Is Jetset Bar Part of the Evolving LGBTQ+ Scene in Minneapolis?

The LGBTQ+ nightlife landscape is shifting. Across the country, and certainly here in the Twin Cities, the traditional gay bar is evolving. But what does this evolution really look like? In Minneapolis and St.

Paul, we're seeing a rise in sporadic pop-ups and roving dance nights. These events offer many of the same things a physical bar does, but... is it enough?

The Rise of Queer Pop-Ups and Dance Nights

Can a temporary gathering fueled by glitter, liquor, and leather truly replace the sense of community fostered by a dedicated physical space?

Tyler Copeland, of the queer dance night Daddy Issues, believes music plays a vital role. But beyond the soundtrack, he emphasizes the desire for something different.

Consider "Indeed Brewing Hot Fruit," an al fresco daytime disco that caters to a crowd who appreciates an early night.

Daddy Issues regularly transforms the basement of Beast Barbecue into an unexpected house music haven. What's clear is that each event organizer curates a unique experience.

A Collaborative Community

The beauty of this new scene is its collaborative spirit.

Organizers frequently cross-promote each other's events, fostering a sense of unity. As one organizer put it, "We have to collectively look out for each other to be a united front." While the Twin Cities boasts a rich history of successful queer-focused dance nights - Twilight, Soul Friday, Grown and Sexy, Boobytrap - many have become inconsistent or have disappeared altogether.

Operating in this nomadic fashion offers certain advantages.

GRRRL Scout, for instance, has outlived some of the very bars that once hosted it, including Part Wolf. But let's be real: the decline of the gay bar is still a loss. The Twin Cities, however, have been relatively fortunate. When Town House, the oldest gay bar in St. Paul, shuttered its doors, it quickly reopened as The Black Hart of St.

Paul.

The Current State of LGBTQ+ Bars in Minneapolis

So, where does that leave the current bar scene? Some bars that were once predominantly gay are now more inclusive, while others have actively redefined themselves. Finding comprehensive resources can be tricky, but many online blogs exist if you are looking more broadly at the gay scene.

And what about Jetset, the popular Minneapolis spot? Is it part of this shift?

Jetset: A Phoenix from the Ashes?

The original Jetset bar, located in the North Loop, closed its doors in 2017. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Jetset has returned!

Reopened in June 2021 in the Garland Building on East Hennepin Avenue, in the space formerly occupied by Honey nightclub, it's aiming to reclaim its place as a unique and stylish venue for LGBTQ+ nightlife.

Jetset Underground, as it is sometimes called, offers a "New York style club" atmosphere, promising friendly people, great drinks, and charming bartenders.

It seems to be targeting a diverse crowd, with reviews recommending it "for everyone!"

Beyond Jetset: The Minneapolis Gay Bar Landscape

While Jetset's return is welcome news, it's crucial to understand the broader context of the Minneapolis gay bar scene.

Beyond the dance clubs, what else is out there?

• Lush: Transformed from a simple bar into a Lounge and Theater, Lush offers drag shows, burlesque, and live music. Under new ownership since 2019, it features a modern lounge and a swanky theater.
• Old-School Haunts: Some long standing establishments still thrive in Minneapolis, some are cash-only and some have pool tables.

Addressing the Challenges and Looking Forward

Despite the relative success of the Twin Cities, the LGBTQ+ bar scene faces challenges.

Many existing bars tend to attract and center white men. The glaring absence of lesbian bars in Minnesota is a stark reminder of the need for greater inclusivity. Groups like The Brass Strap, currently operating as a pop-up, are actively working to address this gap.

The future of LGBTQ+ nightlife in Minneapolis, and beyond, likely lies in a combination of traditional spaces and innovative, adaptable pop-up events.

The key is to foster a sense of community, celebrate diversity, and create safe and welcoming environments for everyone.

What are your thoughts on the changing LGBTQ+ nightlife scene? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!