Thanksgiving at the Gay Bar

Familial feuds, your drunk Aunt Mildred, and that nasty in-law spitting internally homophobic bon mots (yes, we all have one) can make it hard to be thankful during the holidays. End the stress, and spend Thanksgiving at the gay bar with chosen family instead.

For those obligated to spend Thanksgiving Day proper (next week, Thursday, November 28) with family or – for better or worse – the inlaws, The Q offers up the chance celebrate both traditional and chosen family with their Dysfunctional Family Thanksgiving Dinner. Part of the dysfunction that makes this event possible for double-stuffers is that it happens this Thursday night – a week before the actual holiday.

This event is potluck style, so while The Q will supply the bird in all her glory, they ask attendees to bring a favorite dish for sharing. The festivities don’t stop with a full belly. Their event page promises terrible holiday family films and a “tacky family portrait studio to take pictures with your big queer family” When they say “dress accordingly” is anyone else thinking that Bill-Cosby-worthy sweater from Tia Maria?

Next week, on Thanksgiving Day, ‘Bout Time II will cook up Thanksgiving turkey and ham. “It’s our traditional Thanksgiving dinner,” says Ryan Godwin, BTII’s general manager.

While the bartenders and staff will be bringing dishes aplenty, they “encourage anyone to bring their favorite side or dessert to share,” adds Godwin. BT2 will open their doors at noon on Thanksgiving, and the eating will commence at 1pm.

And now, The Bad News: Oilcan Harry’s will not be hosting their annual T-day buffet this year. But don’t think of this as the end, because… The Good News: They're saving it up for a Christmas + Costumer Appreciation Party, complete with a buffet on December 20, instead.

So whether you’re orphaned by distance, desire, or dysfunction, the gays of ATX offer you a spot amongst your chosen brethren along with some delicious (and free) meals, not to mention refuge from drama.