Southern Pride: A Guide to the LGBTQ Scene in Shreveport, LA
Southern Pride is our series that explores and celebrates LGBTQ culture in Southern cities. Today, we’re heading down to the bayou to check out the scene in Shreveport.
Located in Northwest Louisiana, Shreveport serves as the primary cultural, educational and commercial hub of the Ark-La-Tex region – the unique geographic point where Arkansas, Louisiana and Texas meet.
While sometimes overshadowed by its famous musical neighbors to the south, this mid-sized city pulls an impressively resilient Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index (MEI) score of 66. This rating showcases a progressive local network of non-discrimination protections in a Deep South metro that rivals much larger cities.
Home to five colleges and universities – including Louisiana State University Shreveport – this city is a fantastic option for LGBTQ+ individuals and families seeking a home base with year-round recreation, great job prospects and a highly collaborative landscape.
In This Article
Inclusive Faith-Based Options and Welcoming Congregations
Finding an inclusive place of worship can occasionally be a hurdle in smaller cities and towns, particularly across the Deep South. Fortunately, Shreveport features an exceptionally welcoming network of queer-affirming congregations.
- The Church of the Holy Cross is an Episcopal church located in downtown Shreveport. It describes itself as a diverse, progressive, gay-affirming, inclusive, urban parish grounded in traditional liturgy.
- All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church of Shreveport is another church that proudly calls itself inclusive. Its members have even completed a special program to ensure it is welcoming to all LGBTQ individuals.
Powerful Grassroots Networks and Community Support
The city’s resilient, inclusive spirit is actively maintained by passionate nonprofit groups that work around the clock to provide resources, safety and social spaces.
People Acting for Change and Equality (PACE)
PACE is a premier, non-partisan organization based in Shreveport that works to ensure every member of the LGBTQ+ community can live openly, authentically and safely. The group hosts regular monthly meetings, educational forums and civic events to bring neighbors together.
Over the years, PACE’s landmark accomplishments have included passing the Shreveport Fairness Ordinance, creating the OUTnorthLa Film Festival and promoting an executive order protecting LGBT city employees.
The organization also hosts PACEY, a vital, safe peer-to-peer social support group for LGBTQ+ individuals spanning high school through college.
ShrevePride
Another important resource for the local community is ShrevePride. The organization is the largest grassroots LGBTQIA+ nonprofit organization in the Shreveport-Bossier City region. Founded in 2019, the organization works to create diverse, inclusive and safe environments where LGBTQ+ community members, youth and allies can gather and socialize.
A Rainbow of Festivals
The truth is, Shreveport has a bit of a reputation for throwing parties. Festivals run year-round in this fun-loving city, and some celebrate the beauty of the local queer community.
For more than a decade, thousands of locals and regional travelers have flocked to Pride in the Park every single year. The event is organized by PACE and features a wide variety of vendors, artists, informational booths and entertainers.
Another beloved LGBTQ celebration is the OUTnorthLa Film Festival, which honors filmmakers who dedicate their efforts towards sharing the queer communities’ trials, tribulations, heartbreak and successes with the rest of the world on the big screen.
Of course, if you are moving to the area, you will also want to enjoy the city’s broader, food-centric celebrations. Some favorites include Battle of the Gumbo Gladiators and Mudbug Madness Festival. There’s something almost every week of the year.
Endless Recreation
Shreveport provides locals with a wide array of entertainment options. As the region’s cultural center, art lovers have a variety of galleries and museums to visit, including the Louisiana State Exhibit and the R.W. Norton Art Gallery – which is Shreveport’s largest museum.
Considered an outdoor lover’s paradise, Shreveport puts you just minutes away from pristine fishing holes, boating ramps and an abundance of water sports. Mountain biking and camping locations are easily accessible, and hiking in the Red River National Wildlife Refuge is a popular activity for locals.
🏳️🌈 Shreveport Nightlife
When the sun goes down, Shreveport boasts a highly active, welcoming nightlife scene that includes two dedicated, historic LGBTQ+ bars:
- The Korner Lounge: A beloved neighborhood institution that is Louisiana’s second-oldest owned and operated queer space. It is known for community gatherings, trivia nights and strong cocktails.
- Central Station: A high-energy multi-room venue famous for its legendary drag performances, dance floors and community fundraisers. It is the city’s “largest alternative lifestyle bar and nightclub,” and welcomes people from all walks of life.
Outside of their regular offerings and many community events they both host, including trivia night, drag shows and more.