June 2010
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As Pride London kicks off this month, writer and entertainer Amy Lamé reveals her favourite gay spots
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern (rvt.org.uk) has been a gay pub since the 1950s. Think spit and sawdust with red velvet curtains and beer. The crowd is fabulous and friendly every night.
Bird Club (birdclub.org.uk) is a celebration of queer femininity for everyone and the most significant night on the scene for girls at the moment. Boys are very welcome too.
At café-bar First Out (eyho.org.uk) is run by an adorable performance artist called Scottee. His monthly club night is crazy — imagine drowning by Slim-Fast.
Craftivism is something that’s really bubbling under in the gay scene at the moment, and I Knit London is a lovely shop (iknit.org.uk).
It’s the antithesis of the club world.
I am hosting my own night during Pride called Gross Indecency (duckie.co.uk), a re-creation of a gay club pre-1967 legalisation, with a 1960s dress code and an underground vibe.
Pride has become repoliticised in the last couple of years, which is an element that really attracts me. Watching everybody marching into Trafalgar Square during the parade is moving and a lot of fun. It’s one big party with a message.
Pride London, 19 June-3 July. pridelondon.org
Read more on Gay London: the gay tourist office and networking gets glamorous
