Over 100 thousand people identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community in Merseyside and across the region lies a variety of gay clubs and bars available. In a world where unfortunately not everyone is accepting towards LGBTQ+ people, gay bars can feel like a safe and protected environment. In fact, The Masquerade bar in Liverpool has been labelled one of the friendliest in the region.
Located in the heart of the Gay Quarters, The Masquerade bar has been an LGBTQ+
landmark in the area for over 25 years. The bar was originally started by two men called Phil and Jeff and since their passing the business has gone back into the family.
Manager, Gethin Mullock said: “the label of being the friendliest gay bar in Liverpool has come from our customers, we are lucky to be a bar that has a mixed cliental of old to young, all part of the LGBTQ+ community. We see it as staff when we look out to the floor, people will come in by themselves for a quiet drink and they will meet other people and get talking. People from other cities come to the bar and have said they don’t experience anything like it where they feel like they could just talk to anyone”
The bar has lots in store with Mother’s Day next week where they will have a tribute act performing and every mum that comes in will get a box of chocolates and some flowers. Their main staple event of the year is of course Pride at the end of July where they close off Cumberland Street where the bar is located. They will have a stage outside for acts as well as an outside bar. Since the success of Eurovision last year, the bar is set to host Eurovision themed parties and viewing parties.
In 2021, Merseyside police had to step up patrols in the city centre following an increase in incidents of homophobic and transphobic hate crime and since then the community have been working towards making Liverpool feel safer.
Gethin said: “The city is a lot more accepting now then it was years ago, but LGBTQ+ venues are still really important as a safe place for people to come and not feel judged by anyone or feel like they are at threat.”
Liverpool is renowned for its nightlife, so having an environment where people can feel safe is really important.
Student George McHugh, who is part of the LGBTQ+ community, said: “I think Liverpool’s gay town is really welcoming and friendly and there’s something for everyone and because it’s not as big as other areas like Manchester, it feels really close nit. Because its not right next to the other areas of nightlife in Liverpool like concert square, it feels a lot safer and there’s a great sense of community there.
The LGBTQ+ community has always been so obsessed with pop culture so drag queens and the music playing is such a huge part of identity and there’s almost an upspoken connection when I see someone else being as obsessed with a song as me.”
For more information on the Masquerade bar visit https://www.masqueradebar.co.uk/
