I imagine that there's gotta be a queer expat community in Turkey. I'd like to open up a discussion on queer friendly places and spaces in Istanbul. This may include bars, events, parties, films etc. Anything that you add to this discussion in an open minded fashion is appreciated.

A couple of places I can mention are:
Lambda-NGO
Rocinante-bar


If you go to lambdaistanbul.org there is information on current and upcoming events like Pride, as well as histories of glbt in Turkey.

Best,

Mija

Mija, have you checked out gturk?

Went to a nice place a few years ago. They didn't mind me being straight. I'll contact the folks who took me there and give you the name and location.

"LOVE" in harbiye...i am not sure if they are still open but i dj-ed there few years ago..it was fun and it was pink..>)

Love was certainly open a couple of weekends ago but a visit by yours truly may have had a detrimental effect on that.

Yeah Love seems to be more mixed (staight and gay, men and women of all/flexible sexualities) on Friday but more male gay on Saturday. Not recommended for straight guys I think and for you girls, you get hit on by all sides but go completely drunk, get out within a hour and you'll have a laugh.

Everyone knows about Tek Yon (gay men) and the more dubious Sahra (transsexual pick-up joint).
Barbahçe is crap now I'm told. Other bars like Neo and Queen who knows. The Aksaray rough places are being closed down by the belediye.

But these are pick-up late night places. The nice cafes would be good recommendations, like the one in Küçükparmak Sokak.
Somewhere comfortable and classy )

Charly.....you have always got loads of knowledge regarding all aspects of nightlife here...I am truly amazed. But don't tell me that you have been to the Sahra By the way, as I told you at the last forum get-together, I would love to go to that Love Club place. Maybe we can arrange a mini forum get-together one night soon, with Love as the final destination of the night. I am sure many straight folks of the forum would come along too, as you say it is quite a 'mixed' venue.

Mija....you might want to check out this site : http://www.istanbulgay.com/gay-bar-club.htm. But, (assuming you are female) don't be surprised that the heavy majority of folks in most homosexual venues in Istanbul are male but I am sure you would still have fun at most venues because as you know, us male gay crowd is fun to hang out with Avoid the seedy venues though.

Also, sadly but not surprisingly, the gay scene here is quite boring and lame by European standards, mainly due to religion.

Cheers,

Cem

Well Istanbul guy, I come from a small city in Oregon, so I don't know a lot about "European standards" or what that gay life is you are referring to. So, I find Istanbul exciting. But limited. What Istanbul is missing is Drag King shows...Drag Queen shows. And of course a number of social programs, neyse. I think Istanbul has a lot to offer. Of course I have not found it yet But I think it's out there.

I was reminded that Bar Bahce has a lesbian room (used to be the old guy lounge room). I'm going to ask around some more.
Istanbul Guy - I really don't think people would go for a Love night!