Kc gay bars

During World War II many gay and lesbian service members discovered others like themselves for the first time while serving in the military. At the end of the conflict many chose to stay in urban centers rather than return home to their small towns or rural areas. Yet unlike immigrants or members of the working-class who had previously settled in cities, gays and lesbians had no ready community.

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Many found this sense of community in bars, restaurants, and other semi-private spaces where gays and lesbians could be with people like themselves and socialize. Though visible, however, gay bars always existed on the margins. Bar-goers were safe in the knowledge that they could express their identities without fear of consequences faced elsewhere.

Skip to content. Making History Gay Scene K. Population Shift to Cities During World War II many gay and lesbian service members discovered others like themselves for the first time while serving in the military. The Rail Room was located across from Union Station.