Madison - Guide for Gays, Lesbians and Queers

The main hub for Madison's queer community is the OutReach LGBTQ+ Community Center on International Lane on the city's northeast side. For more than fifty years it has offered referrals and community resources, programs for LGBTQ+ elders, education, services for trans people, help with housing instability through the Rainbow Roof Fund, harm reduction, and a range of social and support groups. OutReach also runs the Magic Pride Festival and publishes a community calendar.

Most of the bars are downtown. On Capitol Square you'll find Woof's on King Street, a gay sports bar with themed nights and a strong bear crowd. Just around the corner on West Main Street is the Shamrock Bar, a neighborhood bar with a kitchen that has been an openly gay bar since the eighties. The Cardinal Bar on East Wilson Street is the oldest queer space still operating in Wisconsin; it started out as a gay Latin club.

Two more places sit a bit farther out. FIVE Nightclub on Applegate Court on the south side is the city's largest queer dance club, with a drag stage and a patio. Bernell's on Seiferth Road on the east side is a sports bar focused on women's sports, founded by activist Rita Adair, with a mixed crowd and live music.

There is no documented gay sauna in Madison. For the history of the scene, the Wisconsin LGBTQ History Project keeps a detailed directory of past and present venues. The regional magazine Our Lives lists current events from groups, parties and readings. If you are new in town, OutReach is the quickest way to find groups that match your interests.