Aesop Queer Cities Guide

Celebrating LGBTQIA+ spaces and experiences

As an ode to the queer venues that educate, unify, shelter and spread joy, LGBTQIA+ Aesopians have raided their rainbow-hued rolodexes to share a selection of cherished destinations from the cities they call home.

From the hush of queer bookstores to the hum of local cafes and blare of prized drag bars, together these recommendations echo with the history of queer activism, memories of dancefloor encounters, and those pivotal moments when self-affirmation is found. Expressive rather than exhaustive, this guide is best enjoyed alongside a coffee or cocktail—perhaps with a pencil at hand to add your own finds along the way. Happy exploring.

Melbourne
Sydney
Berlin
London
Los Angeles
New York
Taipei
Toronto
Tokyo
Hong Kong
Macau

3. Fairfield AIDS Memorial Garden

Fairfield, 3078

A solemn reminder of the immensity of lost lives, memory and the passing of time, this rugged native garden is hidden near the Yarra River on the site of the former Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital.

4. The Butterfly Club 5 Carson Place, Melbourne, 3000 This small theatre in the heart of the city is home to a plethora of queer activities from comedy and live music to burlesque life drawing and a sing-along piano bar.

5. Australian Queer Archives

79-81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, 3182

A veritable treasure trove of answers to all sorts of queer queries, this incredible resource covers everything LGBTQIA+ in Australia, past and present. Opened in 1978, the archive also runs queer history walks, a youth programme and more.

3. Literaturhaus

Fasanenstraße 23, 10719

Hosting regular readings and other events, Literaturhaus is a welcoming bookstore and café that has a sizable selection of books by queer authors. Come for the cake, leave full of thought-provoking ideas.

4. ZsaZsa Burger

Motzstraße 28, 10777

In cities where underground bars and 3am DJ sets may result in less-than-sprightly mornings after, establishments that cut through weariness with a sizable helping of grease are—at least to the bleary-eyed—vital. Step in ZsaZsa Burger—a queer-centric eatery with a great selection of creative recipes, including vegan options and the famed ‘Swiss Miss Burger’ with raclette cheese.

5. The Marlene Dietrich Collection at Deutsche Kinemathek

Potsdamer Str. 2, 10785

‘Glamour is what I sell, it’s my stock in trade’ said Marlene Dietrich, whose style, and status as a queer icon, flows through the rooms of this permanent collection, which includes movie costumes, written materials and photographs. Always ready with a one-liner as sharp as the cut of her tuxedo, Dietrich openly defied gender norms to challenge the heteronormativity of old Hollywood. A must-visit.

6. Hua International Gallery

Potsdamer Str. 81B, 10785

With exhibitions focusing on socially engaged art, this contemporary art space shows compelling international artists that stimulate discussion.

7. Roses Bar

Oranienstraße 187, 10999

Pink fur adorns the walls of this late-night bar, where cheap beer flows as the music blares and disco balls shine through the clouds of cigarette smoke. This is a Berlin queer classic, often visited as a pre-drinking spot before the clubs, but which regularly becomes the one-stop destination of the night.

8. She Said Books

Kottbusser Damm 79, 10967

She Said Books is a queer feminist bookstore and café in Neukölln, offering a wide selection of literature written by women and LGBTQIA+ people from around the world. The venue also hosts community gatherings and serves freshly baked pastries and great coffee throughout the day.

London

1. The Cock Tavern

340 Kennington Rd, SE11 4LD

This free-spirited pub has a ‘Georgian Tiki style’ interior—a concept that may, admittedly, make the Aesop store design team’s heads spin, but which nonetheless makes for a distinctly convivial atmosphere. DJ sets are focused on cheesy pop and disco, which is the perfect soundscape to drown out any pretentious inhibitions that may stymie a good time.

2. Gay’s The Word

66 Marchmont Street, WC1N 1AB

Founded in 1979, this queer cornerstone is the oldest LGBTQIA+ bookshop in the UK. As depicted in the 2014 film Pride, the store has also acted as a headquarters for queer activism throughout its colourful history. Many of the books found in the London edition of the Aesop Queer Library were sourced from Gay’s The Word, which continues to unite the community through live events and sharing the very best in queer literature, from cult classics to emerging writers.

3. The Glory

281 Kingsland Rd, E2 8AS

Take a traditional East London boozer, mix with drag king competitions, eye-popping cabaret acts and shake with a sizable measure of warmth—and ridiculousness—and you are somewhere near the recipe that The Glory has concocted. Consume with immoderation.

4. Royal Vauxhall Tavern

372 Kennington Ln, SE11 5HY

One of London's oldest gay pubs, the RVT has hosted some of the UK’s most startling cabaret acts and drag queens, not to mention (once, in the 80s) Princess Diana. The walls give off aromas of romances found and lost over the decades—a beautiful thing to ponder.

5. Frog Bakery

44 Peckham Rd, SE5 8PX

Perfuming the streets of South East London with the scent of freshly made cardamom buns, baguettes and savoury pastries, this new bakery was established by Ottolenghi and Brick House Bakery alumni. It has a strong community-driven ethos and is just a short stroll away from the brilliant South London Gallery.

6. The Old Ship

17 Barnes St, E14 7NW

Unlike many other queer-friendly pubs lost to gentrification in the past 10 years, this iconic venue refuses to sink—mainly thanks to the tight-knit community that continues to rally around it. Located, rather unexpectedly, in the environs of Stepney Green, the walls are filled with new and old art—some more questionable than others. More importantly, zero judgment is given.

3. The New Jalisco Bar

245 S Main St, 90012

A lively Latinx LGBTQIA+ institution for performance, libations, and dancing, located in Downtown LA. Perhaps not the best location for a quiet drink.

4. La Cita Bar

336 S Hill St, 90013

A vibrant queer bar in Downtown LA that hosts drag shows every weekend. Its Bloody Mary is legendary.

5. Nickel Diner

524 S Main St, 90013

This diner is owned by Kris and Monica—a queer couple who are embedded in the community and continually give back to it. They started a ‘Pay It Forward’ meal program that offers weekly meals to the unhoused. Excellent food, served with a side of uplifting ethics.

6. The Juicy Leaf

2614 Arthur St Ste B, 90065

A favoured destination among green-fingered gays, bisexual botanists and plant enthusiasts of all genders and sexualities, this queer-owned boutique store in Glassell Park offers unique designer terrariums and succulent arrangements. They also specialise in driftwood sculpture, handmade glass and pottery, plus a selection of vintage furniture and objects.

New York

1. Black Flamingo

168 Borinquen Pl, Brooklyn, 11211

There comes a certain time in one’s life when the prospect of a packed nightclub may lead to questions such as ‘Will there be seating?’ and ‘Does it really start at 2am?’ This is where the restaurant-cum-club concept comes in, with a perfect example being the Black Flamingo in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Not only does it allow visitors to segue from small plates to shimmies with ease, but it is also a warm and welcoming venue with a diverse, fun-loving crowd.

2. Mood Ring

1260 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, 11221

A brilliantly divey bar, where Cosmos are served with a side of cosmology. The interiors of Mood Ring are inspired by the dreamy intensity of Wong Kar-wai's films, and the bar's cosy backroom dance floor makes it easy to lose yourself in the noise—or else an astrology-themed cocktail.

3. The Leslie-Lohman Museum

26 Wooster St, 10013

This beautiful space engages the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies in queer-centred conversations and experiences through the visual arts. Located in SoHo, it hosts both physical and virtual installations, and is one of the oldest arts groups focusing on the collection and preservation of queer art.

4. Nowadays

56-06 Cooper Ave, Queens, 11385

With a commitment to providing a safer space for people of colour, queer and trans individuals and all marginalised identities, Nowadays is a place where you can truly be yourself on the dance floor, without financial or social worry (the entry fee is on a sliding scale for those who need it).

5. C'mon Everybody

325 Franklin Ave, Brooklyn, 11238

A queer-operated bar and entertainment venue that promotes themed events such as comedy shows, tribute nights and more. They are intentional about uplifting those who have struggled expressing themselves within the larger live arts community of NYC—notably, queer people of colour.

6. Papi Juice at Elsewhere

599 Johnson Ave, Brooklyn, 11237

An iconic Brooklyn party geared to queer people of colour. It usually occurs once a month, and always with an international line-up of queer DJs.

3. Par Store

No. 1, Lane 3, Chifeng St, Datong Dist, 103

While the label ‘lifestyle store’ may too often be used for any shop containing a coffee machine and row of croissants, Par Store is a true extension of how its founders, musician Hom Shenhao and designer Lo Yi Fan. live. Expect live DJ sets, limited-edition band T-shirts, arts publications and more. Just look out for the neon cat sign, then follow the steps down into Taipei’s underground culture.

4. Wonder Bar

No. 183, Fuxing N Rd, Songshan District

A cosy lesbian bar with a warm and welcoming vibe, serving classic and more experimental cocktails according to each visitor’s preference.

5. Coffee Flair

No. 11-1, Lane 13, Shuangcheng St, Zhongshan District

With not just a flair for creating the perfect flat white, but also a passion for supporting LGBTQIA+ issues, this café is a convivial cornerstone for the queer community.

6. Rainbow Queer

No. 70 號 9, Section 2, Roosevelt Road, Zhongzheng District

A friendly space for the LGBTQIA+ community, Rainbow Queer hosts workshops and exhibitions, in addition to providing resources and a clinic for locals and visitors.

Toronto

1. Craig’s Cookies

1332 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6K 1L4

A Gay Village staple, Craig’s Cookies is a queer-owned space that serves delicious morsels of baked sweetness. With over 100 recipes—from maple bacon to pecan butter tart—the goods are as characterful as the customers. To quote the wise words of that esteemed azure orator, the Cookie Monster: ‘Me want cookie!’ Quite.

2. Glad Day Bookshop

499 Church St, Toronto, ON M4Y 2C6

Offering a wide selection of titles by LGBTQIA+ authors, including a section dedicated to two-spirit and indigenous narratives, this queer bookshop also hosts a renowned drag brunch and special events in its cosy, convivial surrounds. Many of the books featured in the US editions of the Aesop Queer Library were purchased from its expertly curated shelves.

3. Sunil Gupta at Ryerson Image Centre

33 Gould St, Toronto, ON M5B 1E9

Photographer Sunil Gupta has been a prominent voice and image-maker in queer politics since his teens, participating in New York’s Gay Liberation Movement in the 70s and more recently campaigning for gay rights in India, his birthplace. Capturing his experiences as a gay man of colour living with HIV in Canada, the US, England and India, this retrospective is a unique opportunity to explore his striking work. The exhibition closes on 6 August 2022.

4. Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

2 Alexander St, ON M4Y 1B4

Rooted in the principles and values of queer liberation, this leading destination for alternative theatre continues to support voices that question sexual and cultural norms. A space that remains as vital and compelling as it did when it first opened its doors in 1979.

3. Cabinet of Stories

1/F, No.15, Staunton Street, Central

Tucked away in a shophouse building, this cosy reading room and gallery showcases handcrafted objects and works on paper—offering a much-needed refuge from the city’s bustle.

4. Little Bao

Diner: 9 Kingston Street, Causeway Bay

Helmed by accoladed chef May Chow, this queer-owned restaurant pairs an experimental approach to comfort food with Asian-inspired flavours.

5. PabePabe

G/F, 62B, Staunton Street, Central

With a vision that bridges fashion and art, the boutique houses the brand’s growing range of unconventional handbags and accessories, alongside exhibitions by Hong Kong-based creatives.

6. The Wild Lot

Shop B, G/F 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Sheung Wan

From charity fundraisers to gigs and Pride gatherings, the queer-owned event space champions inclusion through supporting independent businesses and local creatives—often from within the LGBTQIA+ community.

3. Kubrick

Shop H2, Prosperous Garden, 3 Public Square St, Yau Ma Tei

Paying homage to its namesake, the bookstore and café—adjacent to an arthouse cinema—was an early example of a multi-concept shop when it opened over twenty years ago. It remains a port of call for culture, design and film enthusiasts for its eclectic curation of reading material and extensive music catalogue.

4. MUM's NOT HOME

1/F, 302 Shanghai St, Yau Ma Tei

At this queer-owned café, the generous spread of rainbow-hued cheesecakes—available in flavours from fruity to sumptuous—and array of curios and clothing are good reasons to pay a visit and linger.

5. Shop at Years

126 Yu Chau Street, Sham Shui Po

Whether in search of a gift for a friend or something special for oneself, YEARS’ varied offerings—spanning literature to design, and more—are sure to please recipients of all stripes. It is beloved for its impressive collection of CDs, tapes, and vinyl, and also hosts regular DJ-sessions.

6. Eaton HK

380 Nathan Road, Kowloon

More just than a base to explore the city, the hotel is cornerstone of the queer and creative community in Hong Kong. Its cultural programming—be it through performances, art or film—lends a supportive voice to LGBTQIA and social issues.

3. to-day bookstore

G/F, 68 Pak She Street, Cheung Chau

Although only a short ferry ride from Hong Kong island, Cheung Chau—a former fishing village—invites a slower pace. Distinguishable by its yellow façade, this quaint store nourishes both the mind and the body with a selection of stimulating reads, groceries and local produce to take home.