Bristol boasts a lively and inclusive LGBTQ+ scene, so here are some of the local clubs, organisations and mental health support to get you familiar with the LGBTQ+ community in Bristol.
LGBTQ+ Organisations:
Freedom Youth
Seeing as Freedom is 25 years old; it would only feel appropriate to include them here! Freedom is the LGBTQ+ branch of Off the Record and is the place for all your LGBTQ+ needs. It not only offers LGBTQ+ counselling, but it also runs two separate youth groups where LGBTQ+ young people can meet, socialise and take part in activism activities. As an active member, it’s a great place to meet like-minded LGBTQ+ young people, especially now since everything’s online.
SingOut Bristol
Fancy singing? Well, SingOut Bristol is for you! It’s a choir run by members of the LGBTQ+ community who enjoy singing. But don’t worry, the prior experience isn’t needed, although the ability to sing in tune and harmony is desired.
Kiki Bristol
Kiki Bristol is a place specifically for LGBTQ+ people of colour. Since beginning in 2017, it’s grown for a one-off night club to a vital of Bristol LGBTQ+ scene, showing everything from film screenings to workshops.
UWE LGBT+ Society
If you’re a student at UWE, then I can’t recommend UWE’s LGBT+ society enough – despite cancelling events due to COVID, the society plan to host online activities soon, so don’t fear!
University of Bristol LGBT+ Society
Another LGBTQ+ society, which is inclusive of all genders and sexualities. So, if you’re a student who’s studying at the University of Bristol, this may be a society you join.
LGBTQ+ Nightlife
OMG Bristol
Open from 10 pm (Wednesday – Saturday); OMG Bristol offers cheap nights out (so it’s excellent for your budget), complete with LED dancefloors, a stage and a booth for hire. But as stated on their Instagram, only the bar will be opening.
Bristol Bear Bar
Bristol Bear Bar (try saying that multiple times) is a gay bar located in the centre of Bristol.
Queenshilling
Queenshilling is an LGBTQ+ club in Bristol on Frogmore Street, and the club offers drag performances, a bar, and a good dance. While the club has no current plans for opening, Queenshilling is one of the most popular LGBTQ+ clubs in Bristol.
Opening in 1992, Queenshilling attracts a more local crowd, where you can meet for a drink with friends or a date.
Punka Bristol
I haven’t found anything saying that they’re reopening, Punka is a offers a night out if you’re in the mood for something more indie/rock.
The Old Market Assembly
It might not be an LGBTQ+ nightclub, but it’s still an LGBTQ+ venue that’s a cultural hotspot for those who are more artistically disposed of. The Old Market Assembly is a great place to go as it hosts regular drag events and LGBTQ+ mixers, including “Don’t Tell Your Mother”, a club night that’s valued for its inclusive ethos.
Mental Health Support:
Mindline Trans
Mindline Trans is a helpline for trans, nonbinary or those questioning their gender identity and is open every Monday and Friday from 8 pm through to midnight.
Their email: mindline@bristol.org.uk
The Website, which includes the phone number: https://bristolmind.org.uk/help-and-counselling/mindline-transplus/
MindOut
MindOut is a mental health service for the LGBTQ+ community which offers different support, from trans specific sessions to an advocacy session.
The Website for more information: https://www.mindout.org.uk/
Gendered Intelligence
This youth group is run in London, Leeds and Bristol and offers support for young people who are trans, nonbinary or questioning their gender.
Their Website for more information: http://genderedintelligence.co.uk/
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline
Similar to Mindline Trans, Switchboard LGBT+ is an LGBT+ helpline that’s open every day from 10:00 – 22:00 and has more of a general approach when it comes to any issues you may have when it comes to being LGBTQ+.
Imaan
Imaan is a charity that supports LGBTQ+ Muslims, and the Website provides an online forum where folks can share experiences and ask for help.
Their Website for more information: https://imaanlondon.wordpress.com/