‘Bristol’s LBT+ scene is better than ever’

Events producers Tash Jones and Anna Rutherford, designer and DJ Nic Davies, and newly returned to Bristol choreographer and dancer Charlie George are reminiscing over a drink in their favourite bar, the Gallimmaufry on Gloucester Road.

Bristol has changed over the past five years. There is a fresh approach and a newfound confidence in the city’s LGBT+ community.

“We’ve witnessed a real surge in the creativity and confidence of the LGBT+ scene,” Anna explains. “Yes, some of the more ‘traditional’ venues have been lost, but those with a distinct voice endure and we’ve seen a wave of risk-taking promoters creating unusual events. Everything from DTYM to our Christmas events, the Astroturf parties and Thorny.”

Tash takes over: “From the female perspective we’ve seen the scene go from strength to strength. Hush nights and Indigo has grown year-on-year yet across the UK we’ve seen female spaces like Candy Bar go under, but in Bristol it’s thriving.”

Bristol returnee Charlie recalls what it was like only a few years ago: “We used to go out in Old Market or ‘the strip’. There was lots of in-fighting, bitching, and neon drinks! Every night someone would comment that I didn’t belong there because my hair was too long.

“We’d end up in Flamingos, with lots of gay men, and we’d feel like the token lesbians in the corner. I’ve been in London for the last few years – it’s great to see things have moved on.”

The question is, what motivated these changes, people, attitudes or a more can do approach?

The trio all agree that media representation of LGBT+ people, and women particularly, has changed dramatically.

“Growing up, I didn’t see LBT women on TV, perhaps a stereotyped ‘butch’, but not anyone I could identify with,” says Nic. “The importance of ‘role models’ might seem overly simplistic, but you need people to look up to, to help you make sense of yourself.”

Now some of the biggest stars like Kristen Stewart or Miley Cyrus are expressing a more fluid sexuality.

In Bristol, there have been big changes too.

We created a major Pride festival in Bristol in 2010 and it’s been taken to heart by the city,” says Anna. “There were a few brilliant things here before, of course. Pride was definitely inspired by brilliant women like Emily Munday, who ran the influential alternative night, Wonky. I guess Pride brought the ‘underground’ to the surface.”

It’s a common observation that many mainstream LGBT+ venues cater mainly for a male clientele. Tash agrees: “LGBT+ venues in Bristol cater for women very poorly. They’re aimed at the men’s gay scene, and women are an afterthought at best. You get a few genuinely great individuals like Paul from Queenshilling. But generally, when the owners are men, the majority of bar staff are men, the DJs are men, the security are men. It adds up to a very male environment.”

However, things have definitely improved for LBT+ women socially, as Tash continues: “Each year we create a themed, unusual night of dancing, culture and intrigue. This year, we’ve been inspired by women’s secret societies from the past, like the Daughters of Bilitis in San Francisco, and their underground publication The Ladder. We liked the idea of the ‘unseen woman’. I’d been reading about forgotten female spies, the fact that society underestimated women, made for perfect cover. So on December 3 we’re bringing those underground worlds together to create a night called Espionage.”

“Coming back here, it’s clear that Bristol has developed a really special and distinct social space for LBT and queer women outside of London,” Charlie adds. “Mixed nights are great but there is something important about a dedicated space for female representation, inspiration and sharing.”

To find out more about Espionage, visit www.indigonetwork.co.uk. For more information on other female friendly events in Bristol, visit www.lgbtbristol.org.uk