Finding transgender individuals in Lafayette can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack.
The community here is small and not always easy to spot, as there aren’t many dedicated LGBT+ places.
But don’t worry, in this article, I’ll share the best potential ways to connect with Lafayette’s trans community.
Note that I say “potential” because it still depends on luck. But visiting the following spots will definitely increase the chances!
Table of Contents
List of TG Friendly Venues in Lafayette
1. Bars and Clubs
The thing about Lafayette is that even though there aren’t many LGBT-centered bars here, the locals are very welcoming.
It isn’t uncommon to find trans people blending in with straight cis folks at popular night spots.
Here are some of your options.
Bolt Bar – Located at 222 Rue Jefferson, the only LGBTQ+ bar in the city. You can always find a few trans people here enjoying drag shows or just dancing their hearts out.
Green Room – Located at 229 Jefferson St, a very inclusive bar with a heavy presence of queer folks.
You’ll mostly find a younger college crowd making this place lively, especially on Wednesday karaoke nights.
Freetown Boom Boom Room – Located at 300 McKinley St, the most popular dive bar in the city thanks to its live music, cheap drinks, and no-bullshit atmosphere.
The staff doesn’t care about your gender status, and transphobes are quickly escorted out.
Café Cottage – Located at 1013 E St Mary Blvd, one of my favorite spots whenever I’m in town – their drinks, food, and staff, everything is simply amazing.
The crowd is also diverse and very LGBT-leaning and you can often meet trans people.
2. Community Centers and Organizations
Lafayette unfortunately doesn’t have an LGBT community center.
But Lousiana Trans Advocates hosts support groups on the second Saturday of every month at the Acadiana Center of the Arts.
PFLAG is also quite active here and they often have meetings at the Main Library on Congress Street.
You should also check out Acadiana Queer Collective. They host the city’s annual Pride Festival and also do occasional events.
I suggest joining them as a volunteer to potentially network with transgender people.
3. Trans Dating Sites
I know, Lafayette might not seem like the most obvious place for meeting trans individuals.
But I assure you, the community is there, just a bit more lowkey. This is where online dating sites come in handy.
OkCupid is great for finding TGs thanks to its search features. It’s a popular choice among trans folks for dating or making friends.
While you might come across casual encounters on OkCupid, they’re less common since most trans folks there aren’t looking for that.
For those specifically interested in casual T4M relationships, TSDates is a better fit as it’s mostly used for hookups.
4. Online Groups and Pages
Surprisingly, I couldn’t find a single social media community for Lafayette transgender people. I’m sure they exist but are probably set to private.
But the Facebook page Acadiana Queer Collective is quite active.
They frequently post updates about upcoming LGBT+ events across the city, so keep an eye out for them!
5. Other LGBT+ Spaces
Looking for more inclusive spaces? Don’t forget to visit Beausoleil Books.
It’s LGBTQ+ owned and operated and they often host big events where you’re likely to meet trans people.
And there’s also Red Lerille’s Health & Racquet Club, the most trans-friendly gym in Lafayette.
It offers one of the most welcoming environments I’ve ever experienced in a fitness center.
What It’s Like to Be Transgender in Lafayette
After staying in Lafayette for about 2 weeks, I’d say that it’s an okay city for trans people.
It’s nowhere close to New Orleans in terms of the trans social scene but kinda similar to Baton Rouge.
The nightlife here is abysmal and there aren’t many ways to connect with the trans community.
Sure, downtown areas like Jefferson Street do have some inclusive places, but you’ll find yourself running out of options fast.
On the bright side, you can at least live a peaceful life as it doesn’t have as many transphobes.
Another thing worth mentioning about Lafayette is its growing pride scene.
It might not be as big, but as you can see, it’s super fun. Just the kind of thing this city needs to steer its LGBT+ scene in the right direction.
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Meeting Trans in Lafayette
Meeting trans men and women in Lafayette can take a bit of time.
Since there aren’t many places just for LGBTQ+ folks, it depends on the night and a bit of luck.
Online dating sites might be a better bet, but they also need some effort to work.
Just remember that finding your way into the trans community here is about exploring different options and staying open to possibilities.
So that pretty much sums up this guide. Keep trying, and I’m sure you’ll find the TG community soon. Good luck!
