Best Transgender Bars and Clubs in Salem

Salem sits about 50 miles south of Portland, and like most mid-size Oregon cities, its trans nightlife scene extends well beyond city limits. Salem has one verified LGBTQ+ nightclub of its own — and it's a solid anchor — but the full range of trans-welcoming bars, drag venues, and queer dance clubs that Salem trans residents actually frequent runs up I-5 to Portland, roughly a 45-to-55-minute drive depending on traffic. That regional reach is normal, not a gap, and this guide covers both.

The Salem Trans Scene

Southside Speakeasy anchors Salem's own LGBTQ+ nightlife, billing itself as Salem's only LGBTQIA2S+ nightclub and a safe space for everyone to express themselves. Beyond that single local venue, Salem trans folks largely orient toward Portland for dedicated trans nights, drag shows, and broader queer dance club options. Salem is considered generally LGBTQ-friendly, and Salem Capital Pride organizes a variety of regular LGBTQ community events, including a silent book club, community sports, video game and board game nights, bouldering, and yoga — but the nightlife infrastructure is slim. Portland, by contrast, carries one of the densest queer bar scenes in the Pacific Northwest, and many trans people find community and support in Portland thanks to the progressive political climate and numerous trans- and queer-owned businesses and activities throughout the city. The practical pattern for Salem trans locals: a night out often means a carpool north.

Top Transgender Bars and Clubs for Salem Locals

Southside Speakeasy

Type: LGBTQ+ nightclub and show bar

Location: 3529 Fairview Industrial Dr SE, Salem, OR 97302

Features: Salem's LGBTQ+ premier food and show bar, with a full menu, drag entertainers, karaoke nights, and private event bookings. As Salem's only LGBTQIA2S+ nightclub, it provides a safe space for everyone to express themselves and enjoy nights out.

Website: https://southsidespeakeasy.com

CC Slaughters

Type: LGBTQ+ dance club with dedicated trans night

Location: 219 NW Davis St, Portland, OR 97209 — approx. 50 min from Salem

Features: Thursday night is dedicated to the trans community, featuring performers and guest talent, celebrating local and regional trans talent on the dance floor every week. Regular events also include drag queen bingo on Mondays, shows by trans performers on Thursdays, live band karaoke on Sundays, and a monthly BIPOC drag show.

Website: https://ccslaughterspdx.com

Darcelle XV Showplace

Type: Drag venue and cabaret

Location: 208 NW 3rd Ave, Portland, OR 97209 — approx. 50 min from Salem

Features: For almost 60 years, Darcelle XV has dazzled audiences from all walks of life with Las Vegas-style cabaret revues filled with glitz, glamour, and comedy. CC Slaughters welcomes all queer people, while Darcelle XV is a trendy trip for people of all genders and orientations. The venue is 21+ and runs shows Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday brunch.

Website: https://darcellexv.com

Badlands Portland

Type: LGBTQ+ video bar and dance club

Location: 110 NW Broadway, Portland, OR 97209 — approx. 50 min from Salem

Features: Badlands is a one-stop for regular drag performances, pop dance music, Latin nights, and other specialty events, with dozens of screens showcasing music videos and a world-class sound system in an inclusive space where everyone can dance, enjoy shows, or meet up with friends. The LGBTQ-owned business hosts disc jockeys and approximately 40 screens that play music videos, and also hosts drag bingo and shows, karaoke, and pool tournaments.

Website: https://badlandsportland.com

Back 2 Earth

Type: Queer cocktail lounge and community bar

Location: 3536 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR 97212 — approx. 55 min from Salem

Features: Back 2 Earth features a plant wall, eco-modern design, high-end sound system, and lounge seating; programming rotates weekly with drag artists, karaoke, open mics, game nights, and DJ sets. The bar also hosts a variety of activities including dance parties and open mics, and has a collection of board games and tabletop role-playing games. Notably inclusive of trans and nonbinary patrons.

Website: https://back2earthpdx.com

Peacock PDX

Type: Queer bar with regular drag programming