Montreal is an amazing city to meet trans people. It’s packed with inclusive spaces and the community is quite active.
Whether you’re taking a stroll around town or drinking in a bar, there’s potential for meeting TGs everywhere.
If that doesn’t cut it, then there are also many ways to connect with trans men and women online. In this guide, I’ll help you explore all your options.
So just sit back and relax as we go through the best ways to meet trans people in Montreal.
Table of Contents
List of TG Friendly Venues in Montreal
1. Bars and Clubs
Montreal is super LGBTQ+ friendly, and you’ll feel that vibe all over.
But the real fun is around Sainte-Catherine Street East, in the area known as “The Village.”
It’s the official gayborhood of the city. From chill bars to awesome drag shows, it has a ton of awesome places.
Let’s explore some options that especially attract a trans crowd.
District Video Lounge – Located at 1365 St Catherine St E, can’t remember a time when this bar wasn’t fully packed. It’s a hotspot for LGBT+ folks looking for drag performances.
Love that they have unisex bathrooms to ensure that trans patrons feel comfortable.
Le Cocktail – Located at 1669 St Catherine St E, they’ve got a variety of drag shows, but Mondays are a treat, often free, showcasing new drag talent.
It’s wise to arrive right when the doors open, as seats tend to fill up fast.
Just a heads-up, the shows are mostly in French, so it’s not the most English-friendly spot. But it’s an inclusive place where you will find many queer folks.
Bar Renard – Located at 1272 St Catherine St E, this bar is a big hit among the LGBTQ+ community.
It has a young mixed crowd consisting of cis, trans, non-binary, and cis folks all together. The atmosphere is pretty casual and everyone is very chatty.
Bar Notre-Dame-Des-Quilles – Located at 32 Rue Beaubien E, I visited on their Sunday karaoke night, the place was buzzing with a young crowd.
It had a noticeable presence of trans individuals and chatting with them was easy as the music wasn’t too loud.
Cabaret Mado – Located at 1115 St Catherine St E, I had an amazing time here and while the drag show features a few segments in English, expect the majority to be in French.
But honestly, you’ll have a great time, because as you can see in the video, the performers are super talented and know how to put on a show…
2. Community Centers and Organizations
If you want to meet transgender individuals in a more laidback setting then try visiting the Montreal LGBTQ+ Community Center.
It’s located at 2075 Rue Plessis and it is the best place for both trans support and information.
I just love the staff, they’re always so kind and friendly, truly making it the safest place for Montreal’s trans community.
Alternatively, you should also look into Cactus Montreal. They provide support in English, French, and Spanish.
They host discussion groups on the third Monday of every month, you can contact them to learn more about the location.
3. Trans Dating Sites
Montreal’s has a buzzing LGBTQ+ scene and you’ll find plenty of trans folks on various dating sites.
But be aware that there can be transphobic individuals, especially on apps geared towards casual dating, like Tinder.
That’s why I lean towards OkCupid. It’s not perfect, but I’ve generally found more mature people there, both for friendships and dating, and it’s popular among trans users.
On the flip side, if you’re after something more casual, Grindr might be worth a shot.
Originally a gay dating app, it’s also used by a lot of cis and trans people looking for easygoing flings.
4. Online Groups and Pages
You’ll find several online communities great for connecting with trans folks.
I’ll start with the Trans/Queer and EnBy Facebook group. It’s a big, bilingual (French and English) community, perfect for socializing and meeting new people from the LGBTQ+ scene.
Another group to check out is Montreal Queer Events. It’s public, so you can see all the posts even without joining. It’s full of event postings for the LGBTQ+ community, but just a heads-up, it’s not heavily moderated.
Don’t miss Transgender Crossdresser Unite, also on Facebook. Filled with drag artists, crossdressers, and other LGBTQ+ members, it’s a bustling community with over 20,000 members, making it a good bet for meeting trans people.
5. Other LGBT+ Spaces
Montreal has several LGBTQ+ spaces beyond bars and clubs. Librairie Euguélionne, a feminist bookstore, is a favorite among queer and trans folks.
Then there’s Café Reine Garçon, which draws a mixed crowd, including lots of cis people.
But no worries, it’s a chill place where everyone’s open to chatting unless they’re busy.
For the fitness enthusiasts, Studio Epix is a must-try. It’s a trans-friendly gym with a great vibe and, bonus points, they’ve got some awesome girly pop playlists to keep you motivated.
What It’s Like to Be Transgender in Montreal
Montreal’s a chill place for trans folks and its locals are pretty cool and accepting, especially around the gay village.
Yeah, you might get a few second glances while walking downtown, but no one’s gonna give you a hard time or say anything rude.
It’s kinda like an unspoken rule here to keep those thoughts to yourself.
The city is incredibly open-minded, much like New York – they’ve seen it all.
Honestly, you’re more likely to get noticed for speaking a different language than for your gender.
Just be street-smart like in any big city and don’t sweat too much about being trans. Fitting in and having fun is key.
Montreal is a city where you can relax and enjoy your stay without much concern about your gender identity.
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Meeting Trans in Montreal
That pretty much sums up Montreal’s trans scene. From the fun nightlife to the chill community centers, we have it all.
Plus, there are plenty of online options, like dating apps and groups.
The city is full of opportunities for the trans community, you just gotta find what suits you best.
So, get out there, try different things, and see what feels right. Hope you have a great time meeting transgender people in Montreal!
