by Katie Thompson
Norwich is a vibrant and creative city, where everyone is welcome. And that means we’re home to a thriving LGBTQ+ community too!
Here, people aren’t afraid to express themselves, no matter their age or orientation. If you pop into one of our many independent eateries, chances are they’ll be flying the flag (quite literally) for the LGBTQIA+ community. And at the Museum of Norwich, there’s even a whole display dedicated to its place in our city.
Check out our round-up of LGBTQ+ friendly spaces in Norwich below!
At Norwich University of the Arts, diversity and queerness is encouraged through visual art
Diversity is at the heart of Norwich University of the Arts. Located in the city’s Creative Quarter, you can sense the inclusive and creative atmosphere.
As a student, queerness is supported- you’ll find dedicated LGBTQ+ and Trans Student Officers, as well as plenty of events and societies to join.
But you don’t have to be a student to experience this inclusive community. At East Gallery, their city centre gallery, exhibitions express artists thoughts, feelings and experiences freely- including those of Norwich University’s own lecturer Richard Sawdon Smith.
And with open-to-the-public workshops, this is a safe space to express yourself. Take QUEERosity, a series of practical workshops which highlight LGBTQ+ artists and allow you to create your own piece for an online showcase.
The Cat House is popular with the LGBTQ+ community thanks to its warm welcome
At The Cat House, you’ll be greeted by a warm atmosphere (alongside some friendly felines)! This is a welcoming space popular with the queer community where everyone can be themselves.
Relax with a cat on your lap and meet like-minded regulars during your visit. Every Wednesday morning, The Cat Lounge’s quiet hour is the purr-fect opportunity to take some time for yourself. Plus, there are plenty of exciting events to get involved with, including cat and crystals workshops, cat tarot, and even cat crochet!
The much-anticipated Pride march happens every July!
No other event is as big in Norwich’s LGBTQ+ community’s calendar than Pride. Every July, this celebration sees thousands of people take to the streets and openly be themselves. There’s always a real buzz in the city centre- it’s an infectious atmosphere and one to be a part of.
As well as the Pride March, there’s a dedicated art exhibition which celebrates the power and visibility of LGBTQ+ people, as well as a makers market where you can support local charities, organisations, community groups and queer creatives.
And throughout the year, you can join in even more citywide events. There’s the Norwich Trans Pride picnic, a popular annual event for workshops, performances and collaborative community. Or follow Queerfest Norwich, a celebration of queer-curated art which holds exhibitions, markets and drop-in sessions.
At Norwich Arts Centre, inclusivity is an integral aspect of performances, audiences and more
Norwich Arts Centre is known for inclusivity (one of their core values). This is a multi-arts venue that’s not afraid to ask questions. From sell-out cabaret and supportive storytelling events to celebrations of camp by Norwich drag royalty Liv.
And behind the scenes, Norwich Arts Centre is actively supporting the local queer community, championing gender neutral facilities and commissioning shows like CAMP!.
It’s not unusual to see LGBTQ+ shows across the city- our many independent venues champion individuality. Whether it’s a Matthew Bourne ballet at Norwich Theatre Royal, queer comedy at Norwich Puppet Theatre, Drag Race stars at the Maddermarket Theatre or LGBTQ+ filmmakers at Cinema City!
First Draft is a friendly LGBTQ+ bar with a plethora of events
For both locals and visitors, First Draft is ‘your friendly neighbourhood queer bar’. And it’s dog-friendly! This is a wonderfully vibrant space which embraces the LGBTQ+ community and a great place to meet new people- First Draft’s staff are all queer too.
And with a line-up that includes karaoke, open mic nights, poetry, quizzes and more, you know you’re in for a fantastic evening.
Other bars and cafes to know include The Yard, The Merchant’s House and Norwich Theatre’s friendly Playhouse Bar. For pubs, you can’t go wrong with The Castle– Norwich longest-running LGBTQ+ venue- and The Catherine Wheel– named the city’s friendliest and most fabulous. And for a big night out, make your way to Loft (the city’s popular LGBTQ+ nightclub) and Gonzo’s Two Room for Pillow Princess queer club nights and cinema screenings!
Norwich City’s Proud Canaries group make football a sport for everyone
If you’re a LGBTQ+ football fan, why not enjoy the beautiful game with Proud Canaries? As the official Norwich City Football Club group, they’re backed by honorary patrons Stephen Fry and Amal Fashnau (niece of NCFC legend Justin Fashnau, the first professional footballer to come out during his career).
Proud Canaries promotes an inclusive, safe and supportive space- creating a positive experience for every Norwich City lover!
