The culture of the Wild West is considered extremely macho. But gays and lesbians have long since left their mark here too – which does not change the fact that every ride on the bull requires nerves of steel. Fortunately, the Texan metropolises Dallas and Fort Worth are great places to relax in gay bars.

When to get there?

For the rodeo.

The Texas Gay Rodeo in Dallas or Fort Worth takes place once a year. Since it is an amateur event, it is enough to remain on the back of a wildly kicking bull for “only” six seconds. Asthe rodeo is hosted by a queer organisation, traditional gender roles have simply been abolished, so that men and women can practice all variants of Western sports. It is really pleasant if you can then (still) go to the bars to party and show your line dance skills.

April 21st to 23rd, 2017; Dallas
www.igra.com

Where to wake up

At the Omni Dallas

The Omni Hotel chain has its headquarters in Dallas, and it is also a true flagship: More than 1,000 rooms are waiting for guests; the modern glass façade can be illuminated in different colours and sometimes even features rainbow colours.

555 S Lamar St, Dallas
www.omnihotels.com/hotels/dallas

What to visit

The Stockyards in Fort Worth

You cannot get a better feeling of the Wild West than in the Stockyards National Historic District of Fort Worth, where once cowboys drove cattle and enjoyed themselves in saloons and at bull riding. There is still a mini cattle drive twice a day, a few museums give information of the place’s history and there is no shortage of shopping opportunities either.

www.fortworthstockyards.com

Where to eat

Hip at Brewed in Fort Worth

In the hip Fort Worth-Southside district on Magnolia Ave Brewed has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner for three years. The furnishings of the former warehouse consist of clutter collected over time – the core of a mattress serves as decoration of one wall. Live bands often play in the evenings, local draft beer is served.

801 W Magnolia Ave, Fort Worth
www.brewedfw.com

How to party

In purple at the Purple Party in Dallas

Dancing until the clouds are purple again – that is not a problem at the Purple Party. Being one of the largest circuit parties in the US the Purple Party takes place in Dallas every Spring for four days and in various locations.

April 28th to May 1st, 2017
www.purplefoundation.com/purple-party/

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