Meeting trans folks in Bordeaux definitely isn’t easy. The LGBT+ scene is pretty limited, and the trans community tends to keep things low-key.
If you’re new to the city, you’ll waste a lot of time hopping from one place to another.
So today, I’ll share some of the best ways to meet trans people in Bordeaux.
But before we start, let’s first talk about the approach I’ve used to gather info for this guide…
Table of Contents
Methodology for Finding Trans Friendly Spaces in Bordeaux
Here’s how our team at WorldTransGuides has gathered information to prepare this list:
- Online Search: We start by looking online for places known for being trans-friendly, making a list of potential spots to check out.|
- Local Feedback: We send our team to these to get honest feedback. This helps us make sure our recommendations are based on real experiences.
- Community Views: We look at online forums like Reddit and Quora to see what people are saying about these places, getting a range of opinions from trans people and their supporters.
- Keeping it Fresh: We regularly check if listed venues are still open and add new ones we find, so you have the most up-to-date info. Our goal is to give you a reliable guide to safe and fun spaces for the TG community.
List of TG Friendly Venues in Bordeaux
With Bordeaux’s population clocking in at just 250,000 residents, I can’t exactly guarantee a bustling LGBT+ nightlife scene.
Most trans individuals find themselves drawn here mainly due to Bordeaux being 32% cheaper than Paris.
But don’t lose hope just yet. Despite the limited options, there are still ways to connect with the trans community, so let’s have a look at your options.
1. Bars and Clubs
There isn’t a specific gayborhood in Bordeaux. You’ll find night spots spread all across the city instead.
Let’s go over some bars and clubs where you can potentially meet trans people.
Buster at 34 Rue de Cursol
In a cozy bar filled with LGBT folks, the bartender is friendly and speaks English well. Chat with him, and he might introduce you to some regular trans patrons.
Reviews of Other People about Buster
“Lovely bar with a great, chilled ambience. As a solo tourist with poor French skills, I felt incredibly welcome by both the staff and the local clientele who were very friendly. Highly recommended in Bordeaux and I look forward to visiting Buster again.”
Coco Loko at 3 Rue Duffour Dubergier
Another hotspot for the LGBT community, but it’s mostly empty during weekdays.
But it does pick up pace on weekends and they often invite drag performers to entertain the crowd.
Reviews of Other People about Coco Loko
“Excellent lively bar, team of young employees who are as dynamic as they are smiling. It has a good atmosphere and the bar is very well attended. I recommend”
Bad Mother F. Pub at 16 Cr de l’Argonne
This isn’t exclusively an LGBT+ club but its inclusive atmosphere has made it a favorite spot for queer folks to hang out on weekends.
Their happy hour is between 4 pm to 9 pm but drinks are reasonably priced so it’s not a problem even if you miss it.
Reviews of Other People about Bad Mother F. Pub
“I like this atmospheric bar. Quite young, but never any problems, the people are really nice, everyone is dancing and having fun inside. Good spirit ! I recommend it.”
LeDiamant Rose at 3 Rue Premeynard
There aren’t many clubs to enjoy drag in Bordeaux, so this is the only spot I can recommend.
They also only host drag shows occasionally but you can still meet queer people here on regular days.
Reviews of Other People about LeDiamant Rose
Véronique Mespezat on Google Maps:
“A crazy cabaret evening. Laughter and good humor, magnificent show, superb costumes, excellent meal. In short, don’t wait any longer to book. Thanks to the whole team!”
2. Community Centers and Organizations
Meeting trans people at night spots is a hit or miss so if you’re looking for a more reliable method then visit Le Girofard.
It’s the official LGBT+ community center that offers themed evenings, workshops and a ton of support for trans individuals.
Their Festiqueer event is especially worth keeping an eye on as you can enjoy drag there and network with a bunch of TG folks.
If you want to know more, visit the center and talk to its staff. They’re helpful and can guide you in English if you can’t speak French.
3. Online Groups and Pages
There aren’t many LGBT-focused social media communities in Bordeaux. I even tried searching with some French keywords but nothing came up.
The only Facebook group I found is LGBTQIA+ Bordeaux. Thankfully, it’s a relatively big community with over 2,000 people and you’ll see new posts daily.
Maybe you can create a post to introduce yourself in the group and ask for more leads on where you can connect with transgender people.
4. Trans Dating Sites
Finding trans folks in Bordeaux isn’t always easy given the limited nightlife options. That’s where online dating comes in handy.
But not all platforms are created equal, you know? Some attract more weirdos than others.
Personally, I’ve had decent luck with OkCupid. Sure, there are still some strange encounters, but overall, it’s been pretty good.
And in a city like Bordeaux, where meeting fellow trans people can be a challenge, I’d say this platform is one of your most viable alternatives.
What It’s Like to Be Transgender in Bordeaux
Being transgender in Bordeaux is a bit boring. There aren’t many places for the LGBT+ community to hang out, and the drag scene is pretty much non-existent.
For me, though, safety comes first. Unfortunately, I can’t guarantee that Bordeaux is always a safe space for trans folks.
Many of my friends have faced verbal aggression, especially at train stations. It’s essential to be cautious when traveling alone.
Now, don’t get me wrong. It’s not like this happens all the time, but I’m just sharing what I know based on the experience of the trans community.
But don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that Bordeaux is entirely bad. With luck, you might not encounter any transphobia at all. But it’s still wise to be prepared for it, just in case.
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Meeting Trans in Bordeaux
There you have it, folks. Bordeaux might not be the most thrilling city for trans individuals, but trust me, there are definitely worse places out there.
Despite its size, the trans community does exist here, and you can meet them by giving the methods I’ve shared a shot.
And don’t just rely on meeting them in person. Be sure to explore online options as well because you never know what might work.
Give it some time, stay open, and I’m confident that you’ll soon connect with trans men and women in Bordeaux. Cheers!
