Why Is Brighton The LGBTQ Capital Of The UK?

Brighton’s reputation as the UK’s LGBTQ capital has been over 200 years in the making and it’s a status most of the city’s residents are fiercely proud of. Here’s a short history of how Brighton came to be synonymous with commitment to tolerance and diversity for residents and visitors alike.

A Seaside Escape

From humble beginnings as a neolithic encampment, Brighton’s transformation from fishing village to stylish seaside resort is perhaps best symbolised by the unique Royal Pavilion, which sits at the heart of the city. Under construction during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), it’s understood that the influx of soldiers to Brighton during these years coincides with the first recorded LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer) history in the community.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, its proximity to the capital and the expansion of easy, regular transport to the seaside saw Brighton become a clandestine destination for those retreating from London. In the 1930s, gay and lesbian bars and pubs spread throughout the city – and after World War II, whispers of Brighton’s unique diversions spread to others looking for a safe space to explore their sexuality.

Kemptown is the beating heart of Brighton’s vibrant LGBTQ scene

But it’s more than just bear pubs and Drag Kings driving the city’s LGBTQ scene; there is an abundance of vital services such as the Allsorts Youth Project, the Brighton & Hove LGBT Switchboard and the Sussex Beacon offering support and driving education and acceptance throughout the community.

The People’s Pride

The true spirit of Brighton’s LGBTQ community comes to the fore each year in early August during Brighton Pride, the UK’s largest – and arguably, most sparkly – pride festival. Drawing revellers from around the country, the festival welcomes hundreds of thousands to the city with a simple message: “We are family”. The weekend-long party kicks off with a vibrant, bawdy parade that winds through the various city ‘villages’, culminating in a party in Kemp Town, with live music and cabaret in Preston Park and even a dog show.

A parade participant flies the rainbow flag at Brighton Pride 2018

The fabric of Brighton is woven with inclusivity, equality and tolerance – creating a strong sense of community. It’s part of what makes the city so special and open to all.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.