“There was something special in being in an explicitly lesbian space”
BY EMILY O’MULLANE, IMAGE BY GETTY IMAGES (VIA CANVA)
It only took reading the word “dyke” for me to enthusiastically say yes to going to the Pop-Up Dyke Bar this Monday with my friends. Going out to a lesbian bar requires two important stages. The first stage, which I like to call “gathering the troops”, is where you invite everyone in your social circle to come out with you. The second stage is getting ready, which more often than not involves maximalist jewellery and colourful eyeliner. The key here is to always add one more necklace than you think you need.
On our way to the bar, we were buzzing with excitement, having never been to a lesbian-exclusive bar before. The Instagram account @popupdykebar, which announces two events a month, is a 100% volunteer-run scheme which aims to create more local dyke events over London. The appeal of going to a gay bar instead of a club is that it is more of a chill atmosphere where you can talk to people without having to shout over the music. While London is full of gay clubs, it is refreshing to see that there are other community spaces out there especially when it’s a work night.
As soon as we got off at Camden Town station, we noticed a pilgrimage of queer-looking people, walking in the same direction. Looking around, we wondered if all the fellow Dr Martens wearers were also going to the same event. By the looks of things, they were because when we got there the bar was buzzing and packed. The venue was homely but large and it was lovely to see a whole range of dykes. The Instagram post advertising the event made it clear that all trans, bisexual and ace dykes are welcome and the environment at the pub felt so friendly. A group of people wearing friendly dyke stickers rotated around the tables and made sure that everyone felt comfortable.
The bar also contained booths such as a craft table and a mehndi table which allowed different groups to mingle and mix with each other. Speaking to my friends about our experience it was clear that we all had a great time. One commented that “if there’s anything I found out from going to the dyke pop-up, it’s that there is not a masc shortage.” In the past, we have had trouble finding any masculine presenting lesbians or non-binary people at events like this, so it was great to see that there was such diversity here.
Another person said that “while I always love queer spaces there was something special in being in an explicitly lesbian space and surrounded by people that share that cultural context.”
I personally can’t wait to go back again to the Pop-Up Dyke Bar and experience new venues across London whilst also knowing that I am in a safe space for the LGBTQIA community.
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