Robyn is the CEO & Founder of HER. Find her on Twitter.
Select your language
Select your language
Apr 17, 2024
Welcome to HER’s viral Lesbian Day Long Date. As we all know, lesbian dates can last well over 12 hours, and so to celebrate Lesbian Visibility Day this year, we are launching the ultimate lesbian date – a day-long interactive tour through London’s lesbian history. There will be history, queer rights, riots and a lot of drinks along the way 😉 We’ve designed this date to help you get to know your date a bit better as well because who knows, maybe this is The One.
Most of the guide is planned with you walking from one destination to the next but we’ll give you recommendations of transport if it’s a long distance or a nice route to take (like a boat at the start!). The suggestions of timings are to keep you a bit on track but we trust you can take care of yourselves 😉
If you go on the date and share about it on social media, be sure to tag @hersocialapp and use #HERdaylongdate to enter to win $250 credit for a hotel stay for Night 2. 😉 One winner will be selected for London and one for New York.
Winners will be chosen by May 30th, 2024.
We know, we know, starting you in Chelsea doesn’t seem right, but trust us, this is a big one. This unassuming flower shop is filled with lesbian history. Grab a coffee and cheese straw from Gails and head over to Lavender Green Flowers.
Source: Historic England
Back in 1925, this very address housed The Gateways, a social club established as a safe haven for lesbians in a time when just being yourself was illegal. Imagine the courage it took to find community in this discreet basement spot. The Gateways went above and beyond just drinks and dancing (though we’re sure there was plenty of that too). They even offered affordable housing, a lifeline for lesbian women navigating a challenging world.
Source: Girl Friends Of Dorothy
Fast forward to 1930, and The Gateways transformed into a full-fledged nightclub, earning the nickname “The Gates.” This was the longest-running lesbian nightclub in the entire world! For decades, “The Gates” was a place where lesbians, bisexuals, and even curious allies could gather openly.
Gateways is a place where “the bullshit didn’t have the upper hand.”
Gina who ran the legendary Gateways club
Source: Historic England
Legendary actresses like Diana Dors and Dusty Springfield graced the dance floor, and the club’s vibrant energy inspired a lesbian novel, “The Microcosm,” and even made an appearance in the 1968 film “The Killing of Sister George.”
Source: Smithsonian
From the 1940s to the 1960s, the place was all about the social interactions through butch/femme culture, but by the 1970s, the winds of social change began to blow, and the masculine or hyper-feminine image that characterized many lesbian spaces started to soften “less gender-specific fashions.” The Gateways became a melting pot for lesbians embracing a wider spectrum of self-expression, influenced by feminism and the counterculture. Sadly, the party couldn’t last forever, and The Gateways closed its doors in 1985.
Date Activity: Buy each other a stem from the shop (a blind pick!) Press it and keep it as a momento if things work out.
TRAVEL TIP: You need to make it to the Cadogan pier at the river to make the 11.28AM ferry up the Thames to stop #2
The Department for Education (DfE) may be an unexpected move, but hear us out. This might not be the first place that springs to mind for a date (though imagine the “We repealed Section 28 together” story you can tell your grandkids), but the DfE played a pivotal role in lesbian equality.
Source: Aimbec Carpentry
In 1988, Section 28 was passed, basically saying anything LGBTQ+ was off-limits in schools, as in completely invisible; this law prevented local authorities from openly discussing or advocating for LGBTQ+ rights or educating about same-sex relationships in schools. It was one of the greatest setbacks and barriers the LGBTQ+ community had been faced with. This created a super hostile environment for lesbian students and teachers, forcing them to stay hidden.
Source: Metro Charity
But the lesbian community fought back, hard. They rallied, and rallied, right here on these very grounds. This protest was a pivotal moment, a giant “NO!” to discrimination. It paved the way for future battles and, ultimately, the repeal of Section 28 in 2003. The fight for its repeal was long and hard, but in 2003, lesbians (and the entire LGBTQ+ community) did a victory dance so fierce it probably registered on the Richter scale.
The repeal of Section 28 was a massive turning point. It meant schools could finally teach about LGBT+ experiences, including lesbian history and heroes. This might seem like a no-brainer now, but it was a huge step towards a world where lesbians are celebrated, not ostracized. Here is a potent reminder of the progress we’ve made, and the work that’s still ahead.
Source: Study International
Also, in April 2019, the new regulations for Relationships and Sex Education (RSHE) were implemented in England. Remember that feeling of pure triumph when the confetti rained down after they passed those history-making regulations for RSHE? Yes, that’s the one! It was about making sure all students learned about healthy relationships and the beautiful diversity of family structures, including LGBTQ+ families.
We believe kids should learn about this at an early age. I am sure there are many parents who want their and other children taught about LGBT issues…There is a petition to remove this content, which we believe is discriminatory. LGBT people exist, they have the same rights as the rest of us and kids should know them…without judgement or issue. Despite what their parents might believe.
The prayer in e-petition 631529
Source: Thangam Debbonaire
Fast forward to September 2020, RSHE became compulsory in ALL secondary schools across England. Yes, you read that right, ALL. This meant classrooms were no longer silent on LGBTQ+ topics, ensuring students got the inclusive and informative education they deserve. Teachers became heroes, armed with resources and guidance from the Department for Education (DfE).
They’re leading the charge for LGBTQ+ inclusive Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE). Remember those awkward puberty lessons where “the talk” never quite happened? Well, DfE is providing schools with resources and guidance to deliver age-appropriate lessons that celebrate diversity and answer those burning questions we all had as teens.
Think back to our school days: how many LGBTQ+ role models did we see in the history books? Probably close to zero, right? DfE is changing that too! By supporting initiatives that champion LGBTQ+ teachers, they’re creating a more inclusive environment for both students and educators. Imagine having a cool, out lesbian teacher who could answer your questions in a safe space – pretty awesome, if you ask me!
Also, there are movements happening right now to make school a more welcoming place for everyone. They’re really cracking down on bullying, especially online and anything targeting LGBTQ+ folks. The Department for Education is playing a big part by creating helpful resources, advice and guidance. It’s all about making sure every student feels safe and accepted at school.
Date Activity: Question Time! What kind of education did you get? Do you value education – what kind? What type of learning and education are you still craving?
The UK Parliament is the heart of lesbian activism. Yes, you heard that right. Those grand halls hold more than just dusty old laws; they’re a treasure trove of lesbian history making. Hold onto your berets, because we’re taking a whirlwind trip through some key legislative moments:
💗 1967: The Sexual Offences Act decriminalized homosexuality , but only for consenting adults over 21. While it didn’t directly affect lesbians, it was a huge step towards a more accepting society by decriminalizing our sexuality. Think of it as the baby steps that paved the way for future victories.
🤍 1970: The Equal Pay Act marched in like a boss, declaring unequal pay for men and women doing the same work as illegal. Lesbian households are often double women, underpaid households so this bill started to turn the tides on bringing more money in lesbian homes. While we all know there is still vast amounts of work to be done towards dismantling the patriarchy and building equitable work environments, this was a first win that started the path.
🧡 1975: Buckle up for the Sex Discrimination Act: This law outlawed discrimination based on sex and marital status, giving lesbians legal recourse if they faced prejudice in areas like work, education, and housing. 1988: This is when things take a turn for the worse, you know what’s coming.. Section 28 of the Local Government Act: the giant step back the community suffered deeply at the hands of. Making it illegal to even talk about LGBT+ issues openly.
Source: GOV.UK
While strides have been made for LGBTQ+ rights in the UK, the picture for trans people is far from perfect. The UK might not be at the top of the “trans-friendly” charts right now. Believe it or not, it actually used to be way better! Back in 2013, the UK was leading the pack in Europe on trans rights. Fast forward a decade, and things have gotten a bit…complicated.
📌 Getting legal recognition for your trans identity is a bureaucratic maze. The Gender Recognition Act (GRA) from way back in 2004 is outdated and restrictive, making it difficult for trans folks to have their gender identity legally recognized. Discrimination against trans people is still widespread in healthcare, employment, and other areas. GRA requires a bunch of medical stuff. Not exactly a walk in the park.
But hey, there’s always hope! The fight for trans rights is ongoing, and there are tons of amazing organizations working hard to make things better. The fight for equality continues. There are ongoing issues like the Gender Recognition Act as mentioned, lesbian visibility efforts within Parliament (shoutout to awesome lesbian MPs!), and the fight for intersex rights.
Date Activity: Do you vote? Who do you vote for? Let’s jump in and talk about politics. Might as well get it all out and up in the air.
The ending spot for Pride! But a whole lot more as well
Source: BBC
Trafalgar Square is the location of a pivotal moment for our community. In 1972, a time when expressing your true self wasn’t exactly a walk in the park, on July 1st, 1972, the first official Lesbian and Gay Pride march in London took off, and guess where it all began? Right here, in Trafalgar Square. ✊
Inspired by the Stonewall Riots in NYC just three years prior, thousands of brave souls, lesbians included, came together to say “enough is enough” to police harassment and fight for equality. It was a bold act of defiance, a roar heard around the world, and Trafalgar Square became a beacon of hope and visibility for lesbians everywhere. This was organized by the Gay Liberation Front (GLF), which fought for lesbian and gay equality, and the Campaign for Homosexual Equality (CHE), which marched from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square.
The march was heavily policed, a stark reminder of the social and legal barriers LGBTQ+ people faced back then. But these pioneers weren’t deterred. They raised their voices, demanding equality and visibility, paving the way for the vibrant Pride celebrations we know and love today. Talk about girl power!
But Trafalgar Square’s significance goes even deeper. This iconic spot has always been a platform for social change, a place where people gather to make their voices heard, such as the protests for trans rights with the banner that reads “We march with our trans family,” or Ugandan LGBT+ refugees, etc. So, it’s no surprise that our lesbian foremothers chose this very location to stake their claim and demand to be seen. Imagine the electricity in the air, the rainbow flags waving proudly, the chants of “Out and proud!” echoing through the square. It must have been an incredible moment to be a part of. Still to this day the London Pride parade ends in Trafalgar square with a large concert as a nod to the historic roots of this location.
So, as you stand in Trafalgar Square, take a deep breath and feel the power of history beneath your feet. This isn’t just a tourist destination, it’s a place where our community made a stand, and that’s pretty damn romantic, wouldn’t you say?
Such a great atmosphere in this square with so many things going on. Water fountains, statues, street acts , the vibrancy is great to sit back and take it all in.
D B
Majestic as the name itself!! Beautiful architecture. Having nice coffee shops and pubs around. London at its purest form.
Argha Banerjee
Date Activity: Pick a favorite sandwich shop, order for each other and grab one for the road
Source: Time Out
Make a move at She Soho: your hot date spot! She Soho, is the pioneering lesbian bar that’s been a beacon for our community. Back in the day, when lesbian bars weren’t exactly common ground, She was the first one to ever hit Old Compton Street, making it a true trailblazer.
Open Every day except Monday, the place is packed with a diverse crowd, all ages and backgrounds. It’s a place where women new to London or new to their sexuality can find friendly faces and a safe space to explore. The atmosphere here is electric – who knows, maybe you’ll strike up a conversation with a cool local or dance the night away with your date.
As lesbian bars face their great struggle to stay open, with rising rents and the cost of living crisis, She Bar has kept their doors open through it all.
Cool staff, good drinks, cute vibes. We went early in the night on a Thursday so there were not many people but it’s always nice to be in a lesbian setting. The staff was super chill to talk to.
Nicole Gomez
Date Activity: Grab your first drink of the day! Maybe a small round of Truth or Drink?
Source: Tripadvisor
The Women’s Library is the OG library and archive dedicated to women’s activism in Britain. Think firsthand accounts, suffrage sashes, and underground zines by radical lesbians.
Here’s a sneak peek of what you might find:
💗 The OG suffragists: The fierce women who fought for our right to vote, like Emily Wilding Davison (you might recognize her name from history class). The library has her prison diary, which is basically a punk rock manifesto for equality.
🤍 Lesbian activism: The Fawcett Library, which is part of the Women’s Library collection, has a whole archive dedicated to lesbian history. We’re talking about the lesbian moms who fought for custody rights, the zines that documented our underground world, and the firebrands who challenged the status quo.
🧡 Sisterhood across the globe: They have tons of info on international women’s movements, including campaigns for equality in the colonies and beyond. So whether you’re into Indian feminists or Caribbean revolutionaries, they’ve got you covered.
Basically, the Women’s Library is a total power spot!
Date Activity: Whilst this place tells the story of women, tell your story to each other. Where were you born? Who’s in your family? We mean it – the whole lot. What is your story?
Source: Blind Magazine
Whilst we’re sure the folks at Ottos are lovely, our tour is here for the history of the building. The former London Lesbian Line on Grays Inn Road is a historical landmark. In 1977, it was a beacon of hope that bloomed in the heart of London.
This wasn’t your average phone service. It was a lifeline, a safe space for lesbians to talk openly about their identity in a time when isolation and confusion were all too common. Staffed entirely by lesbian feminist volunteers, the Line became a vital resource for hundreds of women. The Line offered more than just a listening ear. It provided legal advice, helped women navigate the complexities of building a lesbian life, and most importantly, fostered a sense of community for those who felt invisible.
Source: History of Women’s Liberation
Founder and archivist quotes paint a picture of a beautiful movement – women reaching out in uncertainty, finding support and guidance from other women. Talk about a pure realization of lesbian feminist principles in action!
Date Activity: Who’s in your favorites? Tell a story about each person.
Source: Londonist
Gay’s the Word is the UK’s OG LGBTQ+ bookstore! Founded in 1979 by a bunch of trailblazing gay socialists. This is a haven for lesbian and gay literature, a platform for activism, and holds a treasure trove of lesbian and gay publications – some you won’t find anywhere else.
Imagine browsing shelves brimming with stories that reflect our lived experiences, from fierce feminist classics to coming-of-age novels. Not to mention, it’s basically a lesbian history archive disguised as a bookstore. Who knows, you might even stumble upon a first edition by a literary legend like Radclyffe Hall, author of the iconic lesbian novel “The Well of Loneliness.”
Gay’s the Word is also a vibrant community hub that’s hosted countless book launches, author readings, and discussions over the years. It’s where lesbians and the LGBTQ+ community have come together to celebrate, fight for equality, and share stories.
There’s fiction and non-fiction; little notes with recommendations from the staff on certain books; books that aren’t necessarily on LGBTQ+ topics but are written by LGBTQ+ authors, which is an immense support.
Denitsa Gugova
Date Activity: Pick a book each that if you make it past the 3 month mark, you’ll buy each other. Post it to the event page (her://event/22619).
Source: Historic England
The Glass Bar was a legendary lesbian hot spot that used to thrum with life right outside Euston Station between 1995 and 2008. We’ll stop you at the Euston Tap so you can grab a drink but read on about the secret hidden bar that used to be inside the station. It was all about a secret, “in the know” kind of vibe. Nestled discreetly in the west lodge of the station, it became a haven for lesbians, both local and those traveling in from afar (thanks to its genius location near several stations). Imagine the thrill of spotting your date across the room, a secret smile exchanged amidst the happy buzz, knowing you’d both braved the “find the entrance” challenge.
Speaking of that challenge, it was legendary! Finding the Glass Bar was a rite of passage in itself. With no flashy signs, you had to knock on the door and hope the music inside didn’t drown out your plea for entry. A contributor to Pride of Place map remembers the struggle:
I could never find the Glass Bar entrance! I used to have to call Elaine (the owner) and she would come and find me wandering around Euston station, every time. My lesbian sister used to be inside waiting for me, rolling her eyes. It was the time before mobile phones.
Contributor to the Pride of Place map
But that secrecy only added to the allure. Once you were finally in, The Glass Bar was a warm, welcoming space. It was a hub for the lesbian community, hosting groups like Kiss, a social network for Asian women. Sadly, The Glass Bar closed its doors in 2008, another victim of rising rent. But its legacy lives on!
Large selection + helpful bartender! The place is cozy as well.
Jessa Garibay-Yayen
The outside area is larger now, and it’s covered, so you can sit outside, even in winter. Range of beer and cider is always excellent.
Helena Kennedy
Date Activity: Enjoy a drink and share stories about your wildest nights out
Source: Secret London
Forget stuffy museums, this is Queer Britain: the UK’s first and only LGBTQ+ museum! It’s a treasure trove of lesbian icons, historical fights, and vibrant culture – all under one roof. Founded in 2018, Queer Britain is a labor of love by passionate LGBTQ+ folks. They’ve got a killer archive of lesbian awesomeness, and even the world’s first virtual reality museum dedicated to our stories! Think reliving famous lesbian kisses or peeking into secret speakeasies.
Source: Gay Express
But the real gem is their ever-changing exhibition space. “We Are Queer Britain” was organized to celebrate 50 years since the UK’s first Pride March, a riot of voices, objects, and images that showcase over a century of LGBTQ+ life. Queer Britain is totally accessible, with lifts and ramps, and the best part? Entry is always free! (Though donations are always welcome to keep this incredible project going.)
Fuel your post-museum chat with a coffee (BYO, but trust us, there are great cafes nearby) and browse their curated shop. From Queer Britain merch to a selection of books by Gay’s The Word, all profits go straight back to supporting the museum and charity.
Source: Queer Britain
Queer Britain is a hub for the community, hosting events, talks, and workshops. Here’s a sneak peek into some of the cool things Queer Britain has done over the years to increase visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ people and history and preserve LGBTQ+ heritage, especially for marginalized communities:
💗 2019: Partnered with Levi’s® to showcase Chosen Family, an exhibition celebrating the power of LGBTQ+ friendship and queer family life.
🤍 2021: Hosted an online event about The Gateways (in partnership with DIVA magazine), the legendary women’s club you went to visit earlier!
🧡 2023: Launched a crowdfunding campaign to preserve marginalized queer histories because every story deserves to be heard! and partnered with Skittles, Gay Times, and Getty Images for an open-air exhibition celebrating queer joy
This is a wonderful little museum and whilst it is small, the treasures inside are so meaningful and brilliantly curated. Highly recommended to anyone, both LGBTQIA+ and allies alike ❤️
Missy Kate
Date Activity: Explore the museum and talk about which British queer icons meant something to you as you were coming up and coming out
TRAVEL TIP: Hop on the circle / district / hammersmith at kings x and get down to Liverpool St
Source: Visit Gay London
The Bishopsgate Institute is a treasure trove having over 300,000 press cuttings and housing one of the UK’s most epic collections on LGBTQ+ history, politics, and culture. We’re talking a whirlwind tour from the late 1800s to the present day – bet you can’t find a more comprehensive lesbian story anywhere else in the UK.
Source: Bishopsgate Institute
The real star of the show here is the Lesbian and Gay Newsmedia Archive (LAGNA) – a goldmine of over 200,000 press cuttings on LGBTQ+ issues snagged from mainstream media all the way back to the 1890s. Imagine, a chance to see how our lesbian sisters were portrayed in the news throughout history – groundbreaking, right?
Bishopsgate goes beyond dusty old newspapers. They’ve got personal archives, flyers, badges, photographs – basically a time capsule of lesbian experiences. And they even have oral histories, so you can hear the stories OUT!.
Wonderful place, we’ve been here for a few events and a course. Couldn’t recommend it more! Everyone we have met has been very welcoming, friendly, approachable and knowledgeable.
Sean Cleary
A wonderful resource for anyone interested in London history, with great archives on feminism, LGBTQ+ and many other notable people, groups and organisations who have played an important role in the social history of London
Philip Green
Date Activity: Media! How do you see Media in your life – social / TV/ newspapers /podcasts/ radios. What gets your eyes and mind and time these days?
Source: Google
Let’s up the ante with a date (or bestie bonding sesh) at The Common Press, a haven for London’s LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. The Common Press, formerly known as Glass House, opened its doors in 2019, and it’s more than just a place to snag a good read (although they have a fantastic selection, from steamy lesbian romances to feminist theory – we see you!).
Source: London On The Inside
The Common Press is a vibrant hub created specifically for queer and BIPOC folks to connect, celebrate, and be themselves.
Source: The Common Press
The Common Press isn’t just about the latest releases; they champion marginalized voices. Their shelves are bursting with books by LGBTQ+ and BIPOC authors, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Feeling like a historical fiction adventure with a kickass lesbian pirate captain? They’ve got you covered. Want to delve into the latest queer poetry collection? Bingo!
Source: The Common Press
But wait, there’s more! They also host a whole range of events, from book signings with incredible authors to writing circles. They even have yoga classes – perfect way to unwind after a day of browsing and sparking connections (wink wink).
Source: The Common Press
Such a wonderful and welcoming place. There are always so many events and the staff are super helpful. It’s a very trans inclusive and neurodivergent inclusive space.
Emily Dillistone
Date Activity: Cheers to that. You made it! Tell each other what you liked the most about the whole day and what you’re looking forward to.
It’s the newest, latest and greatest Lesbian bar to open in London (Summer 2024).
La Camionera is the brand new lesbian bar that is taking Well Street by storm. Hold onto your hats, history buffs, because La Camionera’s name is a delicious double entendre. “La Camionera” translates to “the truck driver” in Spanish, but it’s also a slang term for a butch lesbian.
Fun fact: London has a surprisingly small number of dedicated lesbian bars, so La Camionera’s arrival is a cause for celebration! This newbie is all about carving out a safe and inclusive space for the sapphic community.
Source: Roman Road LDN
Founders Alex Loveless and Clara Solis dreamed up La Camionera after a wildly successful pop-up event, proving that London craved a dedicated lesbian bar. And crave it we did! Thanks to a smashing crowdfunding campaign, La Camionera is well on its way to becoming a reality, filling a vital gap in the city’s LGBTQ+ scene.
Source: Dazed
Phew! What a whirlwind tour of lesbian history, right? We covered so much ground in London. Every corner you turn holds a story, a secret handshake between generations of fierce women and queers who paved the way for us to be out and proud today.
Feeling inspired? We are too! And remember If you go on the date and share about it on social media, be sure to tag @hersocialapp and use #HERdaylongdate to enter to win $250 credit for a hotel stay for Night 2. 😉 One winner will be selected for London and one for New York.
Winners will be chosen by May 30th, 2024.
Robyn is the CEO & Founder of HER. Find her on Twitter.
