Queer Blackpool

Queer is an umbrella word for anyone who isn't straight or isn't cisgender. It was used as an insult for most of the 20th century, and many older LGBTQ+ people still dislike it, so don't use it for someone who hasn't chosen it. Since the 1990s many people have reclaimed it, especially those whose identity doesn't fit one neat label, and it is now also used in academic "queer history" and "queer studies".

The Q in LGBTQ+ can mean queer or questioning, or both. They are different things: queer is an identity some people choose, while questioning means still exploring.

Queer heritage in Blackpool

Blackpool's queer story is told by a growing group of artists and researchers:

• We're Still Here! is an artist-led project building Blackpool's first permanent collection of LGBTQ+ heritage, with oral histories and exhibitions planned at the Grundy Art Gallery and Showtown.
• Queering Blackpool (2025) is a feature documentary by Dr Helen Eadon-Sinkinson and filmmaker Alexander Blackburn, tracing the town's drag and LGBTQ+ scene from its pioneers to the new generation, with rare archive footage.
• Showtown, Blackpool's museum of fun and entertainment, has run Pride Beside the Seaside tours.

See heritage projects and archives and Blackpool on screen.

Queer performance

The most exciting new-wave work rooted in Blackpool is Mr Blackpool by Harry Clayton-Wright, a co-founder of We're Still Here!, which turns local legend, class and politics into drag, dance, magic and sideshow. Look out too for alternative drag at Pride and visiting cabaret. See drag kings and alternative drag.

Nights out

Queer people go everywhere in the quarter. If the traditional camp of Blackpool's drag pubs isn't your thing, try the late weekends at the Flying Handbag, the cabaret at Lu-Lu's, or a cocktail at Neon Bar.

Community

More

• A history of LGBTQ+ Blackpool
• Volunteering and getting involved
• Questioning and curious

Sources

• Stonewall: list of LGBTQ+ terms