Hey Her-oes! Your local lesbian tour guide here, taking you on a London tour for Lesbian Visibility Day. This hits all the hot spots- historical landmarks, trendy clubs and bars for a date night, and maybe even a hint of romance! #LVDTour
LessThis storefront hides a secret past: it was once Gateways Club, a legendary women-only social club established in 1925! Imagine this: a smoky, green-doored entrance leading to a cellar buzzing with life. It was a safe haven for LGBTQ+ women during a time when being you was illegal. It was where everyone from bohemians to Hollywood stars (Diana Dors, anyone?) graced its dance floor. Fun fact: the groundbreaking 1968 film "The Killing of Sister George'' was filmed here!
This grand building housed the fight to repeal Section 28, a law that banned schools from mentioning "homosexuality" – basically making lesbians invisible. Imagine if you couldn't learn about Marie Curie in science class! The repeal in 2003 paved the way for a more inclusive curriculum, meaning future generations can learn about all kinds of love stories, not just the straight ones. Who knows, maybe you'll inspire your date to pick up a history book about lesbian heroes later.
Wanna hold hands where history unfolded? The UK Parliament, located in the The Palace of Westminster, has witnessed HUGE strides for lesbian rights. From the 1967 act partially decriminalizing homosexuality to the repeal of discriminatory Section 28, paving the way for marriage equality! We might not be smooching in the halls of power, but it's a powerful date spot, wouldn't you say?
Trafalgar Square is the heart of London and a pivotal spot in LGBTQ+ history. In 1972, a sea of brave lesbians and gay men gathered here, sparking the first official Pride march in the city. It wasn't just a parade, it was a roar demanding equality and an end to police harassment. This iconic square became a symbol of defiance, a place where lesbians and the LGBTQ+ community claimed their rightful space in the world. Feeling the power yet?
Let's grab a drink at She Soho, the coolest spot for lesbians in all of London! This isn't your average gay bar (we've all been there). It's the first and only lesbian bar on Old Compton Street, right in the heart of Soho, one of the world's biggest LGBTQ+ neighborhoods. Imagine clinking glasses under the chic, modern archways and feeling the energy of this safe space built just for us by us. They have killer events throughout the week, so we can plan our night based on our vibe.
Here is a treasure chest all about women's rights and activism, the oldest and biggest one in Britain. Imagine cuddling up with your date while checking out cool stuff from the Lesbian Archive, like a glimpse into the awesome world of lesbian activism. You might even find something that sparks a fun conversation about equality – way more interesting than the weather, right? Plus, bonus points for originality! This library's been around the block, with a few name changes along the way.
Grab a coffee (or something stronger) at Otto's, once the home of the London Lesbian Line. In 1977, this spot became a lifeline for lesbians feeling isolated, offering support and advice over the phone. Run by amazing lesbian feminists, it was a beacon of community for 20 years! Imagine the brave souls reaching out, and the empowering connections made right here.
Dive into lesbian literary history (and maybe hold hands with your date?) at Gay's The Word, the UK's oldest surviving LGBTQ+ bookstore! Founded in 1979 by a rad crew of gay socialists, this is a haven for lesbian and gay as a platform for lesbian and gay literature and activism. Get lost in their massive archive of publications, or browse new releases. Who knows, you might just find the perfect conversation starter (or first date read).
The Glass Bar, which used to be right outside London's Euston Station, was a total lesbian hotspot in the late 90s. Imagine, a friendly place for women to meet up, even those traveling in from afar! It even hosted groups like Kiss, a social network for lesbians. Finding it was half the fun (and maybe a little frustrating)—you had to knock and hope the music didn't drown you out. The Glass Bar closed in 2008, but its legacy lives on!.
Queer Britain is the UK's first LGBTQ+ museum, and it's bursting with stories (including some about legendary lesbian clubs like The Gateways!). This isn't just any museum though - it's also a total vibe. Think interactive exhibits, a killer gift shop, and a mission to celebrate all things queer. Entry is free, so all you have to spend is your time gazing into each other's eyes...and maybe grabbing some cute keychains at the gift shop.
Ever wonder how lesbians were portrayed in the press way back when? The Bishopsgate Institute has a secret weapon: The Lesbian and Gay Newsmedia Archive (LAGNA). We're talking over 200,000 press cuttings dating from the 1890s! Imagine, a treasure trove of articles about our foremothers, from the subtle to the scandalous. It's a history lesson that could spark some serious conversation. Bishopsgate Institute holds one of the UK's biggest collections on LGBTQ+ history, so get ready to dive deep!
The Common Press is a haven for LGBTQ+ folks, especially BIPOC voices, with shelves overflowing with stories waiting to be explored. Founded in 2019 by a queer woman named Angie Curzi, it quickly became a hub for the London LGBTQ+ community. It's more than books though – think cozy cafe for coffee dates, author talks, and even yoga classes! Imagine browsing feminist theory with your date and discussing your finds. Bookworm charm with a side of girl power? Sounds like a perfect day out.
La Camionera is London's hottest new FLINTA bar which was named after a Spanish term for a type of butch lesbian. It is the brainchild of two awesome lesbians who dreamed of a space to celebrate our community. Their pop-up was legendary, and now they're opening a permanent spot soon thanks to a crowdfunding win - that's girl power in action! While you sip their signature cocktails, imagine all the future first dates that will happen here, making lesbian history themselves!