Pretty much everyone will agree that Providence is an amazing city to meet trans individuals.
It has countless nightlife options and other inclusive spaces brimming with opportunities to connect with the community.
But that’s not all, because there’s also a thriving online scene with plenty of event sites hosting TG-focused events.
So if all this sounds exciting then buckle up as we explore the most effective ways to meet trans men and women in Providence.
Table of Contents
List of TG Friendly Venues in Providence
1. Bars and Clubs
Providence is loaded with nightclubs and bars and you’d find trans folks in most places near the downtown area.
However, I’m not a fan of some gay bars here because my past experiences have been less than pleasant.
They mostly have older gay men who are insensitive towards trans people, especially noticeable in clubs like EGO.
But anyway, here’s a list of places that I can recommend:
The Salon – Located at 57 Eddy St, this place may not be as hipster but the staff really looks out for their customers.
The crowd is also diverse with queer, trans, and straight people all partying under one roof. Note that most people start coming in after 11 pm on weekends.
The Avery – Located at 18 Luongo Square, this is a fun neighborhood bar. Some might find this place a little too pretentious, but I like it because you’ll almost always meet a few trans women here.
Kimi’s – Also located on Washington St, this bar has started building a decent queer rep thanks to its inclusive staff and of course, the excellent beer selection.
Ogie’s Trailer Park – Located at 1155 Westminister St, these guys give a tiki bar vibe and are mainly known for their delicious food.
But it’s a really cool place so you’ll find a nice blend of trans, gay, and straight people here.
Glou – Located at 134 Ives St, is a recently opened gem swiftly becoming the preferred hangout for trans individuals seeking a comfortable space for a drink.
The Stable – Located at 125 Washington St, the bar is long and narrow and gets busy on weekends after dinner and on weekdays after work.
A lot of people start their nights here and then go to other places but it can be packed on weekends from 10 pm to 12 am.
The crowd is mixed with some trans patrons, and visitors to the city often come here.
The Dark Lady – Located at 19 Snow St, it is a cozy club where the crowd typically skews towards the trans/queer side.
It’s not very big, but it’s a nice space and as you can see, they also host some incredible drag shows…
2. Community Centers and Organizations
If bar hopping isn’t your thing then there are many other ways to connect with the LGBTQ+ community.
One of my favorites is to simply visit the Youth Pride Inc community center.
It’s a fun and welcoming hub where you can truly be yourself. This lively spot is a meeting ground for amazing people from all walks of life, including trans people.
Even though their main focus is on LGBTQ+ youth, they often host programs for adults that are worth joining.
Then there’s TGI Network of RI. They’re all about supporting and advocating for the transsexual, GNC, and intersex communities.
They host groups specifically for non-binary and trans folks, creating a space for shared experiences and connections.
Another great option is Thundermist, known for trans healthcare. But it’s not just about medical stuff. They also have support programs for the community.
What’s cool is that they’re there to help, whether you have insurance or not. Many trans people in the city find Thundermist a welcoming place to connect and get support.
3. Trans Friendly Dating Sites
If you want to connect with trans individuals in the dating scene, online platforms can be a game-changer.
While many apps host trans users, some are more inclusive and understanding than others.
In my experience, mainstream apps like Tinder can be a bit tricky. Many trans individuals, understandably, keep their trans status private due to the judgmental nature of the platform.
In comparison, OkCupid is like a trans-friendly oasis in the online dating desert of Providence.
It provides a nifty feature to filter out trans profiles, ensuring you’re in the right company from the start.
The majority of trans people on the platform are seeking genuine connections.
For those exploring more casual encounters, Grindr is a noteworthy option.
Although primarily a gay dating app, it has a substantial user base of trans individuals looking for laid-back connections.
So, if you’re after hookups, Grindr might be the space where your interests align with those of the trans community.
4. Event Pages
There are a few Instagram pages that host fun queer focused events that my trans friends also often attend.
Every Monday, there’s a cool gathering usually at Moniker Brewery called Queers & Beers of Rhode Island.
On Wednesdays, you can catch QueeriosityPVD in Kimi’s. They also hang out with the Providence Queer Board Game Group; you can find them on Meetup, and they switch up locations.
Thursdays are all about singing and having a good time at The Boombox/Moniker Brewery during Queeraoke PVD.
There’s also PlanetaPVD that hosts queer dance parties that are always fun.
You can find more details about each event on their respective Instagram pages.
5. Social Media Groups
Moving on, there are a bunch of Facebook groups that can be great for socializing with trans individuals.
I’ll first talk about RI Transgender Support which is specifically for the trans and gnc folks. If you don’t fall under this umbrella, you cannot join this group.
If you’re an ally then LGBTQIA+ Adventure Club is a nice community. It welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds and focuses on hosting meetups.
Another fun group is Queer Book Club, they host a gathering at Books on the Square bookstore on the third Wednesday of every month.
They talk about queer-themed books, share stories, and host fun discussions.
6. Other LGBT+ Spaces
At this point, you probably already have an idea how trans friendly Providence really is. But the fun doesn’t end here.
I’ve already talked about a lot of places but another spot I really love is the Electromagnetic Pinball Museum and Restoration.
It’s located in Pawtucket, and one of its owners is a trans woman. You can often meet her along with other TGs at the museum!
Aside from that, if you are into fitness then although there are many trans friendly gyms in Providence, the one that stands out the most is VP Fitness.
The gym is located at 10 Dorrance St, and its owner Joe is simply an amazing guy. He makes sure the gym is properly managed and everyone feels welcome.
What It’s Like to Be Transgender in Providence
None of my local friends here have ever complained about facing downright transphobia in Providence.
Workplaces are generally supportive, with employers showing understanding and openness during their transitions.
A significant perk is that both state and employer-provided insurance covers all aspects of medical transition, offering support for those interested in pursuing it.
The city has various groups and spaces tailored for the trans community. The legal landscape is supportive as well.
The state’s laws offer protection, and there are excellent bathroom laws in place.
Any business with single-occupancy restrooms must label them as gender-neutral. Government facilities also provide gender-neutral restroom options.
An added bonus is the cost of living—it’s more affordable than Boston, and the overall sense of community is better.
All in all, making the move to Providence is seen as one of the best decisions you can make!
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Meeting Trans in Providence
I can’t emphasize enough how fantastic Providence is for connecting with the trans community.
Downtown areas like The West End and Federal Hill neighborhoods stand out for their LGBTQ+ friendliness and community events.
And overall, there are so many incredible places that it’s tough to cover them all in one guide. But I’ve done my best to provide you with a range of options.
So with that, I hope you have a fantastic time meeting trans men and women in Providence – that’s all from my side!
