Connecting with trans individuals in Charleston is a bit tricky. Even though the city is welcoming, there aren’t many specific spots for the LGBTQ+ community.
Trans people are scattered throughout the city so finding one particular place to meet them can be challenging.
But after a few weeks of effort, I finally found some places that are popular among trans men and women.
In this article, I’ll share these friendly spots and also uncover other options like online dating sites.
Table of Contents
List of TG Friendly Venues in Charleston
1. Bars and Clubs
If you’re looking for LGBTQ+ friendly spots, The Park Circle is the place to be.
It’s the most welcoming neighborhood with lots of bars and clubs where trans and queer folks hang out.
But remember, these places aren’t only for the LGBTQ+ crowd; you’ll find cis people too.
With that said, here’s a list of the best trans-friendly nightlife spots in Charleston.
Dudley’s – Located at 42 Ann St, is essentially the only LGBT-focused bar in the city. You’ll find trans people here on most nights.
But it fills up quickly since it’s one of the few places that regularly hosts drag shows. Arrive early if you want to secure a table.
The Mill – Located at 1026 E Montague Ave, great dive bar and while it’s not particularly LGBT centered, you can meet trans people here on some nights.
It’s worth visiting and since they don’t charge a cover fee, you have nothing to lose anyway.
Recovery Room Tavern – Located at 685 King St, another dive bar that’s slowly becoming a hotspot among queer folks.
The crowd skews 20 to 30s and everyone is very friendly and inclusive.
Bar Rollins – Located at 194 Jackson St, this place is full of millennials and it draws a large LGBT crowd.
You’ll likely encounter trans individuals on most regular days, but the prime opportunity is during their occasional queer nights.
Bangkok Lounge – Located at 353 King St 2nd floor, this is by far the best place in town to enjoy a karaoke night.
I noticed a lot of lesbians in the crowd and also met a few trans women. My only complaint is that they only accept cash at the door.
2. Community Centers and Organizations
In addition to lively nightlife, Charleston is home to supportive organizations for trans folks.
One of them is We Are Family, a cornerstone for the LGBT community.
They host programs and support groups for TGs and also have exclusive meetups for GNC youth.
Alliance for Full Acceptance is another LGBT organization that leans more towards the political side.
However, they do occasional events which are great for connecting with trans people and you can always join in as a volunteer.
It’s also worth subscribing to the newsletter of Lowcountry in Transition.
They send updates about meetups, and events hosted for trans and non-binary folks in the Charleston area.
3. Trans Dating Sites
Struggling to meet trans people in Charleston due to the lack of LGBT+ venues? Try your luck in online dating.
There are several apps you can try but my favorite is OkCupid due to its extensive search filters.
I’ve personally made many trans friends through the app and also use it for dating.
But if you’re a cisman then just be respectful about how you approach us. Simply put, don’t look like a chaser and you will have a decent chance.
Another app catching on with trans folks is Grindr. I have my reservations about it because it’s mostly used for hookups.
But hey, if you’re looking for casual encounters then feel free to give it a shot.
4. Online Groups and Pages
Joining social media groups is a great way to connect with trans men and women.
The largest Facebook group is LGBTQ+ of Charleston, with over 4,000 members.
While it’s mainly for the gay community, many trans folks are part of it too. It’s buzzing with activity, keeping you in the loop about upcoming events.
LGBTQ Scene is another option that focuses more on discussions about trans/queer friendly bars, clubs and events.
My personal favorite is Out & About LGBTQIA+, it’s not as big as the other two groups but it’s well moderated and acts like a social club for adults.
It’s a great community for both dating and making new trans friends. They also host local meetups Charleston.
What It’s Like to Be Transgender in Charleston
Charleston has a strong community of trans folks and I have many friends who began their transition in this city.
Transphobia is uncommon here and pretty much every venue will welcome you with open arms. Most people don’t care about your gender status.
And I won’t deny, Charleston has a lively nightlife. But the downside is the lack of LGBT+ focused spots.
There aren’t many support groups either so connecting with the trans community can sometimes be difficult.
But overall, Charleston is a great city if you want to live a peaceful life. You can see a glimpse of positivity in this video of the PrideFest…
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Meeting Trans in Charleston
To sum up, Charleston is a welcoming city for trans individuals, though it could be even better with more dedicated LGBT+ venues.
Nevertheless, connecting with the community is within reach by following the methods I’ve shared above.
Patience is key, and remember, it might take some time.
If meeting trans folks in person seems a bit elusive, don’t forget the option of online dating sites—there’s a whole world waiting there too.
So, that concludes our journey. If you believe I’ve missed a spot or have any additional insights, feel free to share in the comments.
Hope enjoy meeting trans individuals in Charleston!
