Athens is a progressive city with a strong community of trans individuals.
There are many inclusive spaces scattered across the city, but the problem is that there are no defined spots for the LGBT community.
This can make meeting trans folks a bit tricky, especially if you’re new in town.
That’s why I’ve put together a list of the best ways to meet trans men and women in Athens.
From exploring local night spots and support groups to online dating sites, this guide covers it all. So if you’re ready, then let’s get started!
Table of Contents
List of TG Friendly Venues in Athens, Georgia
1. Bars and Clubs
Finding LGBT+ specific places in Athens is kind of hard. There hasn’t been a good queer bar in the city for years now.
You’ll find trans people basically wherever the most “liberal people” hang out.
Fortunately, most of these places are located on Clayton Street so you won’t have to run across the city.
Here are some of your options.
Sister Louisa’s Church – Located at 254 W Clayton St, was once a popular spot for trans/queer individuals.
However, recent assault allegations against its owner have made it controversial.
Despite these concerns, the bar maintains a positive online rating. I’ll leave it to you to decide if it’s worth a visit.
9d’s Bar Plus – Located at 400 E Clayton St, not a trans club but it often draws LGBT+ crowd.
Plan your visit around 11 pm – the time when they usually reach their peak.
Hi-Lo Lounge – Located at 1354 Prince Ave, this pub is quickly becoming a hotspot for LGBT folks in Athens due to its inviting atmosphere.
Even if you don’t happen to meet trans folks, the delicious food is sure to keep you coming back for more.
Athens Showgirl Cabaret – Not your typical bar or club; instead, they host drag events across the city at various venues.
Their events always have a heavy LGBTQ+ presence. Plus, the drag performances are also incredible, here’s a glimpse of what to expect…
2. Community Centers and Organizations
Finding trans focused events and groups is easy in Athens as there are many LGBT organizations.
You can start with the University of Georgia’s Pride Center which frequently hosts trans-centered events.
While the majority may be exclusive to students, keep an eye out as they occasionally organize gatherings open to the broader trans community.
The Athens Queer Collective is also an active organization.
They normally collaborate with the Athens Pride and host weekly trans support groups in different venues in the city.
There’s also Pride Alliance, formerly known as Lambda, a student-led LGBTQ+ organization that meets twice a month. They also welcome allies.
Some of my friends say that it doesn’t have the most accepting people, especially if you don’t look like a “stereotypical queer person”. But I’d give them another chance.
3. Trans Dating Sites
Online dating can be a real game-changer for meeting trans people in Athens, especially since in-person options might be limited.
OkCupid is a popular choice among many trans individuals for both dating and making new friends.
This platform stands out due to its extensive range of gender options and the ability to filter matches to include those open to dating trans folks
Personally, I’ve found OkCupid incredibly reliable to meet both trans and cisgender friends.
Give it a shot if you’re looking for more meaningful relationships.
On the flip side, if you’re more inclined towards casual encounters, Grindr is your go-to option.
It has a considerable number of trans people who are looking for no-strings-attached experiences.
4. Online Groups and Pages
It’s somewhat surprising, but Athens doesn’t have too many LGBT+ focused online communities.
The most active group I came across is the Athens, GA LGBTQ Facebook group.
It has over 2,000 members and it’s fairly active with members sharing info about social events and planning meetups now and then.
Another group is the UGA LGBTQ Alumni Group. This is a public group that welcomes supporters of the UGA alumni LGBTQ community.
However, it’s not as bustling in terms of activity. While posts are sparse, there’s always the option to break the ice and create a post without formally joining the group.
Who knows, it may lead to some engagement and connect you with trans individuals in the community.
5. Other LGBT+ Spaces
If you’re seeking more ways to meet trans individuals, consider exploring the area around the University of Georgia campus in Downtown.
It is home to many trans students and is known for its inclusivity.
Streets like Broad Street and Lumpkin Street are lined with LGBT-friendly businesses.
In fact, I have several trans friends who are employed at Target, some of them even transitioned while working there.
So yeah, this is just another example of how it’s not uncommon to encounter trans people in most public spaces.
What It’s Like to Be Transgender in Athens, Georgia
Athens is probably one of the most accepting places in Georgia next to Atlanta in regards to LGBT people.
Nobody really cares around here about your gender identity.
UGA is especially at the forefront of promoting an inclusive atmosphere for the trans community.
But as you may have guessed, the lack of LGBT nightspots makes it difficult for you to encounter trans individuals.
It might take a while for you to find the community, especially if you’re new in town. But once you do, you will have a great time.
So yeah, while Athens isn’t the best city for trans people, it’s certainly not the worst either.
You can move here without worrying about open transphobia.
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Meeting Trans in Athens, Georgia
In a nutshell, diving into the trans community of Athens might feel a bit tricky initially.
But, trust me, once you make a few connections, your circle can expand surprisingly fast.
Nightspots here may not always be the most reliable places for meeting trans people. But thankfully, Athens has a good number of support groups and local events where you can connect.
And hey, if all else fails, the online dating scene is buzzing with a sizable presence of TGs.
That’s a wrap on this guide. Wishing you a fantastic time meeting trans men and women in Athens. Enjoy the journey!
