The Flying Handbag
A big, purpose-built LGBTQ+ bar and club on Queen Street, open from noon every day with drag hosts, karaoke, food and a sun terrace.
Gender-nonconforming people in Blackpool
What gender-nonconforming means, how it differs from trans, practical tips and support.
Gender-nonconforming (GNC) describes people whose appearance or behaviour doesn't match what society expects of their gender. A man who wears make-up, a woman with a very masculine style, or anyone who just doesn't fit the boxes can be gender-nonconforming.
How it differs from trans and non-binary
Gender-nonconforming is about expression. Trans and non-binary are about identity. They often overlap, but:
- a cisgender man who loves glitter and heels is gender-nonconforming, but not trans;
- a trans woman with a very traditionally feminine style may not be gender-nonconforming at all.
Both cisgender and trans people can be gender-nonconforming, and appearance alone never tells you someone's gender identity. Some people use GNC as their gender identity too. Follow the words each person uses.
Blackpool and gender-nonconformity
Seaside towns have always loosened the rules, and Blackpool more than most. Gender-nonconforming style is completely ordinary in the Rainbow Quarter, and the quarter's bars are among the most relaxed places in the North West to wear exactly what you want.
Garlands
A camp, free-entry drag pub near Blackpool North where resident queens are on from mid-afternoon every single day.
Staying safe in the wider town
Outside the quarter, Blackpool is a busy holiday resort with stag and hen parties and late drinking. Most people won't care how you look, but gender-nonconforming people are more likely to be targeted by abuse, whatever their identity.
- Stay in the well-lit, busy streets around Queen Street, Dickson Road, Lord Street and Banks Street at night.
- The taxi rank at Blackpool North is a minute or two from the bars.
- Abuse because of how someone thinks your gender or sexuality looks can be a hate crime, even if they are wrong about you.
Lancashire Police hate crime reporting
Lancashire Constabulary covers Blackpool and the Fylde. You can report hate crime directly or through a local third-party reporting centre.
True Vision (Report It)
The national police-backed hate crime website, where you can learn about hate crime and report it online.
Galop
The UK's LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, running national helplines for hate crime, domestic abuse and conversion practices.
See is Blackpool safe?.
Groups
Blackpool Allies
A free, relaxed social evening twice a month for LGBT+ people and anyone who supports them, at the Horizon centre on Dickson Road.
Blackpool Renaissance trans support group
A long-running trans peer support group meeting twice a month at a Dickson Road guesthouse, open to trans people, partners and allies.
Lancashire LGBT Women and Non-Binary Group
A free monthly online group from the county LGBTQ+ charity for lesbian, bi, trans and queer women and femme non-binary people.
Young people
Children and teenagers who don't fit gender expectations can face bullying at school. UR Potential and United Youth Alliance run LGBTQ+ youth groups on the Fylde, and Youtherapy offers free counselling to 11 to 25-year-olds.
UR Potential LGBT youth groups
A Blackpool youth organisation running LGBT youth groups for 13 to 25-year-olds across the Fylde coast, plus family support.
Youtherapy
Free NHS counselling for 11 to 25-year-olds in Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, including support around sexuality, with a weekly drop-in.
More
Sources
Trans and gender identity: more pages
TransgenderPeer groups, the gender outreach drop-in, the Phoenix Clinic, trans-friendly stays, history and UK law.Trans menLancashire Lads, trans-masc support online, the Phoenix Clinic, welcoming venues and history.Trans womenTransInclusion and Renaissance, the Phoenix Clinic, trans-friendly stays and nights out.Non-binaryWhat non-binary means, local groups and clinics, unisex spaces and your rights in the UK.Gender-fluidWhat gender-fluid means, practical tips, groups that welcome you and your rights.AgenderWhat agender means, how it differs from asexual, and the groups and spaces open to you.BigenderWhat bigender means, how it differs from gender-fluid and bisexual, and who welcomes you.AndrogynousAndrogyny as identity and as style, Blackpool's gender-bending stage history, and welcoming places.Two-SpiritWhat Two-Spirit means, where it comes from, and the Canadian MMIWG2SLGBTQQIA+ term.Third gender and cultural identitiesHijra, fa'afafine, muxe and more: third genders around the world, UK law, and faith and culture support.Every identityThe full list, the long acronyms and UK law.