A Guide to Safe Spaces for Trans People in London
A Guide to Safe Spaces for Trans People in London
In April 2025, the UK's Supreme Court unanimously ruled that trans women are not legally women. Trans organisations and rights groups were deliberately excluded from the case. The ruling means that trans people are only allowed access to sex spaces determined by their biological gender assigned at birth, regardless of gender recognition certificates.
This means that trans people are forced to navigate spaces where they are denied recognition, which means travelling through London is an evermore hostile experience for trans people visiting, or living in the city. Bathrooms are the most ubiquitous single-sex spaces, so the just going to a restaurant, or any public institution, becomes a complex and fear-inducing experience.
Safe Space was launched in the wake of the ruling, a listing of trans-friendly spaces now operative in dozens of UK cities. Carys Daniels (she/her) founded the Safe Space in Bristol, before her friend and fellow actor / advocate Ezra England (they/them) expanded the initiative in London. “It’s vital that trans and trans non-binary people feel they have Safe Spaces to go to and feel respected, dignified and protected,” they tell Trippin.
“Safety has never been guaranteed for us; this movement started out of anger, out of hope-but most importantly, out of love. There’s so much community in the UK: this is a movement to unite businesses and organisations to step up and use their voices not for us—but with us.”
Read below for a list of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars that join us in condemning the Supreme Court's hostile ruling by pushing for more inclusive and accepting city.
In this Guide
The Railway, Clapham
“As a queer person myself, pubs have always been such an unsure environment due to worry about safety for me, but I’m so proud to say that our lovely pub on the corner truly feels like one of the safest pubs in London, with a mix of queer vibes and that traditional pub atmosphere you can’t help but love and feel comfortable in! I’m so incredibly excited to have the opportunity to be a known safe space for all!”
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Alien Aesthetics
“Regardless of your age, gender, race, sexuality or background, you can sit with us. We are making it our mission to make everyone feel comfortable in their own skin, because everyone deserves to look and feel out of this f#@king world. At Alien Aesthetics we offer a 20% discount on treatments for gender journey work to help make supportive, affirming care more accessible during a time that can be both emotionally and financially challenging. We hope this reflects our commitment to allyship and affirms our deep adoration and respect towards the queer community that helped raise so many of us at Alien.”
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Arzner Cinema
“The Arzner is London’s only LGBTQIA+ cinema. We are a safe space for everyone. We want our trans team members and customers to feel comfortable and celebrated. We reject any form of discrimination and do not tolerate hate. Whether you want to sit in the darkness and watch a queer film or just work from our cafe and bar to feel safe, we are here.”
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Mother Canteen
“We are canteen community serving homestyle cooking from around the world , celebrating and uplifting minority food and communities by providing a welcome cosy friendly space for ALL to share and be apart of. MOTHER proudly stands with and for the trans community. As a business that is owned and operated by members of minority communities we take pride in creating a safe joyous space for all individuals and groups that feel they need a little comfort through food, coffee or a classic nostalgic tune. If it feels like home. MOTHER is always here.💋”
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Walthamstow Trades Hall
“The Walthamstow Trades Hall is dedicated to being an inclusive, safe space for all. As a local community hub, we welcome everyone and will continue to do so with a zero tolerance approach to any forms of discrimination. We stand with our trans and non- binary siblings now and always.”
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Common Press
“The Common Press is trans-inclusive and trans-led. Trans people’s rights, safety and dignity is at the core of all our work. We are more than a queer, intersectional bookshop, cafe and events space - we are a sanctuary for storytelling and queer culture and have become an essential third space for the LGBTQIA+ community. In May we will have an accessible gender neutral toilet installed in our space 🏳️⚧️🔥”
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Hackney Showroom
“We are a queer led organisation and have been developing the work of trans and queer theatre artists for a decade. Our building is a safe space for the community to make work, be together and thrive.”
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Theatre503
“At Theatre503 we are proud to be a safe space for trans people. We are constantly working to ensure that our spaces and programmes are welcoming and inclusive to all, that our team are informed and equipped to support trans audiences and artists, and that we champion trans voices on our stages and beyond. Theatre503 is a home for debut writers and a springboard for the artists who bring their words to life. We have two venues, a 64-seat theatre above the Latchmere pub in Battersea and a studio space in Nine Elms. We produce and co-produce shows by debut writers, hold regular workshops and masterclasses for playwrights and artists/creatives, and we provide artist development opportunities across all of our strands of work.”
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Firepit Art Gallery
“We collaborate with local community groups, organisations, charity’s, and individuals to ensure inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of our operation.”
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Aya & Suki
“We are a queer owned and run vege/vegan restaurant. Our forever goal is to create and maintain a safe space for all - this means we only hire people who not only understand this but are passionate about ensuring all FLINTA* feel safe and welcome. We continue to work to ensure this is how our space stays.”
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Pixies Bar
“Tucked away in the charming Georgian Village in Walthamstow, Pixie’s Bar is a cozy micro cocktail bar that puts community first. We proudly host regular LGBTQI+ events, creating a space where everyone can feel seen, celebrated, and safe. Our intimate setting, handcrafted cocktails, and warm, welcoming atmosphere make Pixie’s a unique haven for connection, expression, and joy. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, you’re always welcome at Pixie’s.”
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Kings Head Theatre
“As a proudly LGBTQ+ run and focussed venue, King’s Head Theatre is committed to welcoming and supporting all trans people. Our 200+ seat theatre and two bars are, and will continue to be, friendly, inclusive spaces for the queer community, and we are always keen to chat about how we can better support trans theatre-makers. Our bathrooms are gender neutral and we have a zero tolerance policy for transphobia and homophobia.”
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