For LGBT visitors, Paris offers an above-average amount of things to do, including some big annual events. The city of light is a place where barriers are few and ghettos are largely a thing of the past, and events like the annual pride parade are among the most popular and well-attended Parisians. Gay, lesbian, bi, trans or gender travelers will have no trouble finding things to do in Paris, although they will by no means feel restricted to ‘gay themed’ venues and events. It is a largely friendly city. So whether you’re queer, straight, or avoiding labels, use this guide to learn more about what to do in the city of light.
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The best LGBT bars, clubs and nightlife
Looking for a great night on the town? Check out our list of the best bars and clubs that cater to a queer crowd or that offer a friendly and mixed atmosphere.
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LGBT Pride Parade (Paris Gay Pride)
More of a grand street party than a traditional march, the annual LGBT Pride Parade ( Marché des Fiertés ) is one of the most popular events in Paris, drawing at least half a million people to the streets to dance each year, brag and celebrate. Dozens of floats, many of them equipped with sound systems and energetic dancers, lead the procession from the right bank to the left. The openly gay former mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe, has been known in recent years for appearing, along with other politicians. They tend to follow street parties and bars in the Marais or the Bastille.
Read Related Feature: Where To Party After Gay Pride (Best Bars And Clubs)
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PopinGays Dance Nights
PopinGays is an association that organizes biannual rock, pop and indie dance nights with a queer theme and open to all. Talented DJs create fun and memorable nights. Follow the link to the agenda: it is in French, but you can press the button «translate page» on Google to find details about the upcoming holidays.
From the Popingays website: “We like girls who like girls, and girls who like boys, and boys who like boys, and boys who like girls. We like everyone else too. We like rock, pop and indie (…) We like to expose as many people as we can to this music. (…) We like the rainbow in all its forms. We like these colors because they symbolize diversity. We like diversity because it is a source of life (…) «
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Paris gay and lesbian film festival
Usually held in December at the Forum d’Images cinema in Les Halles in the city center, the Paris Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is a lively week-long event where notable and directed film screenings themed GLBT draws huge crowds. Showcasing everything from commercial rom-coms to experimental, documentary and adult films, the Paris Film Festival is another event that is always highly anticipated and highly talked about.
For current year’s screenings and special events, see the event website for updates.
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Paris feminist and lesbian film festival
Offering an exciting program of film screenings, exhibitions, concerts and conferences, the Paris Annual Feminist and Lesbian Film Festival, organized by the Cineffable association, is one of the most important events of the year for those interested in women’s issues and / or queer women. The festival is known for its push-the-envelope film screenings, as well as its musical acts and timely discussions.
For information on the current year’s program, check the event website for updates.
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Gay and lesbian theater festival
The brand new Gay and Lesbian Theater Festival promises to bring more exposure to GLBTQ artists and subjects in Paris and offers a diverse palette of talent. While most of the presentations are in French and may limit some visitors’ ability to follow, this new event is worth checking out.
For current year’s event dates and program, check the event website for updates.
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Queer Food for Love
Paris’s most beloved queer-themed collective dinner, Queer Food for Love, brings together a group of wickedly talented volunteer chefs who prepare delicious vegan and vegetarian meals and serve them with style and… well, love. This is much more Berkeley cooperative than Paris, with colorful picnic tables tucked around the Rotisserie, a collective kitchen that lends itself to a different association each night.
Details:
Dates and times vary – visit the official site for more information on upcoming pop-up dinner nights (French only – use Google Translate if necessary!)
The New Rotisserie
4 rue Jean and Marie Moinon, 75010.
See also: QFFL San Francisco
