![gay bar london england gay bar london england](https://video-images.vice.com/articles/591c5354e6320e69a037cf4a/lede/1495031491920-trade.jpeg)
Same-sex intimacy was tolerated as cabaret, dancing and drinking continued until dawn. The Cave of the Golden Calf may have only served customers for two short years, but in that time it developed a notorious reputation among the capital's wealthy aristocrats and bohemians. It wasn't until 1912 that Britain saw its first "gay bar", as we know it today, open its doors. Reports from the time show that entrapment was common, and that gay men were murdered for engaging in same-sex relations until the death penalty for buggery was abolished in 1861. Raids continued into the 19th century, although little is known about queer spaces during this time as the culture was pushed even further underground. The raiding of the White Swan on Vere Street in 1810 was another significant example of a queer venue being attacked it was here that the Reverend John Church – often claimed to have been the first openly gay minister in England –– is alleged to have conducted same-sex marriages. WATCH: Out and Bad – London's LGBT Dancehall Scene
![gay bar london england gay bar london england](https://media.timeout.com/images/105475198/750/562/image.jpg)
According to historian Rictor Norton, these included the "markets" in the Royal Exchange, Moorfields, Lincoln's Inn, the south side of St James's Park and the piazzas of Covent Garden. Some were housed in coffee houses and pubs, others in private residences.Īreas associated with high levels of crime and prostitution became homes for the molly house. Most were brothels, but others simply places to fuck in relative peace. Molly houses were spaces for female mimicry mock marriages and births of singing, of community and of sex. Probably deriving their name from the slang for a homosexual male, these were havens for those looking for same-sex interactions in a society where sodomy was still punishable by death. It was only in 18th century London that the first well-documented queer spaces started appearing, with "molly houses" the place to head if you were looking for a gay old time. The first gay cruising grounds and gay brothels are likely to have appeared towards the middle of the 17th century, but evidence is limited.
![gay bar london england gay bar london england](https://c8.alamy.com/comp/GTHH90/ku-award-winning-gay-bar-at-lisle-street-chinatown-soho-london-in-GTHH90.jpg)
There's not a huge amount known about queer spaces in London before the 1700s a combination of poor documentation and the need for the upmost levels of secrecy means historians know very little about where exactly those looking for same-sex contact would have flocked. Watch it below.The best way of doing that? A history lesson. In DJ Mag’s new mini-doc, shots capturing the bittersweet celebration of Sink The Pink’s last hurrah appear alongside interviews with long-time performers and friends of the collective, Tete Bang, Joshua James and Raven Mandela, who share memories and reflections on its legacy. Sink The Pink has achieved more than we could ever have hoped for, so we feel it’s the right time to hang up our heels and make way for a new generation of queer London to shine through." We’ve helped form friendships, relationships and life long memories. "We’ve given space to the most progressive and beautiful humans that have been an integral part of the queer landscape of London. "We’ve proved that queerness holds enormous power and should be celebrated wherever possible," Fussell added. We’ve shown that our community can be seen and celebrated in mainstream spaces while staying true to what we believe in."
![gay bar london england gay bar london england](https://img.theculturetrip.com/768x512/smart/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/she-soho.jpg)
After 13 incredible years, and a huge amount of wonderful memories, we've decided that this next party will be our final Sink The Pink event.
GAY BAR LONDON ENGLAND FULL
In a statement accompanying the announcement of their final party, Fussell said: "To everyone who has ever supported, loved and been part of Sink The Pink, we deliver this piece of news with very heavy hearts, but full of pride at what has been achieved. Over the years it has hosted events across drag, cabaret, dance music and more in sold-out venues including Brixton Academy. Founded by Amy Zing and Glyn Fussell in 2008, Sink The Pink began as a queer night at a tiny gay bar in Angel, The Green, before later moving to Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club. DJ Mag visited the Surrey Quays venue for the unforgettable “Farewell Ball”, and a new mini-documentary about the collective’s legacy and community is now available to watch below.Īfter 14 years, Sink The Pink hosted its final throwdown at the 6,000-capacity former printing plant on Friday, 15th April. Earlier this month, the UK's largest LGBTQ+ club night Sink The Pink hosted its last ever party at Printworks London.