As one of the most popular bars and food places in downtown Laramie 8 Bytes Café ensures a welcoming environment and exceptional service to all their customers. As a ‘Safe Bar,’ they are showing their support to the LGBTQ+ community by hosting their weekly Pride Nights.
Pride Nights are put together every Thursday and attracts many local residents who are also members of the LGBTQ+ community. It is a wonderful opportunity for all members and allies to enjoy games, shows, good food and drinks in a night dedicated to them.
“We pride ourselves of being a ‘Safe Bar’ meaning we do not discriminate members of any community and we work hard to create a safe environment for all of our customers so that they may fully enjoy our service,” 8 Bytes staff member, Chris Stratton said. “Pride Nights are a great way for people of the LGBTQ+ community to come experience the secure atmosphere we have created for them”.
8 Bytes staff members have and continue to devote their time laboriously to ensure that every Thursday night is entertaining and unique. They strive to host different events and shows for pleasure of the guests.
One of the shows people look forward to, are the monthly Drag Queen Bingo Nights. 8 Bytes Café often works with the Laramie Dragonettes, a local drag troupe.
Other events that they put up are Karaoke Nights, Game Nights and live dance music. Local musician, DJ Shmeeka, also can be found at 8 Bytes on a regular basis.
The staff at 8 Bytes feel that Pride Nights are important for the recognition of the LGBTQ+ community, to offer a safe and welcome space.
“We have staff members who are also part of the community, so we enjoy hosting these events,” Stratton said. “The theme is come dance, mingle and express yourself in a safe environment!”
Attention to environment safety is not only for members of the LGBTQ+ community but for all that come in for their service. The servers and bartenders work steadily to ensure that all their customers feel safe and satisfied.
As an action to increase safety and prevent sexual harassment toward girls, they have introduced a “special drinks” menu that females can order at the bar if the feel they are in danger. The staff is prepared to immediately help the victim and warrant that she reaches her destination safely.
“Given the political climate and the uncertainty surrounding legal issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, it is important for that community to come together”, the Laramie resident who organizes the city’s inaugural PrideFest, Robert West said.
More residents have become comfortable with coming out and expressing their individual selves. Laramie High School has established an organization named SALLY, or Safe Area for Laramie LGBTQ+ Youth organization to provide a ‘Safe Zone’ for the students.
The Rainbow Resource Center is also a service that works as a resource for the students, faculty and staff of the University of Wyoming. Their goal is to provide a safe and supportive place for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, and queer individuals and their families and friends. The RRC welcomes all, regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, age, gender or affiliation with the University.
8 Bytes Café pride themselves in being a contributor to this community. The special night created for the LGBTQ+ community and all of the LGBTQ+ supporters is a huge crowd gatherer.
Laramie resident, Sarah Dupper said in a review that 8 Bytes is her favorite bar in Laramie. There’s always something fun happening, the drinks are generous, and the food is amazing, not to mention how open they’ve been to hosting events for Laramie’s often overlooked LGBTQ+ community.
