For Latinos, these nightlife spaces reflected the dance-driven cultures of their native countries, but also provided an openly gay atmosphere that, for many, was not available back home.
Neighborhood bars and clubs have historically played an important role in the lives of LGBT immigrants. Though Jackson Heights’ LGBT community was predominantly white dating back to the 1920s, many gay Hispanics moved in as part of a large influx of Latino immigrants in the 1970s and 1980s. Valentin, who along with Villa also operates the nearby Club Evolution, has called this stretch of Roosevelt Avenue “the gay Village for Latinos,” in reference to the historically gay white enclave of Greenwich Village in Manhattan. Owned by Puerto Rican-born Eddie Valentin and Colombian-born Casimiro Villa, who are also personal partners, Friend’s, like other nearby bars on and around Roosevelt Avenue, caters primarily to the LGBT Latino community.
The modest storefront itself pre-dates Friend’s, with the exception of the business sign and the awning, which, at one time, included the slogan, “There is always time for friends.”
Friend’s Tavern (popularly referred to as Friend’s) has been in business at this location since 1989 and is considered the oldest operating gay bar in Queens.
