About THe Little Gay Pub
The Little Gay Pub was born from the friendship, vision, and lived experiences of three lifelong bartenders who shared a dream: to build a bar that felt like home. Co-owners Dusty Martinez, Dito Sevilla, and Benjamin Gander each spent years working in D.C.’s queer nightlife scene—learning the ropes, building community, and creating spaces where people felt seen, safe, and celebrated.
The Owners
Dusty started his journey as a gogo boy at the iconic Town Danceboutique before working his way up to barback, then bartender at Number Nine, and later returning to Town to help open its legendary patio, where he served as bar manager. He went on to become general manager at Trade, where he helped shape one of D.C.’s most beloved queer bars.
Dito, known for his vibrant personality and deep roots in hospitality, helped shape the charm of Floriana’s basement bar and became a fixture of queer nightlife through his sharp eye for detail, design, and storytelling.
Benjamin, meanwhile, brought his calm, operations-minded approach to venues like Number Nine, developing a reputation for thoughtful service and solid leadership. He played a key role in shaping the bar’s environment and its classic cocktail menu.
How LGP started
Their paths often crossed over the years, and in many ways, they were always working alongside one another—if not at the same venue, then within the same circles, sharing ideas and a mutual respect for each other’s work.
When the pandemic hit and the world paused, the three of them began seriously discussing what their ideal bar would look like. The dream had always been there, but the stillness of lockdown gave it clarity: they wanted to create a space rooted in community, warmth, and joy—something intimate and intentional, built from the inside out.
In 2023, that dream became a reality when The Little Gay Pub opened its doors in Washington, D.C.’s Logan Circle neighborhood.
Small by design and big on heart, the bar quickly became known for its leather club chairs, marble-topped bar, vintage-inspired lighting, and carefully curated décor that pays homage to queer history and pop culture. From the moment you walk in, it’s clear that this isn’t just a bar—it’s a love letter to the LGBTQ+ community, written by people who’ve lived in it, worked in it, and grown with it for decades.
More than just a place to grab a drink, The Little Gay Pub is about connection—where conversations flow as easily as the cocktails, and everyone is welcome to pull up a stool and stay awhile. The trio’s combined strengths—Dusty’s leadership and operational know-how, Dito’s event savvy and storytelling flair, and Benjamin’s thoughtful behind-the-scenes precision—created a perfect equation. Together, they’ve shaped a space that feels effortless, yet intentional in every way.
That dream didn’t stop in D.C. In 2025, the trio brought their vision to life once again—this time in the heart of the City of Brotherly and Sisterly Love. The Little Gay Pub Philadelphia opened its doors with the same spirit, charm, and sense of community that made the original so beloved. While the space is larger—with two full bars, a rooftop deck, and a cozy terrace—the feeling inside is exactly the same: warm, joyful, welcoming, and proudly queer.
Dusty, Dito, and Benjamin continue to be hands-on with both locations, holding fast to their original dream: to create spaces that aren’t just places to drink, but places to belong. Rooted in friendship, powered by love, and built for the entire LGBTQ+ community, The Little Gay Pub is more than a name—it’s a promise.
No matter which city you’re in—or which city we might pop up in next—you’re always welcome at The Little Gay Pub.