Address | 775 North High Street |
---|---|
Location | Columbus, Ohio, U.S. |
Type | Gay bar |
Axis Nightclub is a gay bar and nightclub in The Short North, Columbus, Ohio.
The multi-level dance club[1] has hosted drag acts and competitions ("So You Think You Can Drag?"),[2][3][4] including Miss Gay Heart of America[5] and performances by RuPaul's Drag Race contestants Alaska Thunderfuck, Asia O'Hara,[6] BenDeLaCreme, Bianca Del Rio, Sasha Velour, Shangela, and Yuhua Hamasaki,[7][8] among others.[9] Local drag queen Nina West hosts the show "Heels of Horror" annually,[10][11] as well as drag competitions.[12]
Rajesh Lahoti is an owner of the bar.[13][14][15]
Axis has been described at Columbus' most popular gay bar. In 2001, the bar's general manager estimated that 20 to 25 percent of clientele were Ohio State University students.[16] In 2014, Axis' fifth annual "Night of 100 Drag Queens" reportedly broke the record for the largest drag show, with 55 participants, who performed to "It's Raining Men".[17] Also in 2014, Axis hosted the inaugural Shooting Star Awards, and won the award for Best Nightclub.[18] The nightclub hosted Miss Gay USofA at Large in 2016.[19]
Shawnie Kelley, author of Insiders' Guide to Columbus, Ohio (2003), said the bar "is becoming a staple of Columbus nightlife for gay and straight, men and women alike".[20]