Queering the Alphabet: An A-Z Guide to Gay Manchester

Forget what you learned in primary school - we're about to take you on a whirlwind tour of Manchester's LGBTQ+ scene, from A to Z!

Whether you're a local looking to spice up your routine or a visitor ready to paint the town red (and orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple), this queer-tastic guide has got you covered.

A is for Afflecks

A quirky labyrinth of indie shops in North Quarter, Afflecks is where you'll find everything from queer literature and Pride merch to cute cafés.

B is for Bar Pop

A lively LGBTQ+ venue in the heart of the Gay Village, Bar Pop serves up fabulous drag shows and cheeky drink deals all year round.

C is for Canal Street

The beating heart of Manchester's Gay Village, this pedestrianised street is a rainbow-hued paradise of bars, restaurants, and queer joy.

D is for Diecast

Diecast is a new creative neighbourhood, home to Manchester's biggest beer garden, House of Daiquiri, Rum Town, Open Air BBQ Kitchen and a new ‘NeoPan’ Pizzeria.

E is for Eagle Bar

Manchester's men-only members' bar, Eagle Manchester provides a safe space for the community to explore in a Victorian-meets-industrial setting.

F is for Frontrunners

The Manchester Frontrunners is an inclusive LGBTQ+ running club where joggers and marathoners alike pound the pavement in fabulous company.

G is for G-A-Y Manchester

A two-floor party paradise where pop tunes and music videos reign supreme, attracting a diverse crowd from students to suits. G-A-Y Manchester features a popular rooftop terrace in summer.

H is for HOME

HOME is a performing arts theatre and cultural hotspot showcasing provocative and playful art, with a strong line-up of LGBTQ+ performances with a smashing café to boot.

Iconic Bar

A gin lover's paradise in the Gay Village, boasting the city's second-largest collection and hosting regular themed nights for weekend revellers.

J is for John Rylands Research Institute and Library

A breathtaking neo-Gothic gem housing rare books and manuscripts - it's like Hogwarts for history buffs!

K is for Kiss Me Again

Kiss Me Again is a bi-monthly queer club night in one of Manchester's finest basements, serving up eclectic tunes by a slew of talented DJs for discerning night owls.

L is for the LGBTQ+ Heritage Trail

The Manchester LGBTQ+ Heritage Trail is a rainbow-tiled walk through queer history, making Manchester one of the few cities to proudly display its queer past on the pavement.

M is for Manchester Pride Festival

The city's biggest LGBTQ+ party, painting Manchester in rainbow colours every August with parades, music and poignant moments.

N is for Nip & Tipple

A Chorlton favourite for queer women and non-binary folk, Nip & Tipple offers tasty tipples and a packed events calendar in a cosy atmosphere. Regularly supports LGBTQ+ charities like Albert Kennedy Foundation.

O is for Oscars

Oscars is an intimate theatre-style bar where showtunes reign supreme and sing-alongs are heartily encouraged. Enjoy premium wines and cocktails while belting out your favourite tunes.

P is for Proud Place

The Proud Place is a vibrant LGBTQ+ community hub off Oxford Road, boasting everything from a zine library to a welcoming café. It houses The Proud Trust and serves the wider LGBT+ community.

Q is for Queer Lit

A bookstore dedicated to celebrating and representing the LGBTQ+ community through a diverse collection of over 4500 titles, offering both online and in-store experiences for book lovers seeking literature that reflects queer experiences and perspectives.

R is for Richmond Tea Rooms

The Richmond Tea Rooms is an Alice in Wonderland-themed café serving up whimsical afternoon teas with a side of fabulous events. The place also hosts burlesque shows, drag performances and themed tea parties.

S is for Sparkle Weekend

The Sparkle Weekend is the world’s largest free-to-attend celebration of gender diversity. Taking place annually, this festival-style family event features live music and entertainment, talks and workshops.

T is for The Thompson Arms

The Thompson Arms is a popular gay bar offering classic cocktails and regular drag acts in a moody, lounge-like setting.

U is for (New) Union Hotel & Showbar

The New Union is a lively hotel and bar combo serving up a cocktail of karaoke, drag cabaret, and themed nights.

V is for Vanilla

The "lesbian mecca of the north" since 1998, Vanilla is an award-winning lesbian bar that is still going strong with weekend events at Area.

W is for What She Said

A queer-run club night promising judgement-free dancing and unadulterated fun. Created by a Manchester-based DJ for authentic self-expression.

X is for Xmas Markets

A winter wonderland of festive stalls that transforms the city into a Yuletide paradise from November to December, the Manchester Christmas Markets attracts thousands with its fantastic festive treats.

Y is for Youth Pride Manchester

Youth Pride MCR is a safe space for 14-18-year-olds to explore identity, make friends, and be their authentic selves. The organisation offers skill development and confidence-building activities.

Z is for Z-Arts

Z-Arts is a creative playground for children and families, complete with theatre, gallery, and music studio. They provide rehearsal spaces for budding artists and also support local LGBTQ+ events.

Whether you're basking in the summer Pride celebrations or exploring festive markets in winter, there's always a warm welcome waiting in the Village and beyond.

With its rich queer history, vibrant present, and promising future, Manchester proves that the rainbow doesn't just come out after the rain - it's a permanent fixture in this proudly diverse city.