I don’t know about you, but I don’t like to risk embarrassing myself in my hometown. But when I’m in a city far, far away from people who know me, that’s a different story. Turn up the Elton John and point a spotlight in my direction.
Although karaoke bars seem to be everywhere, queer ones are very special places. These audiences will give performers the space to try out new personas and to camp it up. They won’t make fun of a horrible rendition of the latest by Lil Nas X and they’ll get the joke of your take on “Closer to Fine.” In fact, your efforts might make you some new friends in new places.
Here are eight spots around the world where you can let your rainbow flag fly as you belt out your favourites. Singing is the new cruising.
Milan, Italy
Company Club (Via Benadir 14, Milano). Founded in 1994, this bear hangout is as well known for its karaoke as for its dance floor and play area. Here in the home of Teatro alla Scala, it might be tempting to pick something operatic. “Con te partirò” by Andrea Bocelli? But we’re going with Raffaella Carra’s “A far l’amore comincia tu,” which is an international camp classic. Karaoke weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. Like many LGBTQ+ establishments in Italy, remember that you’ll need a membership, here it’s ARCO.
Berlin, Germany
Monster Ronson’s Ichiban Karaoke (Warschauer Str. 34, Berlin). This legendary Berlin club has such a devoted following, the nightly hosts are something like local celebrities. If you’re too shy for the main stage, there are 14 private karaoke boxes. Browse through their online song list for ideas. You might want to do something hip and of-the-moment, but we’re going to suggest some schlager (cheesy pop music with Eurovision on its mind), maybe from schlager queen Helene Fischer—it’s scientifically distilled to be sung along to. Karaoke nightly, interrupted by occasional drag shows and other performances.
Prague, Czech Republic
Friends Club and Bar (Bartolomějská 11, Staré Město, Prague). Located in a historic wine cellar in the city’s labyrinthine old town, the acoustics of the arched ceilings might very well make you sound better. Though some of the online reviews complain about rude staff, the crowd is just as excitable as you want your fans to be. For a song, try the clubby “Lights Off” by We Are Domi, the Czech entry in the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest. Karaoke weekly on Tuesdays.
Bangkok, Thailand
Balcony Pub (Silom Soi 4, Bangkok). With tables two deep on the sidewalk, this is one of Bangkok’s best-known spots for sitting with a beer and watching the gay world go by—or at least go up and down the soi. But inside and upstairs, it’s one of the liveliest karaoke spots in the city. This is Bangkok, so needless to say there are also drag performances. Their catalog has more than 10,000 English and Thai songs to choose from. Let’s go with “Kan Goo” by Bright Vachirawit, which features on the soundtrack of the gay-themed romance-sitcom 2gether: The Series. Karaoke nightly.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Wang Chung’s Karaoke Bar (2424 Koa Ave., Honolulu). Karaoke is a big deal all over Hawaii and Wang Chung’s is probably the gayest and most popular karaoke place in the capital—you do the math. This place is frequently off the hook. They’re used to visitors so it’s a patient, supportive crowd. But also so boisterous that maybe they won’t even hear you? Please pick the ukulele version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” popularized by the late singer Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Karaoke nightly.
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Kooky Karaoke (Lázaro Cárdenas 315A, Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta). Yes, resort towns, or cities with lots of foreign tourists, are the perfect places for queer karaoke—nobody knows your name unless you want them to. This popular spot (which used to be known as Kinky) attracts gangs of friends most nights of the week. Straight people come here, too. The perfect choice of song is “Todos me miran” by Gloria Trevi, which is essentially the “I Will Survive” of Mexico as sung by the Madonna of Mexico. Karaoke nightly.
San Diego, California
The Hole in the Wall (2820 Lytton St., San Diego, California). Home to local LGBTQ2S+ sports teams like Armada Rugby Club, MasterBatters Softball League and Drunken Llamas, The Hole in the Wall has that proudly community-oriented dive-bar charm that melts away inhibitions—nobody here is afraid to look a little goofy. California has a lot of good songs about it. Maybe “California Gurls” by Katy Perry or, if you like a challenge, “California” by Joni Mitchell. Karaoke weekly on Thursdays.
Dallas, Texas
Roundup Saloon (3912 Cedar Springs Rd., Dallas). The largest LGBTQ2S+ country and western club in Dallas, the Roundup is not afraid of twang or twerk… or even some line dancing. Robyn and Lady Gaga have been seen stopping by here while in town, perhaps to admire some cowboys or take some dance lessons. The energetic hosts make it big and brash and easygoing fun, just like Texas should be. We’re torn between “Jolene” by Dolly Parton and “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X. Karaoke nightly.
