Best Transgender Bars and Clubs in Richmond
Richmond sits in a comfortable middle ground for trans nightlife: not a major metro with a dedicated trans bar on every queer block, but a genuinely welcoming mid-size city with an active LGBTQ+ scene that trans people have built, shaped, and claimed as their own. Richmond feels broadly LGBTQ+ friendly, especially in Carytown, the Fan, Scott's Addition, and around VCU, where queer nightlife and community spaces are visible. The venues listed here are all within Richmond city proper, meaning no long regional drive is required — the scene is compact, walkable in parts, and consistently active year-round.
The Richmond Trans Scene
Richmond is a city where queer community feels present without being confined to one strip. There is no single transgender bar in the traditional sense, but the trans community is woven throughout Richmond's queer nightlife rather than sidelined from it. Queer DJ collective Animal keeps Richmond on its toes with semi-monthly events, and a common local circuit starts with a drink at Barcode before continuing with a short walk to Godfrey's. Babe's of Carytown and Thirsty's RVA round out the core bar scene, while newer arrivals like Harlym Blue'Z have added a soulful, community-centered alternative. Richmond Pride usually anchors the year with a festival and parade-style programming, plus plenty of bar and nonprofit events around it, and drag brunches and touring shows run year-round.
Top Transgender Bars and Clubs for Richmond Locals
Godfrey's
Type: Drag venue / LGBTQ+ dance club
Location: 308 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219
Features: Godfrey's is a Richmond institution and a cornerstone of the city's LGBTQ+ nightlife. This lively dance club, located in the heart of downtown, is known for its high-energy atmosphere, DJs spinning a mix of pop and dance music, and a calendar packed with themed events. Godfrey's is perhaps most famous for its legendary Drag Brunch, where every weekend the club transforms into a haven of fabulousness, with dazzling drag queens delivering show-stopping performances while guests enjoy brunch fare and cocktails. Open Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights with drag shows and DJs from 8pm to 2am.
Website: https://www.godfreysrva.com
Barcode
Type: LGBTQ+ cocktail bar and restaurant
Location: 6 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23219
Features: Barcode is Richmond's destination for the LGBTQIA+ community, offering a friendly atmosphere, a full menu, music, and a diverse crowd. Open seven days a week year-round, Barcode promotes a comfortable and friendly atmosphere for Richmond's LGBTQ community, with no cover charge, daily specials, and Sunday Karaoke. The outdoor patio is a consistent draw in warmer months.
Website: https://www.barcoderva.com
Babe's of Carytown
Type: Lesbian-rooted LGBTQ+ bar with drag and live music
Location: 3166 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23221
Features: Babe's of Carytown is a cornerstone of Richmond's LGBTQ+ scene, open since 1978, and a welcoming space for all, drawing in a diverse crowd from near and far. The bar welcomes all but has a heavy queer women-leaning crowd; with a sand volleyball court and a cozy indoor space, Babe's hosts regular events like Stonewall Sports gatherings and Old Girls nights, and offers Southern pub food, live music, and karaoke.
Website: https://www.babescarytown.com
Thirsty's RVA
Type: Queer bar with community programming
Location: Richmond, VA (confirm current address via website)
Features: Thirsty's is a smaller, more intimate queer bar with a neighborhood feel, known for its friendly bartenders and welcoming atmosphere, with a mixed crowd that includes a strong lesbian following. The calendar runs deep, with game nights, drag nights, a bear book club, and regular themed community events throughout the week, making it one of Richmond's most programmatically active queer spaces.
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