PiPress and Strib Cover Gay Bar Events

Has it been a slow news lately? Or are Twin Cities LGBT bars getting more exciting? The Pioneer Press' "Hidden Twin Cities" video project takes a look behind the scenes at a recent holiday drag show at the Townhouse in St. Paul.

Also, last week, the Star Tribune "Nightlife" section had a feature about the Fiesta Latino night at the Saloon and how the Twin Cities has been a magnet for LGBT immigrants because of the relative openness of our culture:

Peña, who's steered the show for almost four years, said nights like this are still rare in local Latino clubs, and even rarer back home -- he moved here from Puerto Rico five years ago.

"In my country, if you are a man, you are a man," Peña said. "In this country, I can be whatever I want. I can dress up like a girl and nobody will laugh."

Family members who had moved to Minnesota before him told Peña that the state is more welcoming than other parts of the country. He agrees, except for one thing:

"I like Minnesota, but it's too cold!"

You got that right!