User:Sean.dempsey1231/Trexx Bar

Trexx Bar
Trexx Bar is an LGBTQ+ nightclub located in Syracuse, New York. It is located at 323 S. Clinton Street, a part of the historic Clinton Square in Syracuse. Trexx is a gay bar that hosts drag shows, local music artists, and other themed events on the weekends.

History of Trexx
Trexx was founded in 1995 by Danny Liadka, but is also co-owned by Al Salotti. The original location was at 319 S. Clinton St. before moving in the 2000s to its current location. Liadka was the former owner of another called ‘Screamers’, which closed down shortly before the opening of Trexx.

In May of 2001, The Pride Center in Syracuse closed down. Ray of Hope Church, a congregation that accepts all sexualities and denominations within its parish, chose Trexx Bar as their meeting place. The location started as a place that was for lesbian and gay people to come together in a safe environment.

However, since COVID, the bar has struggled to keep business going, so it has become a popular bar for college students and some underage students to go for night life in Syracuse. Unfortunately, the community has talked about Trexx and how it has not gone back to its old ways of being a traditional gay bar.

Events
Trexx opened as and still has its popular drag shows on the weekends. The bar now features two dance floor spaces, two bars and pool tables in the back. Along with their main attraction which is drag shows, Trexx also promotes for local performers and held local dance competitions.

Every Saturday night at Trexx is 21+, but Fridays and Sundays are recognized as nights for 18 and up. Much of the music played at Trexx is upbeat dance music.

Current Trexx drag show dancers talk about their experiences at the bar as a "new home" for them. Before the drag shows the performers are booked to Trexx that night and given costumes and a plethora of make up to wear before going out on stage for the night. Fred Donath is the Thursday night host for Trexx and books performers for the night and even hosts prizes for new performers. Donath started at Trexx in 2009 as a performer and has worked his way up as the lead host of drag shows at Trexx.

Accolades
In 2016, Trexx was voted Best LGBT-Friendly Bar by Syracuse New Times.

In 2023, Trexx received the awards for Best Pickup Joint and Best Gay/Lesbian Bar from the Best of CNY.

Previous Criminal Activity
In 2002, Michael Konseck was sentenced to 11 and a half years in prison for providing underage teens with ecstasy and luring them into sex with him at Trexx. He was a “known pedophile within the gay community and was often seen in the presence of young boys," according to someone who testified against him. Konseck later petitioned the court in 2009. Trexx owners Liadka and Salotti said they had no knowledge of Konseck’s crimes.

On January 23, 2016, a 30-year old man was stabbed outside of Trexx after a fight occurred inside. The victim had non-life threatening injuries. Daquaill Martin, 19 at the time, was charged with felony second-degree assault and misdemeanor fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

LGBTQ+ Community In Syracuse
The Syracuse Guerrilla Gay Bar & Cafe hosts monthly events at local gay bars and cafes around the city for the LGBTQ+ community. Trexx is often one of the gathering places for this community, as it is one of few gay bars still open within the City of Syracuse.

In 2001, Syracuse ranked 30th on Girlfriends magazine's list of Top 10 Best Lesbian Places to Live, with Trexx being cited as one of the LGBTQ-friendly venues within the community.