Before we dive in and give you the full WLW 4-1-1, we wanted to let you know that this article has been made possible by the recently launched LGBTQIA+ LESGO app. LESGO is the new queer app that we’ve all been waiting for, here to make finding a queer new friend, a spontaneous gay date and/or someone local for a little right now fun, even easier!
So if you’re looking for a queer pal to head to any of the below fabulous venues, look no further than LESGO to find that queer friend.
You can download LESGO now for free on iPhone via the App Store here, or for Android, free on the Google Play store here.
Okay, let’s go lesbians… let’s GO lesbians!
If only Billy Eichner knew there were only about seventeen of us in this country? Or that’s what it can feel like. Generally, upon entering gay clubs or events, one simply cannot count the volume of clean-shaven, glowstick-donning, tall lads that are probably called Lachlan or Josh. My best friend is thriving with his odds, however I am wondering if “my kind” even exist. And it’s no shade on our GBFs! We wouldn’t have the esteem from Cher, or smell the fear that seeps from Shawn Mendes’ pores, without you all. But it can be disheartening to feel like we don’t have a place for just us.
Even in Melbourne (unofficial Aussie home of Doc Martens, stick and poke tattooing and plant-based milks), the odds of finding queer female friends, lovers (or enemies) in the wild seems grim. With some serious investigating (read: input from my WLW friends), A Modern Gay’s Guide have got your back. We’ve compiled a relevant and safe list of nightlife venues in Melbourne, where you’ll actually have the ability to find sanctuary, connection or another stick and poke artist for your patchwork sleeve…
1. Mollie’s Bar + Diner
What? Drag Queens abound, for breakfast, lunch, dinner and the most important meal of the day, drinks.
Where? Level 1, 103-105 Smith Street, Fitzroy
Why? A social calendar that’s more impressive than mine?! Mollie’s has something on every night and open ‘til late (Wed-Sun), including but not limited to Drag Bingo, RPDR Screenings and Babydrag Shows. Beyond this, the pub grub doesn’t disappoint. A perfect place for a date, an unexpected Tuesday night boogie, or somewhere to have your straight friends roasted by some of Melbourne’s most hilarious queens.
2. Attik’s ‘MOTHER’
What? An upstairs bar and club that operates every Friday.
Where? Attik, 255 Chapel Street, Prahran
Why? MOTHER delivers the tunes, the phat chats about sport and the ability to run into everyone you’ve ever slept with. An added bonus, this is a strictly WLW-event, our queer male friends can even only enter under the wings of our plaid shirts.
3. The ‘86
What? A cabaret, disco and drag club with pan-Asian eats and a stellar cocktail selection.
Where? 185 Smith Street, Fitzroy
Why? Us queer ladies just can’t say no to a good vintage (jackets, wine or otherwise). Whether you’re looking for weekly seated comedy, disco, sketch bingo shows, burlesque or classic cocktails, The ’86 delivers it to you in a kitsch, casual environment. Many of their exhibitions and shows are free too, get around it!
4. Sundaylicious
What? A monthly Sunday session at rotating venues for any and all queer friends, family and fans.
Where? A fresh space every time.
Why? Nine times out of ten, Sundaylicious is a winner, and it does come down to the fact that the event has been around the traps, she knows her stuff. A space in which all generations and orientations are welcome, you come for a 2pm bevvie, and you stick around for a sunset boogie.
5. Francesca’s
What? Your best mate’s place, but make it a bar.
Where? 222 High Street, Northcote
Why? On a usual night, Francesca’s genuinely feels like kicking back on the couch at a friend’s low key house party. It’s a great place for casual mid-week drinks or even a cheeky date. And excitingly, Friyays at Francesca’s are set to return, with drinks specials, quality pizza and filthy bangers blasting until 3am.
That’s our wrap but hey, we’re not opposed to a swanky new venue joining the ranks! If you happen to have a sneaky cash stash and a hand for cocktail-making… maybe throw us all a bone, let us add another player to the game?
Go forth, there are IPAs and amaretto sours to be downed!
