The Detroit Eagle

Last updated
Detroit Eagle / The Eagle of Detroit
Address928 W McNichols Rd, Detroit, MI 48203
LocationDetroit, Michigan, United States
TypeNightclub and entertainment complex
Opened(Original Menjos) 1970s

Detroit Eagle (also known as the Eagle) is a nightclub and entertainment complex in Detroit, Michigan. It is part of a larger network of The Eagle (bar), which have a common theme and cater primarily to the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the Leather subculture and BDSM subculture. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Contents

History

The history of gay bars in Detroit is rich and diverse. After World War II, downtown Detroit became a hub for gay bars. Starting in the 1950s, the gay population began following the migration pattern of many Metro Detroiters, heading northward. By the 1970s, there was a community in the Palmer Park that thrived until the late 1980s. [5]

Specific details on the Detroit Eagle's origins are scarce. The Menjos Complex, where the Detroit Eagle is located, has a longer, more detailed history. Menjos, the original bar, was established in the 1970s and became a popular gathering spot for the LGBTQ+ community. [6]

The original location was at 1501 Holden St Detroit, Michigan, now known as the Marble Bar, a live music venue bar that opened in the Fall of 2015 in the space formerly occupied by the Detroit Eagle, which moved in 2010. The Detroit Eagle became a part of this larger Menjos Complex in 2010. [7] Over the years, the venue expanded and evolved, eventually becoming the Menjos Complex, which includes multiple bars, a dance club, and various entertainment spaces.

Connection to Madonna

In the 1970s, Madonna made youthful forays into Menjo's in the Palmer Park area. [8] Her presence at this historic establishment was an important chapter in her early life, and this was likely the first gay bar she ever visited. [9] [10] According to local legend, Madonna's patronage of the bar took place during the mid- to late 1970s. [11] However, her visits were not without controversy, as she was eventually barred from the establishment. [12] Tim McKee-Zazo, Menjo’s general manager said “Before she went to New York and got famous, this was her hangout. [13] Her period of coming here was the mid- to late ’70s, but then she was barred from coming,” he said, sharing a local legend. “She got kicked out of here for pulling her vagina out. She was a rowdy teenager at the time.” [14] The original disco ball Madonna danced under is still in the possession of Menjo's; "That's the original 1976 disco ball that Madonna used to dance under here at Menjo's. She was 16 years old." [15]

Club Toilet

Club Toilet is an underground party series based in Detroit, Michigan, celebrated for its inclusive and eclectic atmosphere. Emerging as a vital space within the city's vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, Club Toilet is known for hosting events that blend cutting-edge electronic music with a distinct sense of community and creative expression. The event is often held in conjunction with Movement Electronic Music Festival.

The club's events frequently showcase local and international DJs, emphasizing genres like techno and house. Club Toilet is recognized for its immersive environments and thematic decor, which often challenge conventional nightlife norms.

Unlike traditional clubs, Club Toilet does not have a fixed venue, with events typically taking place in various locations across Detroit. This nomadic approach adds an element of anticipation and excitement, further enhancing its underground appeal.

As a part of Detroit's rich cultural and musical heritage, Club Toilet has established itself as a significant player in the city's underground scene. It continues to be a space where diverse communities come together to celebrate freedom, art, and the transformative power of music.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ community</span> Community and culture of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people

The LGBTQ community is a loosely defined grouping of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning individuals united by a common culture and social movements. These communities generally celebrate pride, diversity, individuality, and sexuality. LGBTQ activists and sociologists see LGBTQ community-building as a counterweight to heterosexism, homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, sexualism, and conformist pressures that exist in the larger society. The term pride or sometimes gay pride expresses the LGBTQ community's identity and collective strength; pride parades provide both a prime example of the use and a demonstration of the general meaning of the term. The LGBTQ community is diverse in political affiliation. Not all people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender consider themselves part of the LGBTQ community.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gay bar</span> Drinking establishment catered to LGBT clientele

A gay bar is a drinking establishment that caters to an exclusively or predominantly lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ+) clientele; the term gay is used as a broadly inclusive concept for LGBTQ+ communities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">G-A-Y</span> Gay nightclub in London

G-A-Y is a long-running gay nightclub brand, based at the Heaven nightclub in Charing Cross, London, owned by Jeremy Joseph.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madonna as a gay icon</span> Aspect of Madonnas reputation

American singer and actress Madonna is recognized as a gay icon. She was introduced, while still a teenager, by her dance instructor, Christopher Flynn, an openly gay man who mentored her. Since then, Madonna has always acknowledged the importance of the community for her life and career, declaring that she "wouldn't have a career if it weren't for the gay community".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gay icon</span> Public figure highly regarded and beloved by the LGBT community

A gay icon is a public figure who is regarded as a cultural icon by members of the LGBT community. Such figures usually have a devoted LGBT fanbase and act as allies to the LGBT community, often through their work, or they have been "openly appreciative of their gay fanbase". Many gay icons also have a camp aesthetic style, which is part of their appeal to LGBT individuals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Michigan</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) people in the U.S. state of Michigan enjoy the same rights as non-LGBTQ people. Michigan in June 2024 was ranked "the most welcoming U.S. state for LGBT individuals". Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Michigan under the U.S. Supreme Court case Lawrence v. Texas, although the state legislature has not repealed its sodomy law. Same-sex marriage was legalised in accordance with 2015's Obergefell v. Hodges decision. Discrimination on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity is unlawful since July 2022, was re-affirmed by the Michigan Supreme Court - under and by a 1976 statewide law, that explicitly bans discrimination "on the basis of sex". The Michigan Civil Rights Commission have also ensured that members of the LGBT community are not discriminated against and are protected in the eyes of the law since 2018 and also legally upheld by the Michigan Supreme Court in 2022. In March 2023, a bill passed the Michigan Legislature by a majority vote - to formally codify both "sexual orientation and gender identity" anti-discrimination protections embedded within Michigan legislation. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed the bill on March 16, 2023. In 2024, Michigan repealed “the last ban on commercial surrogacy within the US” - for individuals and couples and reformed the parentage laws, that acknowledges same sex couples and their families with children.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer+(LGBTQ+)music is music that focuses on the experiences of gender and sexual minorities as a product of the broad gay liberation movement.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ culture in Metro Detroit</span>

The LGBT community in Metro Detroit is centered in Ferndale, Michigan, as of 2007. As of 1997, many LGBT people live in Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, and Royal Oak. Model D stated in 2007 that there are populations of gays and lesbians in some Detroit neighborhoods such as East English Village, Indian Village, Lafayette Park, and Woodbridge and that the concentration of gay bars in Detroit is "decentralized".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ culture in Boston</span>

Boston is a hub of LGBT culture and LGBT activism in the United States, with a rich history dating back to the election of the nation's first openly gay state representative, Elaine Noble, in 1974. The city is home to notable organizations like GLAD and Fenway Health, and it played a pivotal role in the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts. Various neighborhoods, including the South End, are known for their sizable LGBT populations, while numerous LGBT bars and entertainment venues offer spaces for community gatherings. Boston hosts an annual Pride Parade, and despite challenges, it continues to be a prominent event. Noteworthy organizations like The Welcoming Committee and the Boston Gay Men's Chorus contribute to the city's vibrant LGBT community, while The History Project preserves its rich history through an extensive LGBTQ archive.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ culture in Portland, Oregon</span>

LGBT culture in Portland, Oregon is an important part of Pacific Northwest culture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ culture in New York City</span>

New York City has been described as the gay capital of the world and the central node of the LGBTQ+ sociopolitical ecosystem, and is home to one of the world's largest and most prominent LGBTQ+ populations. Brian Silverman, the author of Frommer's New York City from $90 a Day, wrote the city has "one of the world's largest, loudest, and most powerful LGBT communities", and "Gay and lesbian culture is as much a part of New York's basic identity as yellow cabs, high-rise buildings, and Broadway theatre". LGBT travel guide Queer in the World states, "The fabulosity of Gay New York is unrivaled on Earth, and queer culture seeps into every corner of its five boroughs". LGBT advocate and entertainer Madonna stated metaphorically, "Anyways, not only is New York City the best place in the world because of the queer people here. Let me tell you something, if you can make it here, then you must be queer."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eagle Houston</span> Gay bar in Houston, Texas, U.S.

Eagle Houston, also known as The Eagle, is a gay bar in Montrose, Houston, Texas. It is one of many unaffiliated gay bars in dozens of different cities using the "Eagle" name, and caters to the leather and bear subcultures. It sponsors the Mr. Texas Eagle leather competition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chuck Renslow</span> American businessperson and gay culture pioneer (1929 – 2017)

Charles "Chuck" Renslow was an American businessman, known for pioneering homoerotic male photography in the mid-20th-century US, and establishing many landmarks of late-20th-century gay culture and leather culture, especially in the Chicago area. His accomplishments included the cofounding with Tony DeBlase of the Leather Archives and Museum, the co-founding with Dom Orejudos of the Gold Coast bar, Man's Country bathhouse, and the International Mr. Leather competition, and the founding by himself alone of Chicago's August White Party, and the magazines Triumph, Rawhide, and Mars. He was a romantic partner of Dom Orejudos as well as Chuck Arnett, Samuel Steward, David Grooms, and Ron Ehemann.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ culture in Vancouver</span>

Vancouver's LGBT community is centered on Davie Village. Commercial Drive has historically acted as a gayborhood for the Vancouver lesbian community. Historically, LGBT people have also gathered in the Chinatown and Gastown neighborhoods. Former establishments include Dino's Turkish Baths, a gay bathhouse on Hastings, and the city's first drag bar, BJ's, on Pender Street.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seattle Eagle</span> Gay bar in Seattle, Washington, U.S.

Seattle Eagle, or The Eagle, is a gay bar in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, in the U.S. state of Washington.

LGBT culture in St. Louis is characterized by a long history of progressive activism as well as racial divisions and the city/county divide. St. Louis city is relatively liberal with multiple gayborhoods and several LGBT organizations. In 2019, Realtor.com dubbed St. Louis the 8th most LGBT-friendly city. Due to hostile legislation at the state level, however, it has become common for LGBT residents to relocate to Illinois for better protections and healthcare access.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Industry Bar</span> Gay bar and nightclub in Manhattan, New York City

Industry Bar, or simply Industry, is a gay bar and nightclub in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. Owned by Bob Pontarelli, it is a sister establishment to Barracuda, a gay bar, and Elmo, a restaurant. Industry opened in 2010 and caters primarily to a crowd of young gay men and tourists. Its musical selection is mostly pop, and its live entertainment consists of a number of weekly drag shows, many of which are hosted by internationally recognized drag queens. New York City nightlife journalists frequently note Industry as one of the top gay venues in Manhattan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the LGBT community</span> Impact of COVID-19 on the LGBTQ+ community

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted inequities experienced by marginalized populations, and has had a significant impact on the LGBT community. Gay pride events were cancelled or postponed worldwide. More than 220 gay pride celebrations around the world were canceled or postponed in 2020, and in response a Global Pride event was hosted online. LGBTQ+ people also tend to be more likely to have pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, HIV/AIDS, cancer, or obesity, that would worsen their chances of survival if they became infected with COVID-19. They are also more likely to smoke.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Eagle (bar)</span> Name shared by multiple gay bars

The Eagle is a name used by multiple gay bars. It is not a franchise or chain of gay bars, but rather a name adopted by bars inspired by The Eagle's Nest, a leather bar in New York City. Bars that use the name "Eagle" typically cater to a clientele of gay men in leather and other kink subcultures. As of 2017, over 30 gay bars in locations around the world operate under the name "Eagle".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ culture in Istanbul</span>

Istanbul is generally tolerant of LGBTQ people, at least compared to elsewhere in Turkey.

References

  1. ↑ Baldas, Tresa. "Photographer sues iconic Detroit gay bar over steamy photo used to promote military night". Detroit Free Press. Archived from the original on 2023-03-24. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  2. ↑ Green, Randiah Camille. "Detroit's Menjos hosting benefit concert for Club Q following horrific shooting". Detroit Metro Times. Archived from the original on 2023-03-24. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  3. ↑ Staff, Metro Times. "The hottest hookup bars in metro Detroit [PHOTOS]". Detroit Metro Times. Archived from the original on 2023-03-24. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  4. ↑ "Why Madonna Was Banned from a Gay Bar in Detroit in the '70s, as Legend Has It". www.deadlinedetroit.com. Archived from the original on 2023-03-24. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  5. ↑ Herberg, Melissa Mason, Laura (2016-07-11). "CuriosiD: Did Detroit Ever Have A 'Gayborhood'?". WDET 101.9 FM. Retrieved 2023-11-30.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. ↑ "Why Madonna Was Banned from a Gay Bar in Detroit in the '70s, as Legend Has It". www.deadlinedetroit.com. Archived from the original on 2023-03-24. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  7. ↑ Staff, Metro Times. "The hottest hookup bars in metro Detroit [PHOTOS]". Detroit Metro Times. Archived from the original on 2023-03-24. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
  8. ↑ "Why Madonna Was Banned from a Gay Bar in Detroit in the '70s, as Legend Has It". www.deadlinedetroit.com. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
  9. ↑ DeVito, Lee. "Menjo's is making a museum of Detroit's gay history". Detroit Metro Times. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
  10. ↑ "Why Madonna Was Banned from a Gay Bar in Detroit in the '70s, as Legend Has It". www.deadlinedetroit.com. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
  11. ↑ "Why Madonna Was Banned from a Gay Bar in Detroit in the '70s, as Legend Has It". www.deadlinedetroit.com. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
  12. ↑ "Why Madonna Was Banned from a Gay Bar in Detroit in the '70s, as Legend Has It". www.deadlinedetroit.com. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
  13. ↑ "Why Madonna Was Banned from a Gay Bar in Detroit in the '70s, as Legend Has It". www.deadlinedetroit.com. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
  14. ↑ "Why Madonna Was Banned from a Gay Bar in Detroit in the '70s, as Legend Has It". www.deadlinedetroit.com. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
  15. ↑ DeVito, Lee. "Menjo's is making a museum of Detroit's gay history". Detroit Metro Times. Retrieved 2023-10-11.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.