The joy of being LGBTQ in queer spaces should never be overlooked.

These Vintage Ads for Drag Shows, Bathhouses, and Gay Bars Will Make You Want a Time Machine

When we talk about LGBTQ history, the stories we rehash often focus on the struggle of fighting for acceptance, equal rights, and visibility in a hostile, “straight” world. While the protests, marches, and riots were necessary and powerful parts of our past which should be honored and long-remembered, the joy of being queer should never be forgotten, either.

One way of getting a glimpse of what life was like in those days is to examine how LGBTQ spaces and events advertised themselves. Those spaces include parties, gay bars, bathhouses, and drag shows.

Just try to look at these advertisements and fliers and not wish you had a time machine!

Club South/QNotes/Digital NC

Chaps/QNotes/Digital NC

Jeff Taylor/Charlotte Free Press

Jeff Taylor/Charlotte Free Press

Scorpio/QNotes/Digital NC

Scorpio/QNotes/Digital NC

Jeff Taylor/Charlotte Free Press

Jeff Taylor/Charlotte Free Press

Jeff Taylor/Charlotte Free Press

Jeff Taylor/Charlotte Free Press

Jeff Taylor/Charlotte Free Press