Words: Dani Willgress with special thanks to the BIMM Queer Society

London’s queer scene is bursting at the edges for entertainment, but sometimes the amount of choice can be a bit overwhelming when you want to explore LGBT+ spaces for the first time. Here’s our guide to the best spots whether you’re looking for a casual sober event or you fancy going out-out.

Gay’s The Word 

• Love reading? If that’s a yes you need to check out Gay’s The Word. They were an activist hotspot for LGBT rights back in the 1980 being at the forefront of protest for equality in London. Along with being a great community hub, Gay’s The Word stock books on everything queer. The wide variety of topics from sci-fi and fantasy to thrillers and teen fiction, means there’s a book for everyone.  Gay’s the word was also the hub for the LGSM (Lesbian and Gays Support The Miners) and playing a vital part in the organisation of protests as well as being a safe space for the LGBT+ community, which it still is today. 

Closest station – Russel Square

For more information see www.gaystheword.co.uk

The Glasshouse Community Hub

• Glasshouse have recently opened a queer community centre in their event space holding a whole range of events for people in the LGBTQIA+ community. They host both free and paid for events including: writing circles, art classes, speed dating, dance sessions, social gathers and so much more. Those are just some of the events on this week, with more being announced very regularly. The Glasshouse sounds a wonderful safe space for all, the perfect place to make new friends in the community. 

Closest station – Shoreditch Highstreet (Overground)

For more information about upcoming events follow @glasshouselondon

G.IRL events

• Primarily G.irl is a nightclub event, which occasionally run speed dating events. It’s a great place to meet new people and maybe even a special someone. Their February and March event has sold out but follow their instagram for updates on new events  

For more information see girleventslondon.com

Vauxhall Tavern 

– Named the ‘Ultimate’ gay pub in London by the BIMM Queer Society. It is shrouded in queer history. The venue showcases events on everything queer from drag performances to cabaret and club nights.

Closest station – Vauxhall

For more information see – www.vauxhalltavern.com/

Dalston Superstore

• An excellent community hub which functions as a queer club, cabaret spot, cafe and gallery. It hosts a very welcoming atmosphere and is well known for it’s local drag performances and other queer related events.

Closest station – Dalston Kingsland (Overground)

More information here – dalstonsuperstore.com/

She Soho

• Bar and night club exclusively for Female and Femme identifying queers. It is part of the KU group catering to women, non binary folks and their guests. They provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere running various events, follow their socials to keep up to date. 

Closest station – Leicester Square

For more information follow their Instagram

Harpies at Metropolis 

– This is the first LGBTQIA+ strip club centred around Trans+ bodies. They organise a disco in the club every Saturday, focused on celebrating trans and queer bodies.

Closest station – Cambridge Heath (Overground)

More information here – metropolisclub.co.uk/event/harpies/