Gay Discos

by: Jeff Auer

Gay disco started out in New York City at the legendary private party The Loft in 1970. At the same time gay disco culture spread to the Pines and Cherry Grove, Fire Island.

Gay disco was predominately found in major U.S. cities throughout the early 1970's. Gay disco went mainstream with the opening of Studio 54 in 1977.

Disco culture suffered from the anti-AIDS fear of the 1980s with many people associating gay disco culture with promiscuity and a hedonistic lifestyle. At that point in time disco started being called "dance music" and discos, "dance clubs".

Among the most popular gay discos throughout cities across the United States were:

Atlanta, Georgia

Sweet Gum Head, The Cove

Chicago, Illinois

Eddie Dugan's Bistro, Carol's Speakeasy, The Glory Hole

Los Angeles, California

Studio One, The Spike, Gino's, Ripples, The Probe, Dude City, After Dark, Circus

Miami, Florida

The Copa, The Warehouse VIII, Ambassador III, Keith's Cruise Room, The Poop Deck (at the Marlin Beach Hotel)

New Orleans, Louisiana

Bourbon Pub and Parade

New York City, New York

The Saint, Studio 54, Xenon, 12 West, The Loft, The Limelight, The Cockring

Orlando, Florida

Parliment House

San Francisco, California

The Endup, Buzzby's, I-Beam

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