With London being such a big city, LGBT+ spaces are essential for keeping the community alive and providing safe spaces for people to express themselves. Whether you're after a cup of coffee or a big night out, here are a few recommendations...
By day
Gay's The Word (Bloomsbury)
Situated just 5 minutes walk from the main campus, Gay's the Word is the UK's oldest LGBT+ bookshop! Opened in 1979, it operates not just as a bookshop but also as a community hub and plays host to numerous events throughout the year. Take a trip and check out their selection of badges, DVDs and fiction and non-fiction books!
Corner Cafe (New Cross)
Serving up espresson with a side of art, Corner is an LGBTQ+ led neighbourhood coffee shop and creative space that opened last year. They host a range of interesting events and exhibitions, which you can stay up to date with on their Instagram page.
On the side of the cafe, you'll be able to see the LGBTQ+ mural - "A celebration of queer identity.
A recognition of our shared differences, and our shared values.
Exploring ambiguity in gender and sexuality
Glass House (Brick Lane)
Glass House is a multidisciplinary LGBTQIA+ venue right at the top of Brick Lane. There's The Common Press, a bookshop and cafe and The Commons, a multimedia events space. They're all about promoting intersectionality and inclusivity, and act as a platform for the work of LGBTQ+ people. They've got something for everyone in their bookshop, from graphic novels to cookbooks to LGBTQ+ dating zines.
By night
The Glory (Haggerston)
Pub in the day and club by night, The Glory is a queer venue run by queer people and frequented by creatives. They've got shows going on downstairs most days (see What’s On), and a disco at the weekends with DJs and surprise drag guests...
Bethnal Green Working Men's Club
While its name might be deceiving, Bethnal Green Working Men's Club has quickly become one of the most inclusive queer spaces in London. Every week they run a range of top quality LGBTQ+ nights - from drag shows to a queer indie disco.
Dalston Superstore
Dalston Superstore is the hub of East London's queer community, serving the LGBTQ+ community for 12+ years. They've got drag brunches on the weekends, club nights throughout the week and frozen margaritas on tap. What more could you need?
Glittoris @ Phineas
Glittoris is our monthly LGBTQ+ club night at Phineas, and we're not just being biased when we say it's unmissable! It's been going for 8 years now, and for good reason - with drag queens hosting a night of lip-sync battles and top pop anthems. Come for the drinks deals, stay for the Britney Spears and ABBA on the playlist.
Events
It's worth mentioning the range of LGBT+ events that take place in London on an annual basis...
- Pride in London is a massive event, taking place on 1 July this year. Last year, over 1.5 million people turned up to cheer on the parades and enjoy performances on stages around central London.
- Trans Pride is taking place on 8 July, a space for the London trans, non-binary, intersex and GNC community and allies to come together to celebrate their identities and fight for their rights.
- Queer Noise is a monthly performance night celebrating queer artists, with poetry, music and performance celebrating queer identity and community!
- UK Black Pride in London is Europe’s largest pride celebration for LGBTQ+ people of African, Caribbean, Latin American and Middle-Eastern descent. This year, it's taking place on 20 August!
