From Love Muscle to lip-syncing - here's a go-to guide to the best LGBTQ-friendly nights in the city

LOVE is love, simple as that. But partying? Partying requires nuance, skill and a go-to guide as to where the good times are at. Pick wrongly and you’ll end up in a dingy corner, nursing an overpriced drink and wondering if it’s too early to call it a night. But pick right and enter boogie wonderland; a place to be your best self and celebrate the amazing culture and music that our city has to offer.

It’s LGBTQ+ History Month, so what better excuse to educate yourself and get down to some killer discos? There is an abundance of Leeds bars and clubs that encourage inclusivity, creativity and a safe atmosphere while providing a refreshing alternative to ignorant bouncers and letchy clientele. 

Best of all, the Leeds LGBTQ+ community encompasses some of the most talented entertainers in the business, right on your doorstep. Here are five of our favourites…

Tunnel Leeds

Queens Court – Lip Sync Battle

Sissy that walk – Queens Court is the only place to go if your lip sync is as good as Ru Paul’s. Taking place on the last Thursday of the month, patrons are invited to serve their best face to a song of their choosing, with a cash prize up for grabs. Rest assured that it’s not a pursuit for the faint-hearted – the judging panel of Queens can be brutal.

For those who are less inclined to the limelight, Queens has events every night of the week – 50% off happy hour every Wednesday, Rock n Roll Bingo and the Friday night classic, AB Fab Fridays. Free entry, cheap drinks and hilarious staff – what’s not to love?

Queens Court, 167-168 Lower Briggate, Leeds

Our winner of our Lip Sync battle @echofallsxo with the fabulous @missorryuk
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Wharf Chambers – Love Muscle

A self-confessed ‘pumping gay dance party’, Love Muscle is easily one of Wharf Chambers most popular events, taking place monthly (more or less). A co-operative in heart and ethos, Wharf Chambers remain vigilant in matters of inclusivity and equality rights, ensuring a safe space to get your groove on.

In terms of the music, expect techno, funk, disco and soul, as well as rallies to raise money for charities, HIV testing drives and general positive, progressive feels. All are welcome – just make sure you’re a Wharf member first by signing up online. 

Wharf Chambers, 23-25 Wharf Street, Leeds, LS2 7EQ 

Live Art Bistro

A veritable hub of education and entertainment, Live Art Bistro is paired with some Leeds faves – East Street Arts, West Yorkshire Playhouse and Leeds Beckett to name but a few. With that comes an impressive roster of events that centre on the experience of gender and sexuality, through the media of theatre, dance and music.

One for those who prefer their culture a little higher-browed, this is less of a rave and more of an evening out, but there are still plenty of opportunities to party – stay tuned to their Facebook page for more details.

Live Art Bistro, Regent Street, Leeds, LS2 7QA

#AgeoftheVirgin #lovemuscle #leedspride2017
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Lesbian Socials (venue disclosed on booking)

Whether you’re looking for friends or relationships, Lesbian Socials take place every third Thursday as a means to meet new people. Think speed dating without the awkwardness – this is a low-key social event and you’re even allowed to bring a friend if you’re feeling particularly nervous (as long as the friend is an LGBT ally, of course).

Once you’ve found your place in the group, there is no end to the amount of events that Lesbian Socials get involved with – festivals, nights out, sports and day trips to name but a few. 

All the details are available via lesbiansocials.im

Tunnel – Werk/Klub Kids UK

Sister club to Mission, Tunnel Leeds has earned its name as one of Leeds finest promoters of LGBTQ+ culture. Its jewel in the crown is its Monday night event #Werk – strut their runway and enjoy £2 entry as well as an array of celebrity appearances and themed nights.

Speaking of celebrities, Tunnel is also a regular host of Klub Kids UK events, featuring the likes of Ru Paul royalty Sasha Velour, Detox and Willam. Alyssa Edwards will be appearing with her one-woman show in March, but be quick – these tickets fly out of the door faster than Justin Timberlake voodoo dolls at a Britney convention.  

Tunnel Leeds, 8 Queens Arcade, City Centre, Leeds LS1 6LF