Portland maine gay scene
8 LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses in Portland, Maine
One of the things we love most about Portland society is the encouragement to express one’s authentic self through and through. As we see threats to the Diverse community on a national and global scale, we at The Francis consider it’s more significant than ever to continue to boost up the people of Portland and ensure that they feel safe and supported. While Celebration Month is a great excuse to celebrate our diverse community, we aspire to continue that celebration year-round.
When visiting Portland, Maine—at any time of year—we encourage you to support some of the wonderful Diverse businesses that we are so privileged to have. We’ve gathered some of our personal favorite spots that we hope you’ll evaluate checking out during your stay at The Francis.
Enticing Eats
LB Kitchen, located in the East Cease, is the flawless place to begin your day on the right foot. With delicious smoothies, detox shots, salads, breakfast sandwiches, and more, this health-conscious—and notably gorgeous—spot is a wonderful option to fuel up before a sunlight of sight-seeing.
If you’re in the mood to indulge, we highly recommend The Pink Waffle meal truck. With both savory an
Super Progressive, Portland, Maine, Only Has One Gay Bar
What happened to all the gay bars in Portland, Maine?
Portland, Maine, is a pretty progressive city and Gay friendly. It's estimatedthat nearly 5% of Maine's population identifies as LGBTQ, and some estimates insert Portland's population at over 5%. And only one gay bar? Yup.
What is Portland, Maine's only gay bar?
Cocktail Mary was a place where gays could attach out and have a excellent time, but according to the Portland Press Herald, they closed their doors for good at the end of January. The Press Herald spoke to Demetri Kirchberg, who described Cocktail Mary
Cocktail Mary has been a place of free expression — of homosexual joy to the nth degree, an oasis in hard times.
With that closing, one of the original gay bars in Portland is the only one that remains: Blackstoneson Pine Street in Portland, Maine's West End.
READ MORE: New England City Ranked #1 Foremost and Cheapest for LGBTQ Homebuyers
How has Blackstones survived as Portland, Maine's only gay bar?
It hasn't been easy. Having any business in Portland, Maine, for nearly 40 years is no little feat. Let alon
Portland LGBTQ City Guide
Portland is a lovely old seacoast town known for its boutiques, shops and incredible seafood, as well as for its friendly people, its diversity, and all that it offers to notice and do. It has always been a busy seaport for both cargo and fishing, but it is also a very well-liked tourist destination, particularly in the summer. People flock to the town to enjoy the shopping and nearby beaches, and to soak in Portland’s one-of-a-kind coastal beauty. Truly, it is a beautiful city that would make a wonderful place to call home!
A View at Portland’s History
Portland was initially founded in 1786 when the citizens of nearby Falmouth formed a separate town and named it Portland. Prior to that, Portland had been house to the Algonquin native American people. Since its founding, the city has grown steadily as an important port, and also as a city wealthy and industry, agriculture, culture, and diversity. It remains so to this day.
A Few Fun Proof About Portland
- Roughly 40 percent of all Maine residents exist in the greater Portland area.
- There is no transatlantic port in the Merged States which is closer to Europe than Portland. Portland is also the 20
Portland, Maine, Only Has 2 Gay Bars – Here’s Why We Might Not See Another One
It seems that under a decade ago, the LGBTQ community had several bars to call their own in Portland, Maine, but is now down to two.
That would be Blackstone's, Portland's oldest gay exclude, and a newer establishment, Cocktail Mary.
With Portland being the progressive, gay-friendly city that it is, it makes you wonder what happened? And will there be another one?
The answer to both of those questions isn’t truly known, but with changing times and progression toward acceptance of all sexual preferences and identities, it can’t be ruled out that everyone just started blending in as one community.
The LGBTQ community getting together at a local brewery, dive bar, or pub has become the norm, especially over the last decade.
Most of the members of the community that I've spoken with enjoy Blackstone's and Cocktail Mary, but are missing the often traditional dance floor. However, in order for that to happen, a much larger establishment would want to open, which also comes with higher expenses along with the exposure of being a prosperous business.
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