United Kingdom

London

Girls In Film

The contemporary cinema scene is often dominated by multiplexes, spaces for mass consumption that can, at times, prioritise big-budget blockbusters over the nuanced, diverse voices of independent filmmaking. Independent cinemas give emerging filmmakers a platform and serve as vital cultural ecosystems. These venues have a strong sense of community, becoming hubs for dialogue and shared appreciation for the art of film.

 is a worldwide community built by—and for—female, non-binary, and trans creatives in the film industry. As an open and democratic collective, they bring together filmmakers, creatives, and cinema enthusiasts through dialogue, collaboration and creativity. 

In the face of rising rental costs, London’s indy cultural spots are in an increasingly tough position. Below, Girls in Film share their guide on where to go to support iconic cinemas in 

Hinge

Our local darling, Rio Cinema. A historic independent cinema in Dalston, offering a unique and vibrant movie-going experience with a mix of mainstream, independent, and art-house films. We especially love all the staff at the Rio. Rumour has it that feminist groups in the 80s would watch films topless in the basement.

Close-Up Cinema, down in Shoreditch, is a charming independent venue specializing in screening classic, cult, and international films in an intimate and cozy setting. There’s always something weird & wonderful on here. One of our favourite places to host premieres!

Maybe the last £5 cinema ticket in London? South London favourite PeckhamPlex is the budget-friendly cinema where you can enjoy the latest blockbusters & indie gems.

Genesis Cinema in Whitechapel is a stylish, independent cinema offering a mix of mainstream, indie, and cult films, with a cozy bar and comfy sofa screen that makes it the perfect spot for film lovers. Rumour has it, it might not be around much longer so get down quickly. 

The Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square is a beloved venue known for its midnight screenings, sing-alongs, and a wide variety of cult-following films, making it the ultimate haven for movie buffs and cinema enthusiasts. Another cinema currently under threat of closing — go and support!

ActOne Cinema in Ealing is an independent, not-for-profit community cinema, offering a range of screenings, from popular films to live events like ballet and opera, all while fostering a close-knit environment for local movie lovers.

London’s latest addition, The Arzner in Bermondsey, is a queer-focused cinema offering film screenings and live events in an intimate setting.

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From Topless Screenings to Musical Singalongs: The Girls in Film Cinema Guide 

Safe Space

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 

 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. 

, before her friend and fellow actor / advocate

. “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. 

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!

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.

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.

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.💋

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.

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 🏳️‍⚧️🔥

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.

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.

We collaborate with local community groups, organisations, charity’s, and individuals to ensure inclusivity and diversity in all aspects of our operation.

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.

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.

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.

Anybody and everybody welcome here with no judgement or discrimination. It’s been a topic of conversation amongst staff and we’re so sad and concerned with the latest news.

Arzner Cinema

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