Gay clubs newport ri

The two are partners in work and life and have called Newport home for several years. They were married five years ago this December. We want to be on their radars because, as locals, we believe that Newport is an incredible destination for gay, lesbian, trans, queer people, their families, and allies.

Sean and Dani work as curators highlighting and recommending businesses, destinations and events that are especially inclusive or not-to-be-missed. Often, people find the site and reach out to Sean and Dani directly, who respond and communicate with folks ahead of their visit. While NewportOUT and Newport Pride often work in tandem and have a common thread in that each supports the local queer community, they are separate entities, as NewportOUT is a business and Newport Pride is a nonprofit.

A recent project of Newport Pride was the installation of three rainbow crosswalks around Equality Park off Broadway in Newport, which were painted during the summer to much fanfare. The rainbow crosswalks are the first in the state.

ONE PELHAM EAST

In researching other gay-friendly tourist locations, he and Sean found that nearly all had visible rainbow crosswalks. When it came time to get approval, the city was supportive, as was the community: Two dozen people showed up to help paint the crosswalks, which took two days of work.

In the months since, the crosswalks have become a photo site for locals and visitors. Sean recalled seeing a busload of people stop for a photo-op and learning the occasion was a same-sex wedding taking place on Goat Island, which had apparently detoured to the aptly named Equality Park. On the third Wednesday of each month, also at The Huddle, they host a gathering called Queer Connections.

As Sean and Gay both noted, Newport has been without a gay bar for several years, so there is no specific place for the community to convene at night, which is both good and bad: A club of a gay bar is the existence of a safe space to fully express oneself without fear of harassment — although not having a gay bar in town has made other establishments more gay-friendly and open to hosting events, such as drag nights.

While neither he nor Dani envisions opening a gay bar anytime soon, it is on the wish list if some other Newporter felt so inclined. Also on the wish list? A queer film festival. Since they began hosting events, both have met people they may not have crossed paths with otherwise. For him, celebrating self-expression is a contemporary extension of practicing religious tolerance.

They also are part of an afterschool program at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. HEZ is a city-wide coalition mobilizing residents and resources of the Broadway and North End neighborhoods to make Newport a place where everyone can thrive. They are also among those who meet as part of the Newport Partnership for Young Families, another working group organized through Newport schools.

He also serves on the board newport Discover Newport. For more information about either organization, and to keep up with event sand happenings, visitnewportout. Photography by Maddie Van — maddievan. Send her an email at htouhey newportlifemagazine. Previous Previous post: A Taste for Remembrance. Next Next post: What to read this winter.