LGBTQ+ in Reading

Reading is an open and inclusive place to live, visit and enjoy, welcoming people from all backgrounds, beliefs and cultures. The LGBT+ scene in Reading has been growing over the last few years, with a selection of festivals, events and venues fully supportive of the LGBT+ community in the town, as well as a number of social groups, youth clubs and wellbeing organisations dedicated to providing support and awareness for all members of the LGBT+ spectrum.

LGBT+ friendly venues in Reading

• The Blagrave Arms is an LGBT+ focused venue and is found on Blagrave Street, close to Reading Station. An actively gay venue, all are welcome to enjoy the food, drink and atmosphere, providing regular nights run by local organisations such as F.O.D. Club. F.O.D organises regular LGBT+ Club nights in Reading which are held at The Blagrave Arms to provide dedicated safe spaces for all members of the LGBT+ spectrum.

• The Oakford Social Club is another of Reading’s LGBT+ friendly venues. An urban retreat on Blagrave Street, close to Reading Station, The Oakford provides a relaxed venue for drinks, food and live acts in the heart of Reading.  

LGBT+ festivals and events

• Reading Pride runs the Love Unites festival which takes place on the first weekend after the August bank holiday (so typically on the first Saturday in September) in Kings Meadow, Reading. Free to enter, the annual parade and festival includes a full line up, as well as food and drink and a family area.

• MyUmbrella is a project run by Reading Pride to raise awareness of the lesser-known identities across the sexuality, gender and romantic spectrums, collectively known as LGBT+.

• Club F.O.D is a Reading-based charity which began in 2019 and is dedicated to providing safe and comfortable spaces in club, bar and café environments for all members of the LGBT+ spectrum. Regular club nights are held in The Blagrave Arms.

LGBT+ groups and support in Reading

• The Thames Valley Gay Chorus (TVGC) is a group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from around the Thames Valley who enjoy singing. They are based in Reading but perform all around the area. 

• Thames Valley Positive Support has worked hard to make a significant difference to people living with HIV across Berkshire. TVPS now stands proudly as the only HIV charity in Berkshire. Their work spans prevention, testing and post-diagnosis support.

• Support U is a LGBT+ wellbeing centre, which operates from a temporary pop-up location in Minster Street, in Reading town centre. Face to face sessions are by appointment only, so you should contact a caseworker before visiting them. 

• LGBT+ Society is a society run by, and for, LGBT+ students at the University of Reading. An inclusive group, they welcome anyone who identifies as a sexual and/or gender minority, and they welcome allies.

LGBT+ support and clubs for young people in Reading

• No5 Young People is a Reading-based charity providing confidential listening to support children and young people and those around them. Its free counselling service supports those aged between 11-25 who are living, working or studying in Reading and the RG postcode area.

• ReachOUT is a Youth Club in Reading for young people aged 13-18 who are LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, or Questioning). The club is held every Wednesday, in a town-centre location, from 6.45 - 8.45pm, and provides a safe space for young people to come along, participate in fun activities and events, and meet other young people in a similar situation to themselves.