Although Temple is located in the heart of farm country and just a few miles from the nation's largest military base, this Texas city is surprisingly tolerant of the gay/lesbian lifestyle. Outright bigotry and violence against gays is quite rare here. However, Temple is a largely conservative Christian town. Dressing flamboyant or openly flaunting your sexuality is not recommended if you want to avoid shocked stares and whispers.
The GLBT community in Temple is small; there is no established "gay district" and there are only a couple of gay bars. Plenty of other nightclubs in the city attract a gay and lesbian clientele but only two clubs market themselves exclusively to the GLBT community: Partners 4 (P4) and Texas Rumors.
Owned by a lesbian couple, Partners 4 (also known as P4) has earned a special place in the hearts of Temple's GLBT community. P4 regulars are very loyal to the club---some have been there nearly every weekend since P4 first opened its doors in 2007---making it feel more like you're partying with your own circle of friends than a group of total strangers.
Featuring a full liquor bar, deejays, dancing and regular "diva" shows, which are always elaborate and colorful productions, P4 is open on weekends only (9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays). The club club caters to gay, lesbian and alternative lifestyles but everyone is welcome---gay or straight. P4's motto is "be safe and be yourself with us."
Partners 4
414 S. 1st Street
Temple, TX 76504
254-742-1224
myspace.com/Partners4Club
Texas Rumors bills itself as "the number one alternative nightclub in central Texas," although they have yet to match P4's popularity. The place is huge and lively and appeals to the younger gay and lesbian crowd. Featuring drag shows, dancers (yes, clothes come off!), karaoke, numerous pool tables and dart boards, there's plenty of variety to keep you happily entertained for hours. A live deejay keeps the techno music pumping, and videos play continuously on multiple screens around the club.
Texas Rumors usually has a cover charge, except on Thursdays for karaoke night. Potential drawbacks? No full bar: the club only serves beer and wine. Also, smoking is permitted throughout, so if you're sensitive to smoke you'll probably spend a lot of time on the outdoor patio. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. (except for the months of April through September when the club open at 4 p.m.).
Texas Rumors
2503 S. General Bruce Drive
Temple, Texas 76504
254-899-1950
None---there are only two gay bars in Temple, Texas.
