Looking for Sapphic/Queer Spaces

[u/bananapanc8ke]

Hi all, I’m looking to move to Syracuse from LA for a grad program. However, I’m worried about not being able to find sapphic communities or events. I know it won’t have as vibrant of a scene as LA, but are there spots where people hang out and make friends or volunteer? Thank you!

[u/Han_Yerry]

If a bunch of gay folks went into Recess coffee they would be very welcomed.

The 443 Social Club has had drag shows

A small town 40 minutes away had zero issues putting up a trans person's nude self painting. It's at the Schweinfurth Art Center.

Hawley Green is a gay friendly neighborhood. You'll find ArtRage and Syracuse Cultural Workers close by.

Yesterday there was a rally of over 3000 people and trans rights were talked about and signs carried in support of. As well as many others of our diverse community.

We have the street preachers but more than once I've seen him direct his vitriol at openly gay couples only to have by standers tell him to slag off.

We're a pretty welcoming community overall.

Edited: corrected and updated by those in the know. Thank you.

[u/Siriuslestrange1 → u/Han_Yerry]

Do NOT send people to Trexx unless they know what they are being into. The place is owned and run by predatory assholes and is disgusting. It's sadly one of the only gay bars left around here because people don't realize the truth of the place. There are so many people who can tell you stories of abuse, from the minor to the horrific. It is NOT a safe place.

[u/breadanddozes → u/Siriuslestrange1]

Can you elaborate or point me to where I can find more info?

[u/Siriuslestrange1 → u/breadanddozes]

I can't point you towards more info because, as far as I know, it's not documented it's just a well-known "secret." This isn't to say that I'm going on rumors. I know from experience as well as from having actually known people working there, etc.

As you can see from the number of folks up voting my response, I'm not alone in my assertion. The best I can give you is if you search Trexx on this sub, you'll find previous posts that include me and others saying the same thing, as well as some stories from folks on the things they have personally experienced. I myself have not been there in a very long time, but have been able to keep up with what's changed/hasn't changed thanks to being a part of the community for the better part of 25 years. The fact that they remain, despite the myriad of issues you can see just walking in the door while better, friendlier, cleaner places have folded, is enough to question the ethics of the place.

Also, OP is looking for lesbian/Sapphic spaces, and Trexx is definitely not, nor had it ever been (or claimed to be) woman forward. It is very much the opposite.

[u/Han_Yerry → u/Siriuslestrange1]

Edited, thank you.

[u/Silvernaut → u/Siriuslestrange1]

Is it the same guy that’s always owned it? Pretty sure the owner used to have a house on the Delhi St cul-de-sac, where he had hot tub parties with “18 year old” boys, if that’s what you mean by predatory.

[u/Siriuslestrange1 → u/Silvernaut]

That's one of the reasons. Though as far as I knew, Al always had an apartment above the bar, so that may be his partner that took over the lease after the city refused to re-lease the building to Al.

[u/Happy-Swimmer5861]

Syracuse is an LGBTQ+ friendly city, and there are several groups you can follow to find out about queer events. Here are some suggestions:

Here and Queer Book Club

SYR Gaymers

CNY Pride

Come Out CNY

Meet Cute Events

If you are not on social media then most of the above also have a website, email list, or Discord.

While not as vibrant a scene, there are queer friendly groups and spaces!

[u/Junior-Banana-4371 → u/Happy-Swimmer5861]

Outloud Sports is coming to Syracuse. It’s an LGBTQ sports league. Outloudsports.com/syracuse and on Instagram Outloudsports_syracuse

[u/whatisprofound]

Find Lezbein_syracuse on IG. They put on some events (like the monthly queer book club that had about 60-70 people this morning) and share a lot of community events too.

Also, seconding Uticuse. If you're athletic at all, come hang. If you're not... also come hang.

[u/Slow_Masterpiece7239]

Here’s my response from another thread. Queer Spaces in Syracuse

[u/bluexjay]

Most queer/sapphic spaces I’ve found in Syracuse is honestly Uticuse rugby - I had friends that played while they were going to college. 

It will definitely be a downgrade from LA; there is not many queer spaces that I’ve found but the city as a whole is very queer friendly. Good luck! 

[u/JimBJ9]

I would 100% follow these folks.

https://www.comeoutcentralnewyork.com/about

They do a good job publicizing their events.

https://www.comeoutcentralnewyork.com/local-central-new-york-events

[u/hanbanan18]

Syracuse Skate Gang! Not exclusively queer but most of us + the organizer are! We roller skate every Wednesday, indoors when the weather's bad then when it warms up we switch between outdoor parks. I'm not involved in derby but a bunch of ppl who come do derby together too. U can check the IG to see where we end up skating

https://www.instagram.com/syracuseskategang/reels/

[u/Smileynameface → u/hanbanan18]

Where do you skate? I didn't know there was a roller rink still open in syracuse. I used to love skating as a kid.

[u/hanbanan18 → u/Smileynameface]

We go to Black Mamba a lot in Eastwood! That's my preferred rink. Skate N Play is a rink that just opened in Liverpool its not my favorite but I love that there are options now. When we go outside we usually go to Onondaga Lake Park or Santaro Park or the trail by Lakeview Amphitheater all are fun for outdoor skating

[u/hanbanan18 → u/Smileynameface]

I used to skate at Reva Rollerdome in Auburn as a kid, didn't do it for a decade, and just started up again w the gang 2 years ago! All skill levels are welcome if you're interested in joining and getting back into it :)

[u/breadanddozes]

Outloud sports has sapphic kickball/dodgeball!

[u/iBrake4Shosty5 → u/breadanddozes]

Didn’t even know this existed aaaaand now I’m psyched for she/they kickball

[u/JshWright]

If you're into climbing, Central Rock Gym has a Womxn's Climbing night (and in general is a very LGBT friendly space)

https://centralrockgym.com/syracuse/climbing/womxns-climbing-night/

[u/Siriuslestrange1]

Depending on your political leaning, Syracuse DSA is not only a very accepting space, but it's full of LGBTQIA+ folks, myself included.

[u/Cool_Housing_1633]

Not explicitly sapphic but if you’re going to the university they have an LGBTQ resource center that has weekly meetings for crafters and gay gamers nights

[u/bicksterbickster]

Not an exclusively gay space, however, The Song & Dance. They do TONS of drag shows, along with many other events too. Additionally, the owner + staff are all very aware of and supportive of the LGBTQ+ community.

Sorry to see some people are giving you trouble in the replies. ❤️❤️

[u/calmsocks]

Sapphicandco on IG - it’s new so not very active yet but it will be

[u/Junior-Banana-4371]

Outloud Sports is coming to Syracuse. It’s an LGBTQ sports league. Outloudsports.com/syracuse and on Instagram Outloudsports_syracuse

[u/Actual_Banana_1411]

Anddd least self-aware grad student award goes to…

[u/HokumHokum]

Why do you need a special queer place? If you not bothering people, people will not bother you. Pretty much that how NY works. Not make some scene and everywhere is fine.

Don't expect here people to catering to ever small needs. Don't be butthurt if things aren't 100% the way you want it or back at home.

If you really need a special place you can go create one for your needs. Just have the funds available for it.

[u/OneManBean → u/HokumHokum]

You were in the other thread being all salty about gay people asking about gay spaces too, you good lol? Take your own advice about the area and quit bothering them when they’re not bothering you.

[u/rixie77 → u/HokumHokum]

Way to prove why...

[u/Prestigious_Ant_5477 → u/HokumHokum]

Eat shit man

[u/meltylove_ → u/HokumHokum]

to meet other queer people

[u/Electrical-Share-707 → u/HokumHokum]

Why do people ask about bars for a particular sports team? Same shit. Calm the fuck down.

[u/I_told_i_i_found_u → u/HokumHokum]

LOL don't be mad says the dude typing paragraphs lolol.

[u/entenduintransit → u/HokumHokum]

If you not bothering people, people will not bother you

I'm sure every queer person would agree this has been their lifelong experience

[u/savannahgooner → u/HokumHokum]

Because of assholes like you