Liverpool is one of the most accepting and LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the UK, known for its acceptance and safety. This makes it an ideal city for LGBTQ+ students to study and live in – I can say from personal experience that I have always felt as though I am valued for who I am in this city, not who I choose to love. That being said, the queer community deserves a space of their own, where they can express themselves freely – here are a few of the best LGBTQ+ venues in Liverpool, see if you can visit them all!
1. The Lisbon
This pub has the vibes of a typical English local but it comes with a twist – it’s a energetic LGBTQ+ bar with a wide range of hits from queer icons like Lady Gaga, and obviously lots of musical theatre songs thrown into the mix! The Lisbon has an exceptional range of drinks, with its £1 Pride shots being a firm favourite for students. If you want to have the ‘time of your life’, the Lisbon is the place for you!
2. Lovelocks Café
Address: 27 Old Haymarket, Liverpool, L1 6ER
Lovelocks is a café known for its incredibly welcoming atmosphere and the sense of community it brings with it. Many LGBTQ+ organisations hold events there, including but not by any means limited to the Cracked Mirror Collective and the LGBT Foundation. Lovelocks has a vibrant décor that recognises the diversity of Liverpool as a city. It caters to all dietary requirements, serving some absolutely outstanding vegetarian and vegan options – it is a café that truly celebrates the intersectionality of identity and enable everyone to feel as though they are free to be who they are!
3. YPAS GYRO
Address: 36 Bolton Street, Liverpool, L3 5LX
The Young Person’s Advisory Service is a hub for young people to reach out to when they need support; the staff there are so approachable and fully committed to ensuring the wellbeing of all young people who access the service. One of the things YPAS has to offer is their GYRO group for 18–25-year-olds which runs on a Thursday from 5.30-7pm. This group provides exciting opportunities to go on trips out and partner with local artists. From a personal perspective, I know I have grown in confidence and self-acceptance since attending GYRO, and it’s a fantastic way to make new friends in the city!
4. OMG Liverpool
Address: 9 Victoria St, Liverpool, L2 5QA
Address: 9 Victoria St, Liverpool L2 5QA
OMG is a fantastic club with frequent drag queen acts and appearances. There are lots of fun themed events every week for you to attend with an upbeat vibe, but the upstairs bar has a calmer atmosphee to it for when you need to take a break from the intensity of the venue. The bar staff are lovely and there to help you if you need them – it’s honestly a great place to go with friends and just have fun with other members of the queer community!
5. News from Nowhere
Address: 96 Bold St, Liverpool, L1 4HY
News from Nowhere is an independent bookshop located on Bold Street, one of the busiest and best streets in Liverpool packed full of vintage, alternative and second-hand shops. There is an abundance of books with a focus on the intersectionality of identity, especially surrounding issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community. They also sell other fun items such as pride badges, magnets and flags – News from Nowhere is the go-to store for decorating your room with pride or finding your next read!
6. Superstar Boudoir
Address: 22-24 Stanley St, Liverpool L1 6AF
Superstar Boudoir is just around the corner from OMG, but it offers a totally different club experience. If you want throwback songs, Superstar has your back! With drag queen DJs, cheap drinks and free entry, Superstar is a great way to start your night. It brings a high-energy party kind of atmosphere and is definitely a place to keep at the top of your list when planning a queer Liverpool night out!
7. Heaven
Address: 10-18 Victoria St, Liverpool, L2 6QE
Heaven nightclub can be found in Liverpool’s gay quarter alongside other LGBTQ+ friendly venues. It offers a great range of cocktails and music and hosts events such as weekend discos. This camp venue puts on an amazing night for special occasions in the city such as St Paddy’s Day and New Years Eve!
8. Navy Bar Liverpool
Address: 27 Stanley St, Liverpool, L1 6AA
Navy Bar has a fun theme centred around Liverpool’s maritime heritage. The bar is very large, so waiting to order is never an issue, and their drinks and entry are very cheap! It’s an amazing place to visit if you’re looking for a lively nightclub in the city centre.
