Queer Café

Queer Café is the only venue in Moldova that openly presents itself as queer: a community-run café, cultural space and party venue for LGBTQ+ people and allies, run by the MOLDOX Association (the NGO behind the Queer Voices International Film Festival). It describes itself as a brave, free and friendly space. Address: the café's own website lists Șoseaua Hîncești 61, Chișinău, as its location in 2026. It previously operated on Strada Alexei Sciusev and then, as "Queer Café 2.0" (second grand opening on 13 July 2024, after community crowdfunding), on Strada Alexei Mateevici 69, so older guides giving those addresses are out of date. When: there is no fixed timetable. The team publishes the current week's events every Tuesday on queercafe.md and on Instagram (@queercafe.md); Telegram and Facebook channels are also active. A typical week mixes discussions on social issues, film and theatre screenings, a feminist club, board games, art workshops, a book club and parties with DJs and performers, including drag. There is a small queer library where visitors can borrow, take home or donate books, and a courtyard used in the warm months. Who goes: a mixed, mostly local LGBTQ+ crowd and allies; Romanian, Russian and English are all spoken. For visitors it is the most reliable place to meet Chișinău's queer community and find out what else is on. Rules: the café publishes rules of conduct. Ask before photographing anyone, as many guests are not out. The space is funded by grants, Patreon and the community, so buying drinks or donating helps. Public attitudes in Moldova remain conservative, so be discreet on the way in and out.