{"id":202234,"date":"2025-09-05T12:00:19","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T12:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/202234\/"},"modified":"2025-09-05T12:00:19","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T12:00:19","slug":"a-queer-travelers-guide-to-san-antonio-embracing-diversity-and-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/202234\/","title":{"rendered":"A Queer Traveler\u2019s Guide to San Antonio: Embracing Diversity and Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Paul<\/a>by Paul Heney<\/a>
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Fri September 5, 2025<\/p>\n

It\u2019s easy to categorize areas of the country as being unfriendly to LGBTQ<\/a> citizens, but focusing on entire states can mean that queer travelers might miss out on some incredibly welcoming and diverse cities. <\/p>\n

San Antonio<\/a> is certainly a place that the queer community should visit and celebrate, as the locals here are among the friendliest that my husband and I have encountered. There\u2019s a palpable civic pride amongst locals, always wanting to assist travelers and recommend their favorite things. Here\u2019s a rundown of some of what makes the Alamo City special.<\/p>\n

Stay and celebrate<\/b><\/p>\n

We enjoyed a long weekend at the Hotel Contessa<\/a>, an independent luxury all-suite property in the heart of downtown and located right on the city\u2019s iconic Riverwalk. The rooms are bright and modern, and there\u2019s a rooftop fitness facility and outdoor pool, which was very popular during our stay. You don\u2019t even need to leave the property for a good meal, as Ambler Texas Kitchen + Cocktails serves a nice array of local specialties, with indoor space as well as outdoor seating right next to the Riverwalk. Try the salmon with the peach chutney topping, a flavorful combination.<\/p>\n

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One of the spacious suites at the Hotel Contessa in San Antonio. (Photo Credit: Photo by Paul J. Heney.)<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a whole block of queer clubs and shops along what\u2019s called St. Mary\u2019s Strip that is well worth exploring, but a unique part of the local queer nightlife here is called The Bonham Exchange<\/a>. We toured the three-level facility with social media manager Lyn-Z Andrews<\/a>, who is also a legendary (not to mention gorgeous!) drag performer in the city.<\/p>\n

Bonham is like a queer district all in itself, with roughly 10 different bars and multiple rooms\/areas, each with a different vibe. So, whether you\u2019re feeling like a patio evening, a big laser-infused club, a quiet game of pool, or checking out go-go dancers in the video bar, that\u2019s all an option for you here. The building has a ton of history and has been a queer space for more than four decades; the charming Joan Duckworth operates it today through The Happy Foundation. Duckworth has a fascinating history herself, as she started here many years ago mopping the floors and worked her way up\u2014plus her grandmother worked here back when it was a USO Club.<\/p>\n

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Dancing at the Bonham Exchange, a multi-lever queer club in San Antonio. (Photo Credit: Photo by Paul J. Heney.)<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t skip the drag brunch at Paramour at the Phipps<\/a>, one of the best things we experienced in the city. The beautiful rooftop space on the fourth floor has a nice view of downtown San Antonio in the distance. Paramour boasts a funky decor with colorful shag carpet on the walls and big graphic print throw pillows. Mimosas here are great, and the breakfast tacos (three per order) are delicious\u2014standout was the egg and bacon with the salsa verse.\u00a0Lyn-Z Andrews was one of the hostesses, along with one of her drag daughters and plenty of other talented performers. This was one of the more extensive and friendlier drag brunches we have been to, and we\u2019d go back again anytime.<\/p>\n

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Drag show at the Paramour at the Phipps in San Antonio. (Photo Credit: Photo by Paul J. Heney.)<\/p>\n

Making art fun<\/b><\/p>\n

Another favorite experience was Hopscotch<\/a>, a queer-owned immersive art experience. Located downtown, the fun starts with a bar that serves some of the best drinks in town. And patrons are encouraged to take their drinks to the galleries downstairs, allowing for a relaxed experience of all the art. Many of the artworks incorporate light and movement, and most have an interactive component, making it a joy for both kids and adults. There\u2019s a powerful queer installation done in conjunction with the Human Rights Coalition, and there\u2019s even a neon lit ball pit that we jumped in, pretending we were in elementary school once again.<\/p>\n

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One of the exhibits at San Antonio’s queer-owned Hopscotch. (Photo Credit: Photo by Paul J. Heney.)<\/p>\n

Ruby City<\/a> is a contemporary art museum, housed in an angular, boxy structure that feels full of movement. It\u2019s the legacy of Linda Pace, herself an artist, collector, and philanthropist who was the daughter of the founders of Pace Foods, commonly known for Pace Picante Sauce. The museum includes the main building, a sculpture garden, and Chris Park (named after Pace\u2019s son), with meandering paths, art, and another smaller building, the Studio, with temporary exhibitions.<\/p>\n

Current exhibitions include Bedroom Paintings by Joey Fauerso and Synthesis & Subversion Redux in the Studio. Ruby City features artwork by and about the LGBTQ community, including photographs by Laura Aguilar and occasional exhibitions.<\/p>\n

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Exterior of San Antonio’s Ruby City Art Museum. (Photo Credit: Photo by Paul J. Heney.)<\/p>\n

Top-notch cuisine<\/b><\/p>\n

San Antonio is more than Tex-Mex (although you\u2019ll certainly find that here in spades), and we were impressed by the breath of quality restaurants<\/a> across the city. Some of the best include:<\/p>\n