Vancouver’s awesome for trans individuals, but finding the right spots? That can be a challenge.
The city is big and there’s a lot to explore, but no stress – I’ve got the lowdown on the trans scene here.
This guide’s gonna walk you through the top spots to meet trans people in Vancouver.
I’ll cover everything from nightlife to community centers and other cool LGBTQ+ places. Let’s jump in!
Table of Contents
List of TG Friendly Venues in Vancouver
1. Bars and Clubs
Vancouver is as good as it gets when it comes to trans nightlife.
Pretty much every place waives the rainbow flag but Davie St. in particular, is a hotspot.
It has the best queer bars and clubs. But the best part is they are within walking distance.
Commercial Drive is another area worth mentioning but it’s more restaurant-oriented so I’ll focus more on Davie Street.
So here’s a list of places to get you started.
PumpJack Pub at 1167 Davie St – This is a fantastic local bar. It’s spacious with plenty of seating options. The crowd is often beary gay men, but they’re very friendly.
It’s an ideal spot for anyone, trans or straight, to enjoy a good beer. Don’t miss out on their Wednesday karaoke nights!
Numbers Cabaret at 1042 Davie St – This by far is the busiest bar in Vancouver.
It’s always packed and the clientele is also very welcoming with a good mix of trans folks.
They often throw a dance party right after the show. It’s the ideal chance to mingle with trans folks who are out enjoying the night just like you.
The Fountainhead Pub at 1025 Davie St – This pub is famous for its delicious food and its lively scene on Friday nights.
Big props to the staff too – they’re amazing at making everyone, especially trans folks, feel right at home.
1181 Lounge at 1181 Davie St – This is one of the classiest bars in the city. Even though most of its clientele is gay men, it isn’t uncommon to meet queer people, especially on the weekends.
Junction at 1138 Davie St – I came here for a Saturday night drag show and I wasn’t disappointed!
Just try getting there around 9:30 pm to snag a front-row seat because as you can see in the video, the performances are worth it…
2. Community Centers and Organizations
You can also connect with Vancouver’s trans community by visiting the Qmunity’s community center at 1170 Bute St.
Apparently, it’s the only active organization in the city but it’s pretty much all that you will need.
They host online and offline support groups every month where you can get involved with the LGBT+ community.
Some of their trans focused groups include Trans+ Loved Ones second Tuesday and Transgathering on every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month.
Note: Both of these groups are held online, you can get the Zoom link by contacting the group facilitators.
3. Trans Dating Sites
Hitting the bars isn’t the only way to meet trans people in Vancouver. Online platforms are buzzing too, and it all boils down to what you’re after.
For expanding your circle with more trans men and women, OkCupid is a solid pick.
Its users are mature and welcoming, even the cis folks, and you won’t run into many chasers.
But if you’re scouting for something more casual, TSDates is where it’s at.
It’s packed with trans users looking for casual connections. So, depending on what you’re after, these sites could just do the trick!
4. Online Groups and Events
Joining online groups like Transgender Vancouver is a great way to meet trans people.
Though it’s a small community, they’re active and often organize meetups.
For those into the club scene, check out Normiecorp for events with DJs, drag, and a predominantly LGBT crowd.
And for trans and cis women and non-binary folks, Babes on Babes throws amazing dance parties, welcoming everyone, not just lesbians.
5. Other LGBT+ Spaces
If you’re not much for the nightlife, Vancouver’s got you covered with some chill LGBTQ+ spots.
Check out Goodlife Fitness which is a trans friendly gym at Burnaby Metrotown. They have a very welcoming staff and I never had any trouble using their women’s facilities.
Spartacus Gym on Commercial Drive is another gem where everyone feels at home.
And if you’re up for something different, swing by Little Sister’s bookstore.
It’s not just books – they’ve got a cool mix of stuff, and it’s a great place to casually bump into trans folks during the day.
What It’s Like to Be Transgender in Vancouver
Vancouver’s pretty awesome for trans folks. I have a lot of friends living a peaceful life here both before and after their transition.
At most, if you aren’t “passable”, you might get some stares, but that’s about it.
The queer community here is very active and there are lots of inclusive LGBTQ+ groups and a good number of trans people.
But the biggest problem is the insane cost. Most people live here from paycheck to paycheck.
And that becomes even more difficult if you’re in the process of your transition.
So if you’re planning to move here pre-transition then make sure that you first secure a high-paying job.
If you’re looking for more affordable alternatives, then Montreal is also worth considering due to its active trans social scene.
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Meeting Trans in Vancouver
Vancouver’s got loads of different ways to meet trans folks. And it’s tough to pick just one because they all kinda rock in their own way.
I personally prefer hitting the bars and clubs, though that’s probably because I’m extroverted.
But whether you prefer connecting through online apps or social media, no worries because everything works. It’s all about what clicks for you.
So that’s all from my side, I hope you folks enjoy meeting trans men and women in Vancouver!
