Columbus is quite an accepting place for trans people and has a lot of LGBTQ inclusive spaces.
From trans friendly clubs to support groups and organizations, there are multiple ways to connect with the community.
In this article, I’ll help you explore all your options so you can meet trans men and women in Columbus.
Alongside that, I’ll also share some personal experiences of how the city treats trans individuals and tackle some common questions.
Table of Contents
List of TG Friendly Venues in Columbus
1. Bars and Clubs
Make no mistake, Columbus has a ton of night time venues for the LGBTQ+ community.
But some are often dominated by cis gay men, especially during the weekdays.
So that’s just something to consider before planning your visit.
With that out of the way, let’s now move on to some bars and clubs where you can potentially meet trans folks.
Bossy Grrl’s Pin Up Joint – If you want to enjoy burlesque shows and meet trans people at the same time, then you really can’t go wrong with this spot.
Club Diversity – This bar lives up to its name by welcoming a diverse crowd, including trans and gender-nonconforming individuals. But don’t expect anything too rowdy; most people are engaged in conversations over drinks.
Toolbox Saloon – Although predominantly a gay bar, it’s not uncommon to find transgender individuals in the mix. But it’s important to note that this place might not be suitable for the prudish, as some of their shows can be rather explicit.
AWOL Bar – We have mixed feelings about AWOL because on some nights, it has plenty of trans people, but on others, it’s pretty white gay centered.
Axis Nightclub – This club gets a lot of flake for having a ton of cis people, but I do see a few trans individuals every time I visit. And their drag cabaret shows are just excellent.
Tremont Lounge – One of the highest rated bars in the city and a chill place to sit down and socialize with trans and queer folks.
Southbend Tavern – The club hosts excellent drag performances almost every night. The only drawback is that the crowd is slightly older, with most being in their early 40s.
Boscoe’s – This place is a hotspot for non-binary and trans individuals. A few of them also work as drag performers at the club and as you can see, they know how to put on a show…
2. Community Centers & Organizations
If you’re not a fan of bars and clubs, another great way to meet trans people is by joining the events hosted by Stonewall Columbus.
It’s a community center that hosts plenty of fun activities like metro park hikes and general hangouts.
Another organization is TransOhio. They host both virtual and in-person events for trans individuals and also act as a great resource for the community.
3. Social Media Groups
There are a bunch of those on Facebook such as the Columbus Area Trans Working Group.
It’s run by the Trans Ohio organization and even though the group doesn’t have too many members, you can join it and create a post.
Another option is the Black Transmen of Ohio, it’s a Facebook page that frequently posts info about meetups.
But as the name suggests, it primarily focuses on black trans individuals.
Lastly, check out T Talks for trans-centered events every month. They’re definitely worth keeping an eye on.
4. Trans Dating Sites
Columbus has an active trans community and it’s easy to connect with them through dating apps like Scruff.
I know, some may argue that the app is used by gay men, but nowadays it’s becoming increasingly popular among trans folks as well.
They have a preset filter that lets you search by orientation, so it makes life easy even for cis individuals seeking trans men or women.
You can also use it to make friends, just be sure to specify that you’re only looking for something platonic, and not hookups.
And if you really are interested in something casual then try TSDates instead.
5. Other LGBT+ Spaces
If you’re into fitness there are quite a lot of options to meet TGs in this city.
Crossfit Grandview is a large fitness center that is popular among the LGBT+ community.
Then there are also other trans friendly gyms such as The Pro’s and No Limits Fitness.
And if you want to grab a bite and socialize at the same time then Union Cafe is also a nice spot with many crossdressers.
Note: In the past, this café received some complaints about transphobic behavior from the staff. But since then, the issue has been resolved.
What It’s Like to Be Transgender in Columbus
Columbus is seen as an LGBTQ+ epicenter in Ohio, so needless to say it’s an excellent place for trans individuals.
The locals are pretty friendly, and even if you’re in between your transition, you’re unlikely to get any mean comments.
Yet, everyone has a different experience, and jerks do pop up from time to time, but trust me, they’re in the minority.
To give you an idea of how open-minded people there were 700,000 people attended the Columbus Pride Parade in 2023.
That is an amazing number considering that the city’s population is just over 2 million.
So if you’re in Columbus during that time, then don’t miss out, because as you can see, it’s a lot of fun!
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Meeting Trans in Columbus
Columbus offers numerous avenues to forge meaningful connections with the trans community.
You can meet trans individuals pretty much everywhere but the Clintonville and the Old North area stand out.
There are several LGBT+ friendly spaces offering opportunities to meet trans men and women. There’s also German Village but that is more gay-focused.
So whether you’re stepping into a bar, attending an event, or engaging online – the choice is yours to make!
