.

    Dooley Municipal Building at 444 Westminster St.)

  • The City school board passed a wide-ranging policy to support transgender students, which includes provisions about bathrooms and other school facilities
  • City brought in TGI Network to train city staff, including our municipal court judges, on how to be more inclusive and welcoming to the transgender community
  • Encouraged City staff to include pronouns in their email signatures to foster an environment of gender equity

LGBTQIA+ Specific Policies

City non-discrimination policy

Workplace transition guidelines for City employees

Visiting City Buildings

All-gender restrooms are located in City Hall, the Public Safety Building, 444 Westminster, and the School Department.

 

Support for Transgender, Non-binary and Gender Non-Conforming Youth

Transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming youth are welcomed and supported by the City of Providence.

Please feel free to reach out to City staff for resources for topics including, but not limited to:

  • Getting your or your child’s gender marker or name changed on an ID.
  • Teachers or administrators using the wrong name or pronouns at school.
  • Having to use an incorrect or highly inconvenient bathroom or locker room at school.
  • Other forms of discrimination or harassment.

Please contact LGBTQIA+ Liaison Maureen McManus at mmcmanus@providenceri.gov for further guidance.

 

Community Resource Links

Healthcare resources

  • Open Door Health
    Safe, confidential, and inclusive health care specifically tailored for LGBTQIA+ communities.
    Website: https://odhpvd.org/
    Address: 7 Central Street Providence, RI 02907
    Phone Number: (401) 648-4700
  • Project Weber/Renew – Beyond the Understanding of Gender
    Program services include a community support group, transition support, support changing documents, and individual case management.
    Website: http://www.weberrenew.org/beyond
    Address: Providence and Pawtucket locations
    Phone Number: (401) 383-4888
  • Thundermist Health Center – Trans Health Access
    The Trans Health Access Team is a group of medical, behavioral health, and allied service professionals working to improve access to culturally and clinically competent healthcare for the trans community.
    Website: https://www.thundermisthealth.org/services/trans-health-access/
    Address: Multiple locations
    Phone Number: (401) 467-4100

Voting Resources

Voting While Trans* in Rhode Island is a comprehensive voting guide for Transgender and Non-binary residents.

Stake out a prime viewing spot by the Providence Performing Arts Center for a procession of dazzling floats, performing artists and marching groups.

LGBTQ+ Nightlife

Downtown PVD's The Dark Lady is a popular nightclub known for its drag shows and energetic atmosphere. It’s founded on the pillars of tolerance and respect for individual beliefs.

It’s also a place of inclusion, equality, and overall acceptance.   

Fun Providence Facts

  • Like Rome, it was built on 7 hills.
  • 75% of Rhode Island’s inhabitants live within 15 miles of Providence.
  • The first diner was started in Providence in the 1800s.
  • Horror writer H.P.

    Lovecraft’s house is in Providence.

  • It has 75% more gay relationships than the rest of the country.

Here are some more fun facts about Providence.

The LGBTQ Providence Community

Rhode Island Pride

This center is one of the largest and most comprehensive LGBTQIA+ community non-profit places serving Rhode Island and the surrounding areas.

EGO Providence is known for its welcoming environment and lively dance floor, while The Stable is the perfect weekend recovery destination during their weekly Sangria Sundays.

And, of course, you can't forget about longstanding city staple Mirabar. It has an excellent eclectic collection of glassware, art, pottery, sculptures, etc.

Roger Williams Park Zoo

One of the best zoos in the country, the Roger Williams Park Zoo is home to over 150 animals from around the world: all in natural settings.

The main stage provides all-day entertainment to over 100,000 attendees.

Top Providence Queer Neighborhoods

There is no definitive “gayborhood” in Providence because the LGBTQ population is spread throughout the city. There is also an abundance of parks. This is known as the Riverwalk and is peppered with beautiful Venice-style pedestrian bridges.

The area has hip brewpubs, trendy restaurants, and walking paths that skirt the Providence River. Over the past seven years, Providence has consistently been the only city in Rhode Island to receive a perfect 100 rating on the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Municipal Equality Index. Hosted by Rhode Island Pride, the day provides a welcoming environment where everyone can celebrate their relationships and identity.

The festival typically draws a large and diverse crowd, including members of the LGBTQ+ community, allies, families and supporters.

Any new resident won’t be disappointed with perfect Providence!

Eagle's Nest, located at 257 Weybosset St, Providence, offers a thrilling sauna experience specifically catering to the gay community.

Sauna Details

This facility, previously known as Club Body Center, provides a variety of amenities including a sauna, private playrooms, group shower areas, and a fitness center.

That includes:

Downtown Providence

This is the city’s business hub and is where the neoclassical State House sits with its marble dome.