As it turns out, when you stick a bunch of people together who have been alienated and stigmatized by a traditionally heteronormative society for most of their lives, you end up with a group of remarkably friendly, fun, and thoughtful individuals.
Yet my fears could not have been more unfounded: I found the LGBT bars, night clubs, and other spaces to be wildly inclusive and accessible to an initial outsider such as myself. I felt somewhat intimidated by the throngs of well-dressed people lined up outside late-night venues and worried I would stand out at more low-key events. As a queer person myself, I was initially hesitant to explore these spaces or attend events centered around queer issues. One of the most unexpectedly meaningful elements of my experience abroad in London has been the many events, bars, clubs, and opportunities available specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. In this blog post, James shares a guide to queer life in London, focusing on the places and events he appreciated the most- from book stores to dance floors.
London is full of welcoming spaces and events for the LGBTQ+ community.