Palms on Oxford: The Only Queer Owned Venue in Sydney

Palms on Oxford holds a unique and cherished spot in the Sydney queer community, and has for almost 25 years. As the go-to dive bar on Oxford St, the venue has recently undergone a significant facelift, maintaining its thriving atmosphere. 

Palms also happens to be the only queer-owned LGBTQIA+ venue on Oxford Street, speaking to the venue’s authenticity and commitment to protecting our community. In their own words, they are “gay owned, staffed and run”. This puts them in a surprisingly short list of LGBTQIA+ venues nation wide which can boast this title. Palms is queer from head to toe, quite literally. 

Recently, the venue has expanded its brand to include performances and shows during the week. These shows feature the Sydney legend Penny D, Maxi Shield and Faux Fur from Drag Race Down Under, and some of the best DJs Sydney has to offer including Victoria Anthony, Johny Blue Boy, Tom Rogers, & many more. 

Anyone who is paying attention to the ever-changing nightlife scene on Oxford Street can see that Palms is one of Sydney’s exemplar queer venues and is putting significant effort into maintaining that reputation. 

Gay Sydney Australia got the chance to talk to a representative of Palms about the venue’s iconic atmosphere and what’s coming up. Take a look. 

Can you give us a brief snapshot of what someone who has never visited Palms on Oxford can expect, walking into the venue?

Palms has a predominately gay clientele, in the 25-55 age bracket. We’re known for being a basement retro disco bar with fun & camp decor, mirror balls, feathers, large video screens, lasers, smoke machines and neon signs galore.

What makes Palms on Oxford unique to gay Sydney nightlife?

Palms is the ONLY gay-owned, run  & staffed venue on Oxford Street. We play classic 80s dance tracks through to current, with a focus on vocal-heavy danceable remixes that appeal to all age demographics.

Tell us about the history of the venue.

Palms in its current iteration has been the go-to no-attitude fun retro disco on Oxford Street since 2000. 

In what ways is the venue actively maintaining being a “safe space” for queer people?

Palms has a door policy that strongly favours our core clientele (gay/LGBQTI+). As Oxford Street has changed in recent times, our door policy has evolved to push back to ensure the comfort and diversity of the venue and to make sure we remain true to our core customers.

Does the venue have any exciting future plans you can share with us ?