Badlands Portland
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_-_032_(cropped).jpg) The building that houses Badlands Portland in July 2022, prior to the gay bar's opening | |
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| Address | 110 Northwest Broadway Portland, Oregon United States |
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| Coordinates | 45°31′26″N 122°40′38″W / 45.5239°N 122.6773°W |
| Owner | TJ Bruce |
| Opened | June 12, 2024 |
Badlands Portland, or simply Badlands, is a gay bar in Portland, Oregon. Established in 2024, the bar operates in the space that previously occupied Embers Avenue (1969–2017), in Old Town Chinatown.
Description
[edit]The gay bar Badlands Portland operates at the intersection of Broadway and Couch in the northwest Portland part of Old Town Chinatown.[1] The LGBT-owned business[2] hosts disc jockeys and has approximately 40 screens that play music videos. Badlands also hosts a variety of events such as dance parties, drag bingo and shows, karaoke, pool tournaments, trivia, and viewing parties for television shows.[3]
History
[edit]Badlands Portland occupies the space formerly held by Embers Avenue, a renowned LGBTQ+ nightclub that operated from 1969 until its closure in 2017.[4] In January 2018, owner TJ Bruce acquired the building, initiating extensive renovations to modernize the venue while preserving its historical essence.[5] These efforts culminated in the grand opening of Badlands on June 12, 2024, during Pride Month, symbolizing a renewed commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.[6][7] The bar is part of the chain Splash, which is based in California.[3]
Community Role
[edit]Badlands Portland has quickly become a hub for Portland's LGBTQ+ community, hosting events that celebrate inclusivity and diversity. The bar has also partnered with local LGBTQ+ organizations to support charitable initiatives. Owner TJ Bruce, with over 20 years of experience in the bar industry, aims to create a safe and inclusive space for the LGBTQ+ community, continuing the legacy of the previous establishment. [8]
References
[edit]- ^ "Downtown Portland's Newest LGBTQ+ Bar, Badlands, Will Finally Open Next Week". Willamette Week. 2024-06-07. Archived from the original on 2024-06-09. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ Ferrannini, John (June 3, 2024). "SF Badlands LGBTQ nightclub to be run by new company". The Bay Area Reporter. Archived from the original on June 6, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
- ^ a b Profenna, Chiara (2024-06-11). "Badlands opens in former Embers space, giving Portland a new LGBTQ+ venue". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on 2024-06-11. Retrieved 2024-06-12.
- ^ KATU Staff (March 31, 2017). "End of an Era: Embers closes doors permanently". KATU.com. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ Raineri, Joe (June 12, 2024). "Gay bar returns to Northwest Portland with new name". KGW.com. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ Cozart, Josh (June 12, 2024). "Badlands Portland, new LGBTQ+ space revives old Embers location". KOIN.com. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ Ballinger, Madison (December 21, 2023). "Good Drinks and Good Vibes: A New LGBTQ+ Spot, Badlands, Set to Open in the Old Town Area". What Now Portland. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
- ^ Cozart, Josh (June 12, 2024). "Badlands Portland, new LGBTQ+ space revives old Embers location". KOIN.com. Retrieved November 18, 2024.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Badlands Portland at Wikimedia Commons- Badlands Portland, new LGBTQ+ space revives old Embers location on YouTube, KOIN
