A new bar dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community is set to open in Gloucester this October 2025, making it the first time in ten years that the city will be home to a dedicated LGBTQ+ space.
Proud Gloucester is a multi-purpose space, located in King's Walk, that includes a coffee shop, pizza cafe and evening bar that will be open until late seven days a week, with live entertainment at the weekend.
As well as being a social space, it will also have a number of bookable rooms for communities to use and there are plans to also host workshops and one-to-one sessions to provide support and information to LGBTQ+ individuals.
The bar is the brainchild of QueCon Gloucester, a new non-profit organisation formed by managing director Richard Stevens, who is also the chairman of Pride in Gloucestershire.
The idea for a permanent LGBTQ+ space was part of their bid to be the UK's host of EuroPride 2027, of which they were the runner-up. Although the bid was unsuccessful, Richard said: 'Something needed to be done as [the bar] was desperately needed.'
The presence of LGBTQ+-friendly events continues to steadily grow in Gloucestershire – with the return of Cheltenham Pride and the first ever Tewkesbury Pride in 2023 – and local business branches like The Alchemist hosting themed activity nights such as drag queen bingo and quizzes.
2025 also marks ten years of the popular local competition Drag Wars, which has most recently been held at The Frog and Fiddle in Cheltenham.
Prominent local drag queen and host of Drag Wars, Misty Monique said: 'I am happy that there is another space being created here for our community.
'Gloucester has not had a dedicated LGBTQ+ venue for the entire 10 years I have done drag here, so having a safe space available in our city – especially now when queer and trans people are under attack – is great news.'
This was echoed by Richard, who said: 'The need for this space has been evident for many years but with LGBTQ+ hostility growing in the media and government, specifically the Trans community, people need a safe space not just to socialise and meet, but also somewhere to go to access information and support.
'Community groups are finding it difficult to find places to meet and are being squeezed out of other commercial spaces so we hope we can support these groups to continue.'
A number of open days have already been held to show the progress of the transformation and gather community feedback and booking for regular groups and activities has already begun ahead of the grand opening in October.
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