San Francisco may be more known for its LGBTQ+ history, but Oakland is home to one of the oldest operating gay bars in the nation.
The White Horse Bar hasn’t closed its doors since 1933. The term “queer bar” is more accurate for today. The White Horse remains a place to enjoy good company, drinks, and fun events, and a safe space for everyone under the rainbow umbrella: lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, non-binary, questioning, and more.
Located on Telegraph Ave at 66th St. in North Oakland near the Berkeley border, a rainbow-colored crosswalk bridges the major thoroughfare and leads you to the entrance.
The phrase “Love is Love” is painted out front on the electrical transformer box just outside of the bar. Once operated by the businessman who owned the Grand Lake Theater, it’s had various owners over its over 90 year history.
Fun with Love is Patty Dingle’s mission
“Fun with Love” is the mission of the White Horse, according to its current owner, Patty Dingle. She first attended the White Horse Bar as a patron in the 1990s when there was a regular Thursday night hip hop night. She is a lesbian of color. Having worked in bars most of her career, it is a proud feat that, since December 2022, she is the sole owner.
Throughout the years, she has participated in the bar scene in almost every capacity, except disc jockey (DJ). The bulk of the time at bars was in San Francisco. As an Oakland resident, though, she insisted when she purchased a space that it also be in Oakland.
Oakland reflects who I am
“San Francisco was not reflective of who I am, Oakland is me,” Dingle said. However, she is grateful for the mentors she acquired in the City who have run major venues and parties such as Club Universe and Q Bar.
When she purchased the White Horse, Dingle committed to providing diverse programming. Unlike other niche bars, the White Horse boasts a variety of events such as: ASL (American Sign Language) open mics, acoustic open mics, burlesque shows, drag king and queen shows, comedy, karaoke, queer pop-up holiday markets, dating meet-ups, business gatherings, watch parties, billiards, and sports on the screens. Recently, with all the momentum behind the Valkyries, a new LGBTQ+ group formed, called the “Valqueeries.” They have made the White Horse their home base and meet at the White Horse to watch games.
The White Horse plays a range of music from Hip Hop to House. Monthly parties include international and local legendary DJs like Page Hodel, Olga T, Lady Ryan, and DJ Rapture on the turntables. There is a stage, DJ booth, boxes for go-go dancers,a second bar, and a large dance floor for folks to get down and boogie.
Fun with love comes in different ways for different patrons. It’s a laid back place to gather and grab a drink on a week night “Happy Hour,” or to shoot pool. Groups like East Bay Baddie Billiards practice and compete there.
“It feels like a safe space”
Christopher Mina has been going to the White Horse since the late 1990’s.
“What keeps me coming back are the people that work here and the friends that I’ve made.” Mina said. He remembers bringing family members to hang out, drink and introduce them to the friends and the owner. A cousin of his also identifies as a part of the LQBTQ+ community. They’ve enjoyed hanging out together at the bar.
“It feels like a safe space and there’s a variety of people from all types of backgrounds,” Mina said.
Over the years, Mina’s seen the bar change hands. Since Dingle became the owner, he noticed the place has been spiffed up. There’s no more smoking section or the carpet that made it smell like a casino. When Mina goes to meet friends for karaoke – or “Queeraoke” as they call it at the White Horse – there’s a new sound system.
“It’s a place I will always come back to and I will always introduce friends to it.” Mina said.
“The diversity has multiplied”
Mina’s friend Raymond Ogwin first visited the White Horse in 2022. He was looking to relocate to the Bay Area. He bought a home in San Francisco, but works in Oakland. He stops by the White Horse after work for happy hour, good company, and drinks. Ogwin has felt comfortable since his first visit, which keeps him coming back.
“The diversity has multiplied,” Ogwin said. “I see a lot of people of color and women being in a space they feel they are a part of.” Ogwin credits this change to Dingle’s ownership. Her hospitality, friendly bartenders, new friends, fun, and the acceptance he feels is what keeps Ogwin returning. “Not only does it provide a safe space for the LGBTQ community, it has a great calendar of events for different folks. However you identify, there is definitely a space for you,” Ogwin said.
Even dogs are welcome.
“Us gay folks love us some animals!” Dingle said.
There are permanent paw prints set in the concrete outside.
One of her most memorable moments was when a regular patron brought her dog into the bar when it was at the end of its life. The dog was too told to walk and had to be transported in a wagon. The White Horse was one of the dog’s favorite places, its owner told Dingle. That evening, everyone at the bar showered the dog with love by petting and praising the canine, Dingle said. She keeps dog treats in stock behind the bar. On most nights, a new dog named “Conway” can be found at the White Horse. And whether or not an event is scheduled, he steals the show.
Queeroake and Pride
Every Tuesday and Thursday at 8 p.m., the White Horse hosts “Queeroake.” Noor Lino started coming a few years ago on Friday nights.
Lino appreciates the diversity.
“I love that not one person looks the same here,” Lino said. “I love the diversity that we have. Whether that is in identities or different ethnocentric and diverse people.”
For a year they’ve been karaoke DJ, singer/performer, and host of “Queeraoke.” One of their favorite memories was during Pride.
“This past year hosting the Pride competition was really fun to see all the people who came out,” Lino said. “Regulars or new people ready to devote up to a full month coming and singing and having a good time.”
“For a lot of folks, it was the only place for them”
Dingle’s heard stories about folks going to queer bars most of their life because they couldn’t be themselves at home or out and about in the streets.
“For a lot of folks, it was the only place for them,” Dingle said. The White Horse remains a safe and inclusive community that all can attend a feel seen and a part of. A place for queer folks to experience “Fun with Love.”
Even though people may starve, die, and suffer all over the world, Dingle said she can play a bigger piece by playing a significant role right here at home in Oakland.
“I focus on the people right here in front of me and the love we all deserve,” Dingle said. By ensuring the doors remain open at the White Horse and everyone from her staff, to anyone who comes through its double doors, experiences “Fun with Love.”
At the White Horse, “Our joy is our resistance is tangible,” Dingle said.
As for the future of the White Horse, she hopes future owners will sprinkle their own seasoning and still keep its essence.
“I want the future of the White Horse to be that it evolves because our community evolves,” Dingle said. “At the end of the day someone is going to need a safe space to be themselves.”
This is the third of a series by Tanna Samone focused on Oakland’s queer community. Read her work about three Black, queer comedians and the Critical Hit Comedy Show.
Great article Tanna. And the photos are fire.