Brighton has a long history of association with illicit sex and sexualities, and from the mid-20th century it became known as a ‘gay and lesbian’ (and now LGBTQ) hotspot.
As more LGBTQ people came to the city they made use of existing spaces for socialising, sex, activism, and community-building - and started to create their own spaces too.
This 90-minute guided walking tour introduces some key historical and present-day LGBTQ spaces of the city. Sites featured include early discreet gay bars, ‘cottages’ used for public sex, lesbian activist and community spaces, clubs and party venues, and memorials for those lost to HIV/AIDS.
The tour uses historical writing, oral histories, and contemporary geographic scholarship to craft a rough outline of the development of LGBTQ spaces in the West more widely.
It concludes by considering contemporary debates and anxieties about the future of LGBTQ spaces.
The tour begins at Old Steine in the centre of Brighton, and ends at an LGBTQ bar close to this start point.
About the leader
Dr Nicholas McGlynn is a Senior Lecturer in Geography at the University of Brighton. His research focuses on LGBTQ equalities and communities from a geographic perspective and across scales from local, regional, national, to transnational.
His recent book, Bodies and Boundaries of UK Bear Spaces, explores the GBQ men’s Bear subculture in five UK cities.
Event information
The route is an easy urban walk with some mild inclines. It is wheelchair-accessible but with some narrow and uneven pavements. It will last approximately 90 minutes.
This event is suitable for over 18s only.
The event will begin at Old Steine Garden fountain in Brighton and proceeding gently uphill into Brighton's Kemptown area and seafront. The walk will return to the fountain.
Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the activity and summer weather (e.g. water bottle and sun protection).
Booking information
- Advance booking for this event is required. In order to book you will need an account on our website. If you already have an account you will be prompted to log in when you click 'book now'. Please create an account if you do not have one yet (you do not need to be a member of the Society to create an account).
- We do not issue tickets (electronic or physical) for this event. Instead your name will be on a list at the door.
- Your contact details (name and mobile phone number) will be shared with the event organiser in case of emergency or last-minute change to the event. The event organiser will delete all of the information provided by you within seven days of the event taking place.
- If you have any pre-existing medical conditions that will affect your ability to participate in this visit (including any dietary allergies) please let us know events@rgs.org
If you have any questions or require assistance with your booking, please email events@rgs.org
This event has been organised by the South committee.
Venue information
Please meet at Old Steine Gardens fountain, 55 Old Steine, Brighton, BN1 1NH. This is close to the main bus routes in Brighton (Old Steine stop) and between the Palace Pier and Royal Pavilion. It is a 10-15 minute walk from Brighton Railway Station.
Please make sure you arrive on time for the event. There will be a health and safety briefing at the beginning of the event which will inform attendees of significant risks and any precautions they may need to take.
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