Gay bar cedar rapids
After a quarter century, Belle’s Basix, an iconic Cedar Rapids bar and one of only a handful of LGBTQ night spots in eastern Iowa, may soon close for good.
“Unless someone buys the business, the bar will be permanently closed on Feb. 1st,” owner Andrew Harrison wrote in a belated Sunday night Facebook announce. “If someone decides to buy the business then it will carry on as they seem fit [sic]. I am in talks with some people and would like to be in talks with more about buying this 25 year old business. It’ll be going for cheap i can say ya that.”
Harrison, also known as Pretty Belle, has been the sole owner of Belle’s Basix for the past decade. Harrison is a retired drag queen and founder of the Belle queenly family, which includes Iowa City-based queen and RuPaul’s Drag Race competitor Frisbee Jenkins, a.k.a. Sasha Belle.
Drag is in Basix’s DNA, and the business is perhaps best known for its weekly Friday and Saturday drag performances. Harrison said their scheduled shows will continue as planned through Feb. 1.
But Basix has always been more than an entertainment venue. Staff and regulars worked to make the northeast Ced
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History Happenings: Gay history tough to track in Cedar Rapids
The history of lgbtq+ culture in Cedar Rapids is an elusive story to tell.
The laws and social attitudes of other eras relegated non-heterosexual being to an “othered” encounter — often in the shadows.
Photos and documentation of people at area lgbtq+ events before the 1970s are fairly rare, so much of what we know comes from an amalgamation of diaries, oral histories, stories passed down and clues left behind.
Notably complicated
You’ll find writer and artistic photographer Carl Van Vechten (1880-1964) on any shortlist of notable same-sex attracted Cedar Rapidians.
The son of educated parents (who founded the Cedar Rapids Universal Library and Cedar Rapids National Bank), he moved away from the “unloved town” the day he graduated from Washington Lofty School. He married twice but had several relationships with men.
An opera and modern dance critic for the New York Times, Van Vechten also was a connoisseur of jazz and a champion of African-American culture. His novel, “The Tattooed Countess,” about carefree characters who go away the fictional town of Maple Valley and then return, is a
Basix stands out as a beloved LGBTQ+ venue that offers something for everyone. Known for its energetic and welcoming atmosphere, this spacious bar hosts vibrant drag shows from Thursday to Sunday, along with fun weekly events like Bar Bingo on Tuesdays and free trivia on Wednesdays. Patrons rave about the friendly and supportive staff, especially Amanda, who ensures a secure and inclusive environment for all. Sip on fab drinks as you appreciate live entertainment and unite with a diverse group. Whether you're there for a show or just a chill night out, Basix is the place to be for comfort and fun.
LGBTQ+ AFFILIATION
Friendly
1
TARGET AUDIENCE
Men
1
Reviews summary
Basix is celebrated for its vibrant, welcoming atmosphere, friendly staff, and fun performances. Patrons appreciate the spaciousness, diverse events like drag shows and bar bingo, and an environment that prioritizes consent and safety. While there are some negative reviews, overall, Basix is highly recommended for an enjoyable time with a supportive community.
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