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FAQs

Got a question about the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre? Check out our FAQs below.

When are you open?

We’re open for walk-ins on:

  • Wednesday –  9:30am-6pm
  • Thursday – 12-8pm
  • Friday – 12-8pm
  • Saturday – 12-8pm
  • Sunday – 1-8pm

We are closed during these other times for walk-ins:

If you’d like to attend one of these events, book on Eventbrite.

On Monday and Tuesday the Centre is closed for private community bookings. Please note the Centre isn’t open for walk-ins on Monday and Tuesday.

Where is the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre?

We’re based in Southwark, right by Blackfriars Station (south side river exit). Our address is 60-62 Hopton St, London SE1 9JH.

You can find us on Google Maps and Citymapper. 

Is the Centre accessible?

The Centre is on the ground floor with no thresholds. 

Unfortunately, our bathroom facilities are not fully accessible. We’ve secured funding to rebuild this space and are currently consulting with the community. We’re looking to rebuild the bathroom facilities to ensure it’s accessible.

For visitors arriving from Blackfriars Station, there is an accessible bathroom inside the station, on the north side of the river. 

We have an agreement with our neighbours at The Founders Arms pub and Starbucks so that anyone wanting an accessible bathroom are welcome to use theirs. A member of staff or a volunteer can be made available to take you to one of these locations if you require. The Tate is also available to our visitors.

Read more about accessibility of the Centre. We will be updating this page to include photos and videos of the space with more detail soon. 

How can I contact you?

Check out our contact page for more info. 

Unfortunately, we no longer have an operating telephone number due to receiving prank calls. If you’d like to speak to the team on the phone please email us first. 

What events are on this week/month?

We regularly update our Eventbrite with what’s happening at the Centre.

We also post weekly updates on our social media about upcoming events and send a weekly newsletter. 

If you have any questions about an upcoming event that isn’t answered on an Eventbrite page, contact us at [email protected]. 

Do I need to book a ticket for an event?

To ensure you have the best possible time at the Centre, we need to know how many people to expect at our events. 

The Centre is a small space with limited capacity, so it’s important to book your ticket on Eventbrite. This also means you can keep updated with an event including event reminders or if it’s cancelled.

If you can’t find an Eventbrite page for an event you’d like to go to, email us at [email protected]. 

Note: there are some events which don’t have pages on our Eventbrite, including Dope Black Queers, Queers Without Beers, E.H. Counselling and LGBTQIA+ GIN Indian Meetup. 

I wanted to go to an event but it’s sold out. Is there a way for me to still book? 

Our events often sell out. We have waiting lists for all our events on Eventbrite but unfortunately can’t guarantee if a space will open up. 

To add your name to the waiting list, select the event you’d like to go to and select the ‘join waitlist’ button. Email us at hello@londonlgbtqcentre.org if you have any questions.

I don’t have the funds to buy a ticket for an event. Can I still come? 

We always want to ensure our events are accessible, regardless of income. If you want to attend an event but you don’t have the funds, email us at [email protected].

All our events have a range of ticket prices and the majority are free with pay what you can options. We always offer free tickets to events when spaces are available. 

Our dream for the future of the Centre is to offer all of our events for free and to pay all facilitators. If you’re in a position to help make this happen, find out how to donate.  

Can you transfer my ticket to another event?

Unfortunately Eventbrite doesn’t give us the option to transfer a ticket on your behalf. You can transfer your own ticket by following these instructions. 

If you’re unable to do this, get in touch at [email protected] and let us know what event you’d like to attend instead. 

I can no longer attend an event. How can I return my ticket or get a refund?

If you can no longer attend an event, you can request a refund or return your ticket via Eventbrite. Doing so will ensure a space opens up for another community member to join!

Please note that we are a small team with most of us working part-time. We will process your refund as soon as we can. 

If you haven’t received a refund within two weeks of requesting, email us at [email protected].

Can I come to the Centre even if I don’t attend an event?

Yes! The Centre serves not only as an events space, but a community hub up for LGBTQ+ people in London. During our opening times, all walk-ins are welcome. Come and visit us at 60-62 Hopton St, SE1 9JH. 

We have comfy sofas to relax on, a Quiet Room if you need some rest, fidget/sensory toys and weighted blankets.

We also have a free library where you can bring or take a book, alongside a free clothes swap.

If you’d like to come at a quieter time in the week and are unsure what days will be busy, get in touch at [email protected].   

Can I run an event at the Centre? 

We’re always interested in new events for our community!

Find out what details we need to know about your event and get in touch at [email protected]. 

We receive a high amount of requests for bookings and plan our calendar months in advance. 

Our Event and Outreach Lead works part-time so please allow two to three weeks for a response.  In busier times at the Centre, a response may take longer. 

We’ll reply as soon as we can. 

Can I hire the Centre for a private event, meeting space or another service?

Yes! Monday and Tuesday are days in the week we’re closed for private community events. Find out more about hiring the Centre here and email us at [email protected] with information about your event. We charge £40 per hour for LGBTQ+ organisations.

If you’re a non-LGBTQ+ organisation, you can still hire the space. Email us with details about your event.

How do I volunteer at the Centre?

We’re really grateful to anyone who can offer their time to help support our community.

Check out our current volunteer roles – we regularly update this page with new opportunities. 

If you’re interested in volunteering with your place of work we also offer team volunteering days. Please email [email protected] with your ideas.

Do you offer work experience?

Unfortunately we’re not in a position to offer work experience.

If you’re interested in contributing to the Centre, get in touch with us about volunteering at [email protected].

Are you open to all ages?

We are! There may be events that are more suitable for adults, and some for families or younger folks.

Email us at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram, Twitter/X or Facebook if you’re unsure about the age range for an event. 

Do you have a room to change nappies or breastfeed in?

The Centre is breastfeeding-friendly, but if you would feel more comfortable in a private area you can use our Quiet Room. 

We also have a portable baby changing mat which can either be used in the bathroom antechamber or taken to the Quiet Room if you need a bit more space. 

Speak to a member of staff or a volunteer (wearing name badges) for any assistance at the Centre. 

What’s the best time to come to the Centre to meet new people?

We have regular events like our Queer Chat and Craft, Queer Book Club, 50+ Meetups, Yoga and Community Meditation sessions where you can meet new people.  

We also host lots of meetups for the community, including Language Meetups, Dope Black Queers’, Travellers Pride and GIN UK LGBTQIA Indian Network. 

If you feel a bit nervous, shy, or want an introduction to new people, our team are always about for a chat. They’ll be wearing name badges if you need to find them!

Do you serve food and drinks?

We have affordable tea and coffee available as well as soft drinks. 

We’re unable to serve food in the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre due to health and safety regulations. We’re looking into options to have snacks available from local suppliers – watch this space!

Food from outside can be brought in and we have a kettle and microwave that are both free to use. 

We are a strictly sober venue and alcohol is absolutely not allowed in the Centre.

Can I donate?

Yes! Donations really help us to continue running the Centre and providing a community space for LGBTQ+ folks in London.

You can become a monthly donor with a regular gift or give a one-off donation. 

We also accept books, plants (and pots and soil) and clean clothing. Get in touch with us at [email protected] if you’re unsure whether your donation will be accepted.

Please note unfortunately we’re unable to travel around London or outside of London to accept donations.

Do you have a safeguarding policy?

Yes, you can read it here.

Can I stock leaflets/zines/other items at the Centre?

We have limited space available, which means we can only accept resources that specifically serve the LGBTQ+ community.

We aren’t able to print leaflets or flyers due to printing costs. Please bring in leaflets or flyers that you’d like to be displayed and speak to staff or volunteers (wearing name badges) to ensure we have space.

Event posters can be put up for up to one month.

Can you help me with my university survey/project?

We may be able to display a printout of your survey in our signposting area. Please check in with staff or volunteers (wearing name badges) at the Centre if there is space.

Unfortunately we aren’t able to share surveys on social media or offer filming space.

Are you available to speak at an event/panel?

If you’re interested in one of the team members speaking at your event, get in touch with us at [email protected]. 

We usually request a fee for speaking engagements which will go towards supporting our work at the Centre. Email us to find out more. 

Can I film at the Centre or film one of your upcoming events?  

For journalist requests, please email [email protected] with details.

If you’re an LGBTQ+ person who hasn’t visited the Centre before and would like to film an upcoming event, we’d suggest coming to visit first. 

It’s important to ensure safety and security for our community using the Centre. We encourage you to check out the space first before filming and meet our team and the facilitator of the event you’re interested in documenting. 

Please only join meetups in which you’re part of the community (for example, our monthly Asexual and Aromantic Meetup). 

Unfortunately we can’t guarantee you’ll be able to film at the Centre and ask that you always enquire if you’re unsure of what’s appropriate to film.  

Consent from community members using the space is required to film or take videos at events. When obtaining consent it’s important to be transparent about what imagery will be used for and where it will be shown, and limit the use of that imagery to the purposes you have obtained explicit consent for. 

Email us at [email protected] if you have any further questions. 

Any other questions?

If you have any other questions, please email us at [email protected].

For any other queries, email us at [email protected] or DM us on Twitter/X or Instagram. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can. 

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