Features / Bristol Queer Directory
Finding out about things you didn’t even know existed
Bristol’s LGBTQ+ scene is growing exponentially.
With more people moving to Bristol, more young people deciding to stay in the city rather than venture out to London and a post-lockdown drive to make human connections, it’s easy to see why new queer interest groups are emerging.
From sports like badminton, to activities like ceramics, queer community groups mean connections can be made over shared experiences, without fear of being judged or misunderstood.
is needed now More than ever
To help navigate this rapidly growing LGBTQ+ scene, Dani and Em created the Bristol Queer Directory.
Dani and Em created the Bristol Queer Directory a year ago – photo: Bristol Queer Directory
The Directory is an online spreadsheet which, only a year after creation, lists over 90 social groups, 70 events, 80 businesses and 30 support networks and charities.
When Dani and Em moved to Bristol, they didn’t know anyone. They were initially unsure how to navigate a new queer scene or meet people in a new city.
After meeting people on nights out, and getting recommendations, they were astounded at how many events and social groups existed for Bristol’s queer community.
LGBTQ+ Badminton club Bristol Swifts are one of the groups featured on the directory – photo: Bristol Swifts
Dani said: “We saw a rise in queer groups in Bristol post-lockdown (and) the community was asking what was available to them.
There was a need to create one single resource. This way, everything is easily accessible.
“People in the community might find things they didn’t know existed, or a resource they needed.”
Em added: “We need our community more than ever.
“Hate crimes against queer and trans people are dramatically escalating. Our hope is that the directory will help LGBT+ people to find support networks, social events, and safer spaces.”
The Directory helps to connect and engage people with common interests and also provides access to resources, where LGBTQ+ people can find support when in need. For example, the section for queer-owned businesses includes an inclusive barbers and a queer-friendly body piercing shop.
Alternative workout class Drag Queen Workout are also featured in the Directory – photo: Narrated Frames
Dani said: “I feel very accepted in Bristol’s queer spaces.
“There’s a lot of creativity here. Ongoing queer mutual aid shows how supportive our community is too.”
Em continued: “Time and time again, I have felt uplifted and supported by the queer community here.
“It has supported me, and provided me with the space to explore who I am, and who I want to be.
“Every time I see a new gender-affirming surgery fundraiser, it warms my heart to see our community support each other.
“The Directory can help facilitate those connections further.”
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Dani and Em have hopes the Directory will continue to grow and become the go-to resource for Bristol’s queer community.
“We’d love to continue growing what it covers. We’re trying to expand to communicate on non-Meta owned platforms,” Em said, highlighting controversial new ‘hateful conduct’ rules recently introduced by Meta, who own Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.
The new rules, which came into effect in January, include a provision that Meta does ‘allow allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation’.
For now though, Dani and Em are in the process of developing a Bristol Queer Directory Instagram. Dani said the Instagram page will soon “have special features with links to resources including queer social groups, an events calendar, businesses, and support”.
They added: “We want the directory to grow as much as the community does!”
If you’ve set up a queer social group, event, business, charity, or support network and would like to be featured in the Directory, fill out the Additions & Feedback form on their new Instagram page. You can also email queeradiance@outlook.com.
To donate to the Directory, visit: https://ko-fi.com/bristolqueerdirectory
Main photo: Rob Browne
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