The Best Nights Out For Queer Women In London 2023
There are a number of gay clubs that are open to all identities in London. However many women find that they cater primarily to gay men. In fact, there’s only one club specifically for queer women in London. It can feel difficult to find places to party where you actually fit in. Over the past few years, there has been a resurgence of club nights dedicated specifically to queer women and nonbinary folk. In this article, we’ll discuss the best nights out for queer women in London in 2023.
Butch Please
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, an iconic queer venue, during their Butch lesbian-centred club night. Butch Please celebrates all things, Butch, making it the dream night out for Butches and Butch-lovers alike. With drag kings and musicians often performing at the events, there’s always something exciting to see. With a real sense of embracing lesbian desire and identity, this club night is not one to miss.
https://www.butchplease.co.uk/
Aphrodyki
This unique night out for queer women and nonbinary folks is an Ancient Greek-themed night out. Having run for eight years now, it’s an established safe space for sapphics in London. Some of you may even recognise it from the TV show “The Bisexual”. Come and dance to classic R&B and Pop at this iconic night out.
BBZ
With a focus on welcoming queer women and nonbinary people of colour, this is a great spot for those who want to celebrate and connect with those who understand all facets of their identity. Inspired by south-east London club culture, hosting iconic DJs from the scene, this night has been running for seven years and is now a staple of the sapphic club scene in the UK.
Pxssy Palace
This club night focuses on creating an intentional and sex-positive space for queer women, and nonbinary people of colour. They are most well known for throwing themed nights. Previous themes include Bratz, fairycore, bimbo and sports day. Intent on creating a safe space for all, this is a great spot to have fun, let loose whilst feeling protected and respected.
Lick
Lick brands itself as a “no-men allowed” club night. While women and nonbinary people of all sexual orientations are welcome, it of course makes sense that this has become a favourite of sapphcs. With hip-hop and dancehall played by live DJs, this night’s goal is to offer an alternative for those who feel out of place at more mainstream queer club nights.
Femme Fraiche
Held at East London’s Dalston Superstore, this event aims to bring art and performance to queer women and nonbinary people. Blending house music, techno, art and live performance, this offers a space to showcase and celebrate works within the community. And don’t worry – if singing along to Beyonce is more your thing, they also have a more traditional club night space within the venue.
https://www.femmmefraiche.com/
Koodeta
If you’re a techno fan then this is the perfect night out for you. Built to be a grassroots night out as a safe space for queer women and nonbinary people, this night has a rebellious feel to it. Hosted in a secret location revealed only to ticket holders, it hosts intimate no-photo events in small-cap venues. This is an important alternative space within the community.
Gal Pals
A classic euphemism for romantic relationships between women, Gal Pals holds multiple club nights for queer women and other marginalised gender identities. They throw regular parties at Lafayette in London and Komedia in Brighton, with other parties being held in other cities on occasion too. With limited “ally” tickets available for our straight cis friends who want to come with us, this club night makes sure that queer women and nonbinary people remain in the majority.
Conclusion
Despite the lack of events available for queer women, the existence of this handful of events is important for our community. It allows us to connect with others in our community. It gives us a space to feel accepted. Also, it means we have a place to go in order to embrace our full selves. So, check out some of these club nights and immerse yourself in a space that’s built for you.
Thank you so much for reading, and I hope to see you back here again soon.
Ta-ta for now! x
