Birmingham AL Gay Events & Hotspots
Alabama's largest city is starting to become proactive about LGBT rights, hosting a Pride parade as well as a gay and lesbian film festival every year. There are plenty of businesses that openly identify as LGBT friendly, with a hub for the community being Bellini's Ristorante and Bar.
You will find a plethora of LGBT friendly activities and political activism here. Parents can join PFLAG while the children can find friends in the Birmingham Alliance of Gay Straight Lesbian Youth group.
The best gay bars and clubs in Birmingham are now found all over the city, from old pubs to 1930s car showrooms:
Birmingham’s LGBT scene used to revolve around the Gay Village in Southside, but times they are-a-changin’. LGBT-friendly establishments can now be found all over the city, from 1930s car showrooms-turned-clubs to cabaret clubs and cocktail bars thriving. The best gay bars and clubs in Birmingham are tremendous party spots, to say the least.
Most of these hotspots are the stuff of legend, not to mention an integral part of any mega night out in Birmingham. England’s second city knows how to party, we’ll say that much. From the early days of the Nightingale Club and the Windmill Bar to the current day, Birmingham’s LGBT party scene is unstoppable.
1. The Nightingale
From very humble beginnings, and after relocating three times, The Nightingale has grown into one of the UK’s most popular gay superclubs, with bus-loads of LGBT revellers and their friends flocking to the club from all corners of the Midlands for monthly programmes and more.
2. The Village Inn
Bars and pubs
Fancy a night out on a Tuesday? No problem. It is no exaggeration to say that The Village Inn is lively whatever day of the week it may be—with something happening every night, Monday through to Sunday. Whilst others flitter in and out of identity crises, The Village Inn has stood true to form as one of the longest-established and most popular cabaret bars in the "gaybourhood."
3. The Fox
Bars and pubs
The Fox is the only venue in the gay quarter to market itself to gay women and their friends. Owned by the much loved Andy King, The Fox offers women, men, gay, straight, transgender and pretty much anyone a space to socialise, let loose and forget about troubles.
4. Eden
Bars and pubs
Previously known as The White Swan, the venue was refurbished and renamed in 2008: Eden was born then, and has been going strong ever since. Along with being one of the favourites amongst gay men and their friends, Eden supports Birmingham’s transgender community in all the ways it can.
5. The Loft Lounge
Bars and pubs
Perfectly placed in the vicinity of Chinatown and the Gay Village, the Loft Lounge is a decadent and fun bar that provides the perfect launchpad for a night on the town. Situated in Bromsgrove Street—close to a host of other gay venues, including Sidewalk, The Village and the famous Nightingale—Loft Lounge is also within easy reach of Chinatown’s restaurants and the Hippodrome theatre.
6. Chic Nightclub
Bars and pubs
Chic is Birmingham’s longest-running after-hours club and has been going strong since 2001, playing all the very best in deep house, electro and dance. Expect some of the best DJs in the Midlands to spin tunes here throughout the week.
7. Equator Bar
Bars and pubs
Located right in the middle of Hurst Street, Equator is hard to miss with its large glass frontage and charming interior. It is a particular favourite amongst men and the transgender community.
8. Sidewalk
Bars and pubs
Originally a 1930s car showroom, Sidewalk was officially "turned" in 1996 under the name Laurie's International Club, in time for Birmingham’s first-ever gay pride. Little do people know, this venue is somewhat of a historical cornerstone; with glass panels from floor to ceiling, the bar was the first in the gay village to be opened up to street views, protesting attitudes during a time when gay people were seen as deviants and perverts.
9. Missing
Bars and pubs
Missing is here and glaringly queer—greeting revellers as the very first point of call upon entering gay town. Together with a larger-than-life statue of Marilyn Monroe (which has somehow found its way onto a rooftop ledge at the front of the building, how did they even get it up there?), a rainbow flag that spans the entire length of the venue and Hurst Street’s iconic lifesize glittery rhino just opposite, Missing certainly takes extravagant to the next level.
Upcoming Mega Events Nearby
Gay-friendly hotels in Birmingham:
- Bloc Hotel Birmingham - A contemporary hotel situated near Birmingham New Street Station, offering comfortable rooms and a convenient location. Check Availability and Prices: Booking.com link.
- Malmaison Birmingham - A boutique hotel with a unique design, offering a chic and stylish atmosphere. It is inclusive and welcomes guests from all backgrounds. Check Availability and Prices: Booking.com link.