There are many trans people in New Orleans but finding them can be tricky.
This isn’t due to a lack of acceptance, but rather the lack of LGBT-focused places.
Luckily, there are many local events held every month that you can join to connect with the community.
So get ready as I help you explore your options and highlight the best ways to meet trans people both online and in person.
Table of Contents
List of TG Friendly Venues in New Orleans
1. Bars and Clubs
I wouldn’t say that NOLA is a trans nightlife hotspot, but it’s not entirely bad either.
Most places from Anne’s Street, all the way to Bourbon Street are very inclusive and LGBT+ friendly.
But I mostly met trans people at the following spots:
Oz Bar – Located at 800 Bourbon St, visited on Sunday for a fun drag show. The bartenders are friendly, and you won’t have to wait long for a drink.
To my surprise, there were also trans drag queens performing! Stay close to the balcony as they open it right before the show so you can get the best view.
Mag’s 940 – Located at 940 Elysian Fields Ave, I dropped by for the burlesque show and got a special invite from the owner to stick around for the drag show too.
Both performances were top-notch, with entertaining acts and a super-friendly staff.
The bar’s vibe is inclusive, and I noticed a lot of other trans individuals enjoying the scene. Definitely a place to check out!
Café Lafitte In Exile – Located at 901 Bourbon St, this place is just amazing.
The regulars are incredibly friendly, and I spent the majority of my night meeting new people, including many from the trans community.
The bartenders are outstanding, especially Jeremy, he was so sweet and attentive to all my instructions!
The AllWays Lounge – Located at 2240 St Claude Ave, an amazing and inclusive cabaret and lounge with queer, trans and cis folks all enjoying together.
I went for a burlesque show and the interaction between performers and the audience made it memorable.
My only complaint is that while the bar has a good selection, a second bartender could speed up the drink service.
Golden Lantern – Located at 1239 Royal St, while seating might be a bit limited, the patrons are welcoming with a heavy queer/trans presence.
It’s a cozy and inclusive bar with reasonable drink prices and as you can see in the video, the drag shows are also incredible…
2. Community Centers and Organizations
New Orleans had an LGBT Community Center in the past but recently it shut down, and sadly there’s currently no alternative.
But you can still find organizations like House of Tulip that provide support to trans and GNC folks.
They occasionally host support groups and social activities that are great for connecting with TGs.
You can also join the virtual meetings of Louisiana Trans Advocates that are held on the third Saturday of every month.
And if you’re into sports then make sure to check out Stonewall Sports. It’s an organization that brings the LGBT community and its allies together for sports.
Even if you don’t want to participate, you can attend their leagues to potentially mingle with the trans community.
3. Trans Dating Sites
For those not keen on the bar scene, there’s a great alternative: TG-friendly dating sites.
Personally, I always turn to OkCupid when looking for trans friends or a potential date.
The platform not only serves the transgender community in New Orleans but all across Louisiana, further expanding your options.
And while we usually don’t mind chatting or even going out with cis men, what turns us off is getting fetishized.
So yes – approach us with respect and don’t come off as a creep who just wants to have casual encounters with a trans woman.
If you are into hookups then use a different platform like Grindr which is mostly used for this purpose.
It also has a lot of trans users and the majority of them are seeking no-strings-attached experiences.
4. Online Groups and Events
I couldn’t find any trans-focused online communities but there’s Queer New Orleans on Facebook that’s worth checking out.
It has over 10K members and since it’s a public group, you can interact with its members without joining.
Even though there’s a lot of irrelevant stuff there, you can still find plenty of posts that share info about upcoming LGBT events.
And with so many members, you’re bound to meet trans people there as well.
Your other option is Greetings from Queer Mountain, a community that does monthly queer storytelling shows.
They take over various bars in New Orleans like AllWays Lounge and other popular spots.
Also, keep an eye out for the monthly lesbian/queer dance parties hosted by GrrlSpot as they also tend to have many trans individuals.
What It’s Like to Be Transgender in New Orleans
New Orleans stands out as one of the most open-minded cities for trans people, comparable to places like Seattle.
It feels almost like a different state in some parts. The local attitude towards TGs is very much in line with the city’s “live and let live” philosophy.
But from my perspective, the LGBTQ+ social scene appears a bit disjointed, or maybe just heavily integrated with the straight scene.
You’ll find small groups and monthly events that are trans and queer-centric, but they’re scattered.
The community here tends to gather in ‘queer heavy’ socials that pop up in various places, rather than in permanent, dedicated venues.
This means there aren’t many consistent spots where you’re guaranteed to meet trans people.
But if you just want to live a peaceful life, then you can’t go wrong with New Orleans.
Locals typically don’t give trans people a second glance, though the reaction from tourists can vary.
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Meeting Trans in New Orleans
In New Orleans, the key to meeting trans individuals lies in knowing where to look.
For those who prefer in-person interactions, the nightspots I’ve highlighted or the monthly queer parties are great places to start.
Alternatively, if online connections are more your style, joining virtual support groups or exploring online dating sites can be equally fruitful.
With such a vast trans community in the city, it won’t be long before you cross paths with some incredible people.
That’s all from me – hope you enjoy meeting the wonderful trans community in New Orleans!
