There comes a time in every LGBT person's life where you pass through the vail of cover fees and doormen into the wonderful yet hectic world of nightclubs (which is basically just an overwhelming and fantastical world of party atmosphere, musical sensation, and body heat).

Now, for those of you who are on the verge of experiencing this all for the first time, here's what you need to know...

1. DO get comfortable

There’s nothing that will ruin the night faster, for yourself and others, than you being in your head the whole time and clinging to the walls. Gay bars are a place of freedom, so embrace that inner dancing queen and let loose. As is scripture, the whole experience becomes easier with a drink or two, but make sure you’re not completely relying on your friends Vodka and Tequila to get you through the night.

2. DON’T be on your phone the whole time

You came out to have a good time, meet people, and lose yourself in the lights and physiques of go-go dancers. You can’t enjoy all that clubbing has to offer with eyes locked on Instagram or Candy Crush or any kind of screen for that matter. Now go make some scandalous stories to shock your future grandkids with!

3. DO know your limits!

Drinks are fun, but not when you get sloppy. Men are fun, but don’t put yourself in an uncomfortable or precarious situation with one or multiple. Make sure that energy of yours is conserved. You'll have plenty more opportunities in your lifetime to go out and have fun, so there's no need to go HAM on your first time. 

4. DON'T be afraid to dance with people who aren’t your friends

This one is particularly nerve-racking and daunting (trust me, we’ve all been there). But after you’ve assessed that the person isn’t a weirdo, opening yourself up to dance with that attractive newcomer will ultimately be a positive experience.

5. DO make sure you’ve got condoms!!!

You never know where the night might take you come 2 o'clock. If you find yourself in the back of an Uber with a new friend, you want to be safe and protected. You do NOT want to risk STDs.

6. DON'T lose track of your finances

During a fun night out on the town, it is dangerously easy to spend a solid $200 or more on drinks, Uber rides, cover fees, and lord knows what else. You don't have to be the hero and buy all your friends shots. Make sure you've got control over your credit cards and debit cards.

7. DO be respectful!

If you want drinks, you got to be nice and respectful, not only to the bartender, but to everyone. Gay bars are a kind of sanctuary, so don’t be that rude person complaining the whole time and killing everyone’s buzz. If you are respectful and fun, chances are others will be the same to you.

(Lead photo by Sarthak Navjivan on Unsplash.)