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.
A compendium of
queer spaces
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
1. Hares & Hyenas
79-81 Fitzroy St, St Kilda, 3182
An LGBTQIA+ bookstore, café and events space offering a world full of stories about living your truth, shared experience and queer joy.
2. Big Esso by Mabu Mabu
Swanston Street and Flinders Street, Melbourne, 3000
This Indigenous-owned restaurant group spotlights native ingredients, bringing ancient medicine into the modern day. Where possible, they source from First Nations, queer-led, women-led, and environmentally conscious producers who share similar values.
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.
Sydney
1. The Bookshop Darlinghurst
207 Oxford St, Darlinghurst, 2010
This 40-year-standing store offers an impressive collection of books and magazines, and was where the majority of the books for the Aesop Queer Library in Paddington, Sydney were sourced from in 2021.
Berlin
1. Kink Bar and Restaurant
Schönhauser Allee 176, 10119
Despite its name, this venue has no strict dress code. Set in a former brewery compound, the space hosts DJs and live music, with imaginative cocktails and not-too-small plates served in industrial surrounds or on the secluded patio.
2. Romeo und Romeo
Motzstraße 20, 10777
Never was a story of more woe than that of missing the last batch of vegan brownies at Romeo und Romeo. Serving cakes and coffee in the morning, which make way for spritzes and beers come the afternoon, the café is positioned on a corner with outside seating, making it the ideal spot for people-watching and, perchance, the start of a romance—though hopefully not of the star-crossed variety.
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.
Los Angeles
1. The Black Cat
3909 Sunset Blvd, 90029
A bar and restaurant best known for its significance in LGBTQIA+ history. In 1967, demonstrations against police brutality towards the community took place at The Black Cat—forerunners of the Stonewall Riots.
2. Precinct
336 S Hill St, 90013
When it comes to an end-of-the-day libation, convenience is often a foremost factor. Lucky for us Aesopians, then, that this gay bar is just a few blocks from Aesop Downtown LA. However, it is also well worth a visit from all the way across town—Precinct hosts weekly drag shows and has long been an essential part of the city’s queer scene.
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.
Taipei
1. Café Dalida
No. 51, Lane 10, Chengdu Rd, Wanhua District
Peering through the lush vegetation at Café Dalida, one may spot the striking plumage of some of Taipei’s most exciting drag stars. A place where eccentricities are free to flourish and bloom, this verdant space is one of the oldest queer-centric bars in Taiwan. Also welcoming to the lesser-spotted straight individual, it is known as a trusted establishment for raucous evenings out.
2. Wildflower Bookstore
No. 7, Lane 69, Sec. 1, Chengde Rd, Datong District
This independent arts-focused bookstore sells a wide variety of publications to Taipei’s vibrant creative—and queer—communities.
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.
Tokyo
1. Dorobune
205, 2-7-3 Shinjuku
Hidden away from the bustling bars and neon lights of the Ni-Chome LGTBQIA+ district, this relaxed lesbian bar welcomes all—including patrons’ canine companions.
2. Aiiro cafe
〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 2 Chome−18−1, 7 Tenka Bld, 1F
Walk through the rainbow-coloured arch at the entrance of this bar and prepare for time to speed up. Here nights tend to stretch until far later than intended; perhaps it is the 1000 Yen bottomless beer, maybe it is the raucous drag queen performances—the mystery remains unsolved.
Hong Kong Island
1. Mount Zero Books
6C Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan
At a streetside courtyard, chairs, tables and potted plants are loosely arranged to create a welcoming alfresco lounge area for visitors to unwind with a new book in hand, sit-in on a community gathering, or for a chat with one of amiable shop managers.
2. Sam Kee Book Company
Shop 19, B/F, King's Centre, 193-209 King's Road, Fortress Hill
For over five decades, the store has welcomed bibliophiles of all stripes—and occasionally stray cats—through its doors. Stacked from floor-to-ceiling with books, over 10,000 titles can be found in this compact space, including a few with a handwritten note from the owner.
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.
Kowloon
1. Hong Kong Reader
7F, 68 Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Mong Kok
At this decade-old institution, readers come for the academic literature—covering topics on philosophy, politics and gender identity—and the informal, salon-like gatherings, where one might become acquainted with the store’s resident cat, Wei Wei.
2. jisaam books
Room 1202, Grand Place, Nathan Road 558-560, Yau Ma Tei
The founders—a trio of friends—embraced the challenge of transforming a small, commercial space into a comfortable reading nook. The store, now replete with works of literature, philosophy and history, also hosts community events, from live music to art shows.
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.
New Territories
1. BeiBei Book House
67 Tai Kong Po Tsuen, Kam Tin, Yuen Long
In escaping city life for these rural surrounds, visitors will find a homely environment to take pause and indulge in the pleasures of reading. The owners, a retired couple, host community events and grow their own produce—which can be enjoyed in exchange of a book.
2. Dionysus books
G/F, 17 Sai Kung Tai Street, Sai Kung
A refreshing addition to this quiet seaside community that is better known amongst day-trippers for its fresh catch and verdant hiking trails than its literary leanings.
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.
Macau
1. Bookand
Rua de Inácio Baptista 4B
Set against a backdrop of books, this intimate multidisciplinary space hosts a diverse cultural programme—from screenings to exhibitions—and serves a selection of light refreshments throughout the day.
2. Elite Book Store
Edificio Kam Heng, 10 Rua da Palha
This unassuming establishment offers a wide selection of titles in Chinese, English and Japanese, alongside a section dedicated to books by locally-published authors.
Further reading
Explore more LGBTQIA+ reads, author interviews, a Pride playlist and details of Aesop Queer Libraries across the globe.
Discover more
