A newcomer’s guide to Sacramento’s LGBTQ bars, churches, drag shows and more

I’m no stranger to starting fresh in a new city.

I’ve made a cross-country journey twice, moving from Oregon to Washington, D.C., and later journeying from Maryland to Sacramento.

The toughest part is finding community.

Now that I’m here in California’s capital city, I researched and created a guide for new LGBTQ+ people like me to help expand their circle.

In classic gonzo journalism style, I joined sports teams, attended drag shows, spoke to spiritual leaders and participated in LGBTQ+ events to create this comprehensive guide.

Here’s what to know:

Are there LGBTQ+ sports leagues in the Sacramento area?

Yes, there are! Local opportunities range from volleyball teams to cornhole and cheerleading squads.

The price to join a sports league varies depending on the sport and whether you join as a team or as a single player. Prices range from free to around $11 to $107.

Leagues and groups include:

• OutLoud Sports Sacramento

• Sacramento Cheer Elite

• FrontRunners/FrontWalkers Sacramento

• Sacramento Valley Gay and Lesbian Softball

• Queer Rollerskaters

I joined OutLoud Sports Sacramento’s volleyball league as a single player for about $90 and was randomly assigned into a team with other single players.

I was captain of my high school volleyball team, and I’ve participated in college volleyball teams for years.

Although it’s been a while since I’ve played volleyball seriously, I was encouraged by this statement on OutLoud Sports’ website: “Everyone is welcome, regardless of sexuality, gender, status, skill, shape, size or age.”

I initially felt awkward among my more athletic teammates but their kindness and excitement soon made me feel welcome.

I was unanimously voted team captain, perhaps because I was the only girl — or maybe because they wanted to get me out of my bubble.

I was rusty that first game. Yet every missed ball or fall to the ground was met with care and encouragement from my teammates, and I soon regained my confidence.

I realized these leagues are more than just a place to stay active but also function as a space to feel encouraged and in turn encourage and uplift others. Yes, there are also opportunities to win trophies but these communities work beyond that.

Where can I volunteer in local LGBTQ+ community?

These LGBTQ+ organizations in the Sacramento area often are looking for volunteers:

• Lavender Library

• Sacramento LGBT Community Center

• The Big Queer Cookout

• Gender Health Center

Based on a friend’s recommendation, I explored the Lavender Library, a volunteer-run library that archives local LGBTQ+ literature and history.

It’s in a small and beautiful building in Sacramento’s Lavender Heights District, with lavender walls and a colorful mural welcoming guests.

I come from a religious conservative environment where many believed that being LGBTQ+ was “trendy” and something new.

So it brought me immense joy to see writing from my community going back several decades. It served as a beautiful reminder of how literature and community have always been a powerful combination.

Mauricio Torres, board vice president and development director for the Lavender Library, said the library is a special place because it’s one of few independent libraries dedicated to LGBTQ+ literature.

“So many places are banning queer stories. Books (are) being banned in libraries,” Torres told The Sacramento Bee. “I think it’s just really important to make sure we have a place where these stories live and where they’re here to stay, and then beyond.”

Are there any LGBTQ+-friendly churches or places of worship?

I sat down with leaders of the Rainbow Faith Alliance Sacramento, a collective of faith centers advocating for LGBTQ+ community, and we discussed what it means to be a place of worship that affirms LGBTQ+ identities.

David Bocock, pastor at Pioneer Congregational Church in Sacramento, said places of worship must do more than simple tolerate LGBTQ+ people. These institutions must take steps to provide LGBTQ+ members opportunities for leadership, Bocock said.

“We welcome them to serve on committees to do ministry and to find what lights their passion and we support it,” Bocock said.

“There’s a difference between tolerance and affirmation,” Bocock said. “A gay- and transgender-affirming church is about affirming people’s right to exist and their full inclusion into the life of the church.”

I talked with five other local spiritual leaders and each emphasized the importance of creating a comfortable environment for their LGBTQ+ members to be their authentic selves.

Here is a partial list of local places of faith that provide spiritual community to people of all genders and sexual orientations:

• Congregation B’Nahi Israel in Sacramento

• Buddhist Church of Sacramento

• Sacramento True Buddha Temple

• Wat Sacramento Buddhavanaram

• Elk Grove United Methodist Church

• St. John’s Lutheran Church in Sacramento

• Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Sacramento

• Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Carmichael

• Westminster Presbyterian Church in Sacramento

• Pioneer Congregational Church in Midtown Sacramento

• First Christian Church of Sacramento as Disciples of Christ

• Integrated Praise Spiritual Center in Sacramento

• Trinity Cathedral Sacramento

Where can I find transgender and nonbinary resources?

When I began this guide, resources for transgender and nonbinary people were not on my radar.

That changed when I talked to the wonderful Bee Davis, a local NASA engineer, community advocate and author who broadened my horizons. She spoke passionately of her community and the need for spaces devoted to the T in LGBTQ+.

Davis shared her love for Sacramento’s ballroom culture, which focuses on competitive performance, dancing and modeling to reflect societal norms such as gender and social classes.

Davis said ballroom events provide community spaces for transgender and nonbinary people to safely gather together.

“It could be like 20 people or 15 people will just run up to hug you,” Davis told The Bee via phone. “You feel seen, you feel cherished by your own community. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that there’s at least one space where you can go and you can have your family.”

Davis recommends transgender and nonbinary people who are interested in participating in Sacramento ballroom culture to email her at bee_davis@alumni.brown.edu.

Here are some other resources for those in the transgender/nonbinary community:

• Female-to-Male Sacramento Support Group is hosted by Lavender Library, 1414 21st St. in Sacramento. The group meets at 6 to 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month.

• GenderQuark, a non-binary/trans/genderqueer group, meets at the Lavender Library from 7 to 9 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month.

• Black, Queer & Trans Group meets at the Lavender Library from 6 to 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month.

Trans + Queer Youth Collective is a people of color-led nonprofit organization serving POC transgender and queer youth and young adults. The collective hosts virtual support groups through Discord.

Gender Health Center, 3823 V St. in Sacramento, hosts several support groups including:

• Transfeminine, Non-Binary and Gender Non-Conforming Peer Support Group provides space for transfeminine people including trans women as well as nonbinary, genderqueer and gender fluid people and those exploring femininity or a nonbinary identity. The group meets at the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

• Transmasc/Nonbinary Support Group gives space for anyone who identifies as being on the transmasculine spectrum including trans men, nonbinary people, genderqueer people and those exploring their gender identity with an experience leaning towards masculinity. The group meets the first and third Thursday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

• ConneQT with QTs is a space for diverse transgender and nonbinary people to gather, connect and gain access to crucial resources. The group offers support for name and gender marker change paperwork; navigating gender-affirming care, HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing and access to a free clothing closet. The group meets the first and third Friday of the month at 6 to 9 p.m. Registration is required.

• Haus of Hormones is a space for transgender and nonbinary people to gather and gain access to crucial resources including legal name and gender marker change paperwork support, navigating gender affirming care, HIV/STI testing and community discussions. The group meets the first and third Wednesday of the month at 6 to 9 p.m. Registration is required.

Where are LGBTQ+ bars and clubs in Sacramento area?

When I moved to Washington D.C., I had recently come out to my family and was adjusting to exploring my sapphic identity. It was a lesbian bar called A League of Her Own that helped me find confidence and wonderful friends.

Sacramento is home to a number of LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, many within a few blocks of each other in the Lavender Heights District.

These establishments host a variety live music events, drag shows and visiting DJs.

Some clubs and bars require a cover charge for entry during the weekend or certain events, ranging in price from around $10 to $20 per person. Check directly with the establishment for details.

Whether you want to go dancing or simply have a beer, the following Sacramento locations are for you:

• The Mercantile Saloon, 1928 L St.

• Badlands Sacramento, 2003 K St.

• Faces Nightclub, 2000 K St.

• Roscoes Bar and Burgers, 2007 K St.

• The Depot, 2001 K St.

• The Bolt, 2560 Boxwood St.

• Radclyffe’s, 1330 H St., Suite 110

Where can I watch a local drag show?

Drag shows with lip syncing, talented dancers and amazing costumes can be found throughout Sacramento.

Every venue has their own rules and regulations, and ticket prices vary.

Remember to bring your $1 bills to show the queens your appreciation!

I recently attended the Badlands employee drag show hosted by Taryn Thru-U and Suzette Veneti. Each crew member brought their A game.

The show was entertaining, creative and a wonderful opportunity to raise money for the Sunburst Projects, a nonprofit group serving people affected by HIV/AIDS.

These locations host weekly or monthly drag shows:

• Badlands Sacramento, 2003 K St., Sacramento

• Faces Nightclub 2000 K St., Sacramento

• Tipsy Putt, 630 K St., Suite 120, Sacramento

• Harlow’s, 2708 J St., Sacramento

• Punch Line Sacramento, 2100 Arden Way, Suite 225, Arden Arcade

• Mango’s Sacramento, 1930 K St., Sacramento

• STAB! Comedy Theater, 1710 Broadway, Sacramento

• Punch Line Sacramento, 2100 Arden Way, Suite 225, Arden Arcade

Are there local groups for friends, family members and allies?

Whether you are an ally to a family member or friend or just want to help make a difference, there are local groups looking for people to help.

PFLAG, originally known as Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, has spent more than 50 years bringing together allies to support the LGBTQ+ community.

It’s the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them, according to the PFLAG site.

PFLAG offers support and resources for community members including grandparents, parents of children exploring the gender spectrum and cultural communities such as Latinos, African Americans and Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

PFLAG meetings are held virtually and in-person monthly.

The meetings include:

• Elk Grove group meets the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Elk Grove Library, 8900 Elk Grove Blvd. in Elk Grove.

• Folsom group meets the second Tuesday of the month. For address, email kimmc@pflagsacramento.org

• Sacramento group meets the third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 2391 St. Marks Way in Sacramento.

• Zoom meetings are on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Interested people can email zoom@pflagsacramento.org to request the link to join.

This story was originally published June 5, 2025 at 9:58 AM.

Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado

The Sacramento Bee

279-203-2039

Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado is a service journalism reporter at The Sacramento Bee. She previously worked at the Star Democrat in Annapolis, Maryland. Veronica graduated from Georgetown University with a master’s degree in journalism.