Hey everyone! Today, we’re diving into the trans scene across the El Paso-Las Cruces area.
Finding trans folks in these cities can be tricky due to the lack of LGBT spaces, so I thought, why not combine both?
I would also like to add this guide isn’t just about covering the coolest night spots but also trans-friendly community centers and online dating sites.
Table of Contents
List of TG Friendly Venues in El Paso-Las Cruces
1. Bars and Clubs
Both El Paso and Las Cruces have decent LGBT nightspots. But whether you’d meet trans people or not depends on your luck.
Nonetheless, here’s a list of potential bars and clubs where you might find TGs.
El Paso
Chiquita’s Bar – Located at 310 E Missouri Ave, predominantly a gay bar but trans people drop by on some nights.
Just a heads up, it gets quite busy during weekends so arrive early if you want to find a seat.
Epic Club – Located at 510 N Stanton St, it’s a great spot for the queer community. The only odd thing I noticed was that each bartender seemed to have their own price for the drinks.
Touch Bar – Located at 11395 James Watt Dr, I loved this place as it’s very welcoming towards trans folks.
Drinks are a tad pricey but, as you can see in the video, the incredible drag performances make every penny spent worth it…
Las Cruces
Whiskey Dicks – Located at 101 E Union Ave, not exactly an LGBT-centered spot but they welcome everyone with open arms.
Props to the staff for especially being proactive in kicking transphobes out of the premises.
Salud! de Mesilla – Located at 1800 Avenida de Mesilla, more of a restaurant than a bar but it deserves a mention because it attracts many trans people.
I recommend visiting this place on Saturdays so you can also catch their sponsored drag shows.
Little Toad Creek – Located at 119 N Main St, not an LGBT-centered spot but they host drag shows every month and draw a huge queer crowd.
2. Community Centers and Organizations
If you’re looking for a more straightforward way to meet trans people then try visiting the Borderland Rainbow Center at Wyoming Ave in El Paso.
It hosts many fun events like drag story hours, queer book club, and both virtual and in-person support groups.
There is also a community called Las Cruces Trans People which operates as a support group that meets on the 3rd Friday of every month.
They frequently arrange outings that welcome not just trans but all gender-nonconforming folks and cross-dressers.
And if you’re looking for more alternatives to connect with TGs then PFLAG is quite active as well in El Paso.
They host both virtual and in-person meetings on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month respectively.
3. Online Groups and Pages
I tried searching for social media groups in the El Paso-Las Cruces area, but sadly, the options are limited.
There are some Facebook groups like Queer El Paso and Gay Las Cruces, though as the name suggests, they aren’t trans-focused.
I also found this Subreddit for the LGBTQ+ community of El Paso and Las Cruces but it’s also not active.
Nonetheless, try creating a new post and maybe you’ll get a response from trans individuals.
4. Trans Dating Sites
With a lack of LGBT-specific venues in both El Paso and Las Cruces and online groups, it’s no wonder many trans folks turn to dating sites.
The platform you choose depends on what you’re looking for.
Personally, when I want to meet new trans friends or find dates, I head straight to OkCupid.
This site has a significant trans user base, and its filtering options make it super easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Keep in mind that OkCupid is mainly for people looking for more serious connections.
If hookups are more your style, then Grindr is your best bet.
It’s filled with both trans and cis people who are all about having a good time without the commitment.
So, if that sounds like what you’re after, Grindr is the way to go
What It’s Like to Be Transgender in El Paso-Las Cruces
Navigating life as a trans person in El Paso can be a bit of a mixed bag.
You’re unlikely to face outright discrimination, but I wouldn’t exactly call the city a hub of LGBT friendliness either.
It feels like most people here aren’t overly enthusiastic about trans rights, but at the same time, they’re not looking to cause trouble. It’s a sort of neutral ground.
Las Cruces, on the other hand, has a much more laid-back vibe, with a community that embraces a ‘live and let live’ attitude.
However, one common problem in both cities is the lack of a distinct LGBT scene.
There aren’t many dedicated spaces specifically for the community, maybe except for El Paso’s community center.
Other than that, meeting trans people is more about chance encounters at random places than LGBT-designated spots.
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Meeting Trans in El Paso-Las Cruces
Meeting trans folks in El Paso and Las Cruces can feel like a bit of a challenge at first, but honestly, a bit of effort goes a long way.
These cities might not have a ton on their own, which is why looking at them together opens up more options.
Whether you prefer connecting with TGs online or in person, this guide offers something for everyone.
So good luck, and I hope you have a wonderful time getting to know the trans community in both cities!
