We’ve noticed some folks searching for "Gorilla Gay Bar" when looking for our events. While we love a good jungle party, our name actually comes from "guerrilla", a term for grassroots, pop-up activism and event planning.

A guerrilla gay bar is a spontaneous, pop-up LGBTQ+ nightlife event where a group of queer folks and allies take over a typically straight venue for the night, instantly transforming it into a safe and welcoming LGBTQ+ space. These events create visibility, foster community, and add a fun twist to nightlife.

The word "guerrilla" comes from the Spanish term for "little war," referring to grassroots, tactical movements—kind of like our efforts to create instant queer joy in unexpected places! Meanwhile, "gorilla" refers to the animal—though if you're looking for a wild night out, don't miss our annual event at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, where we celebrate queer community in the heart of Syracuse’s favorite wildlife destination!