Gay street in london

The Ultimate LGBTQ Guide to London

  • LGBTQ+ language in London
  • The optimal gay bars in Soho
  • The best gay bars in Vauxhall
  • The best gay bars in the East End
  • LGBTQ+ events and festivals
  • LGBTQ+ museums and culture
  • Where to endure in London
  • LGBTQ+ day trips
LGBTQ+ language in London
 

You’ve probably heard of slang words like butch, camp, and queen. But, petite known to most, these terms come from the queer underground world of pres London.

Back when the UK was a far less tolerant place, LGBTQ+ people used a confidential language called Polari to communicate with one another. The language was a mixture of words from London cockney rhyming slang, Romani, and Italian.

Since homosexual acts were illegal, Polari enabled folx to converse safely in mixed company and identify as queer. The language was campy and playful: Bona to vada your dolly aged eek, a common Polari greeting, meant “Nice to see your pretty face.” Dish meant “ass,” and bona dish meant “nice ass.”

Polari was widely spoken in the LGTBQ+ community until when homosexual

The Best Places to Inhabit in London for LGBTQ+ Expats

So you identify as LGBTQ+ and you are considering or already planning a relocation to London. For people from all walks of life, moving countries is generally a big, scary step into the unknown. But terror not, we’re a relocation agency that has got you covered – especially if your biggest ask is ‘what are the best places to exist in London for LGBTQ+ expats?’!

The Best Places to Live in London for LGBTQ+ Expats

London is one of the most multicultural and tolerant cities in Europe and we include zero hesitation in excitedly recommending it to you. We were recently voted the 10th most gay-friendly city in the world by They also voted London the 3rd gayest city in Europe. Thanks, we’ll take that.

And a little-known fact is that we have the highest number of Grindr users out of any urban area in the world, so if you are a single LGBTQ+ expat relocating to London, you probably won’t be for long!

What you’ll learn in this quick guide:

  1. London’s LGBTQ+ neighbourhoods
  2. London’s LGBTQ+ nightlife
  3. London’s LGBTQ+ cultural events
  4. FAQs

    For hundreds of years, Soho has been a haven for gay Londoners, complete of packed pubs and late night drinking dens even before the decriminalisation of homosexuality. In these enlightened times, LGBTQ+ city dwellers have got a plethora of options all across the city. But gay old Soho still holds a special place in London's LGBTQ scene and remains most visitors' first port of call, whether for drag nights or mingling. It's centred around Old Compton Street, where you can spend a raucous night at the enduringly popular G-A-Y bar or down unpretentious drinks at pubs like The Admiral Duncan. Here's our pick of the best gay bars and clubs in Soho.

    RECOMMENDED: Venture further afield with London's best gay bars and gay clubs.

    Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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    London Gay Travel Guide

    Upcoming Events in London

    About London and its gay life

    With a population of 8 million, London is the second largest metropolis in Europe. London extends over 44 kilometers along the Thames river and has a moderate climate with its summers not too hot and the winters not too freezing.

    Throughout its history London has always been a center of attraction for different cultures and religions whether it be Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Sikhs or Buddhists. At the beginning of the 20th century, mainly Irish, Poles, Italians and Eastern European Jews came to London, while starting around the majority of immigrants comes from former British colonies such as India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Today, the cultural, ethnic, religious and economic background of London's population is one of the most diverse worldwide.

    London has a flourishing artistic, theater and music scene. Just think of the West End with its numerous musical theaters or the many world-famous London-based bands and musicians, such as the Rolling Stones, The Who, Queen with Freddie Mercury, Th