This article was made in partnership with Visit Dallas.
Miss Benny is a true Texan!
As a notable transgender model and actress who’s taking on bigger projects in Hollywood, the star is proud to represent the state she grew up in. While the entertainment industry has taken her all over the world, Benny is thrilled whenever she gets to visit her home and celebrate queer joy at popular establishments.
After all, Miss Benny says Dallas will always feel like home. From the LGBTQ+ nightlife of Oak Lawn and Cedar Springs to the local hot spots that shaped her childhood, the city holds a special place in the OUT100 honoree's heart.
Oak Lawn.Courtesy Visit Dallas
With her career skyrocketing in Hollywood, the actress and model still loves returning to her hometown to revisit her favorite spots, reconnect with the community, and discover new reasons to fall in love with Dallas all over again.
“Dallas was a huge part of my childhood growing up. I’ve always identified as someone from Dallas. Any time I go back, I tell my parents I have to hit my favorite places. Texas has a huge part of my heart. It’s always going to be home for me,” Benny tells Out.
Benny discovered many hot spots throughout Dallas that helped her navigate her journey as a trans woman. The culture throughout the landmark Texas city is vibrant, diverse, and very inclusive.
Oak Lawn and Round-Up Saloon on a bright sunny day.Courtesy Visit Dallas
In fact, the gayborhood in Dallas Oak Lawn is found on Cedar Springs Road and packed with LGBTQ+ bars, restaurants, retail shops, and entertainment venues. Gay travelers have likely stopped into staples like The Round Up Saloon, the largest gay Honky Tonk in the world, and S4, but there’s one particular spot that Benny loves the most.
“I always try to go back to Texas at least once or twice a year. I’m really excited to hit up the gay bars and hopefully people will find me there! My favorite queer bar is Sue Ellen’s, one of the largest lesbian bars in the country. Shout out to the lesbians! We have to love our lesbian bars. Especially as queer people, we have to make sure lesbians are respected and heard. God knows we’d be nothing without them!”
Take it from Miss Benny, Dallas is a queer destination that’s not to be missed. From the electric LGBTQ+ scene to the hidden gems that bring the community together, this Southern destination should be on every queer person’s bucket list.
