It was also known as a place to go to rally people for gay rights and other causes. Bouncers would walk people to their cars late at night, as anti-gay slurs were hurled by drunk passersby. It has been a safe haven, political rallying spot and a source of strength for the area’s gay, lesbian and transgender communities for 35 years.īeginning as The Underground in 1981, the club became known for its dance deejays, massive dance floor, drag queens and campy stage shows. Bigger than a bar, with room for 300, Styxx is Portland’s largest gay nightclub.
Many in the local LGBTQ community will be losing one of their safe spaces after New Year’s Eve, when Styxx is scheduled to close. After this election, a lot of people in the community feel vulnerable, so having a safe space is so important.”
“It provides a more personal connection, that I feel you lose with online dating and all the other dating apps my generation uses. “No one is there to judge,” LaBerge said.
