Trans and nonbinary friendly bars and spaces in LA and the Bay Area
Updated October 9, 2026
Every queer bar says all are welcome, but some spaces are built by and for trans, nonbinary and gender-nonconforming people, or have a long record of being safe for them. Here are some to know in LA and the Bay Area, plus community resources.
Los Angeles
Silver Platter
At 2700 W 7th St near MacArthur Park, open since 1963 and known as a safe party space for LA's Latinx trans community. Its story is told in the documentary Wildness.
New Jalisco Bar
At 245 S Main St in Downtown, a beloved bar for LA's queer Latinx community, with drag, dancing and regulars who make you feel at home.
Los Angeles LGBT Center
Beyond nightlife: the Center runs transgender services including the Trans* Lounge, the Trans Wellness Center, gender-affirming care, and help with name and gender marker changes.
San Francisco
The Transgender District
Founded in 2017 by three Black trans women, it is the first legally recognized transgender district in the world: six blocks in the southeastern Tenderloin plus part of 6th Street, named for the 1966 Compton's Cafeteria riot. Watch for its events, especially in August, which is Transgender History Month in California.
El Rio
In the Mission: "your friendly queer neighborhood bar, community space and patio," with a full calendar of parties and events.
Jolene's
A lesbian-owned and operated queer bar with DJs, dancing and pool.
Oakland
There/There
At 468 25th St, a bar by and for queer and trans people, with cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, small plates and a patio.
The White Horse Inn
At 6551 Telegraph Ave, established in 1933, one of the oldest gay bars still operating in the US, with a long history of welcoming trans women.
Feeling safe on a night out
- Go with a friend the first time, or meet new people in a group setting.
- Share your plans and location with someone you trust.
- Check a venue's own social pages for trans and nonbinary nights and community events.
In the app
In Let's Have Fun Together you show your pronouns and identity on your profile, filter Explore for LGBTQ+ friendly places and transition support, and find LGBTQ+ resources on the Be Yourself page. Everyone is 18+; at launch everyone verifies with an ID and a live selfie, and you can block and report in one tap. Outing anyone is banned.
Venue details were checked on October 9, 2026 from each venue's own site, official tourism and city pages, and well-known city guides (Eater LA, Time Out, Visit Palm Springs, Visit Oakland, Visit Sacramento, Fabulous Hillcrest). Hours, cover and theme nights change often, so check the venue's own page or social account before you go. Bars and clubs are usually 21+ with ID. We are not affiliated with any venue listed.
Questions
What is the Transgender District in San Francisco?
Founded in 2017, it is the first legally recognized transgender district in the world, covering six blocks of the southeastern Tenderloin and part of 6th Street.
Are there trans-friendly bars in Los Angeles?
Yes. Silver Platter near MacArthur Park has been a safe space for LA's Latinx trans community since 1963, and many queer bars host trans and nonbinary nights.
Is there a queer bar by and for trans people in Oakland?
There/There on 25th Street describes itself as by and for queer and trans people.