LGBT
Your guide to London's best lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender events, shows, clubs and bars
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Trans formation
This year’s LGBT History and Archives Conference takes the focus off gay men
Duckie turns 18
The gang who revolutionised London's queer performance scene since 1995, are still going strong
The Polari First Book Prize is back
Polari returns, showcasing the best in established, new and up-and-coming LGBT literary talent
What's on at...
Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Standing firm and proud as a major traffic hub has been developed around it, the RVT dates from 1863, and remains true to its century-old tradition as a cabaret venue. It’s been serving confirmed bachelors since before Kylie was born and is now the royal palace of Voho, the gay village of Vauxhall. On any given night, star names may be draped banner-big across its traditional pub frontage (Lily Savage got her start behind the bar), and the place may be absolutely jammed. The main attraction is Duckie, Amy Lamé’s wilfully eccentric Saturday club night. Get here in the early evening and you’ll have time and space to fire into some beef stew or a burger, but otherwise it’s shots, shooters and standard lagers all the way. In the evening, muscle marys whip off their tops and gear up for an evening of debauchery at the many nearby clubs.
Heaven
When it opened its doors in 1979, Heaven was revolutionary. London's first gay superclub, it was the birthplace of Hi-NRG and acid house, a magnet for gay celebrities and mounted the most spectacular stage shows seen in clubland. But it hasn't been on top of its game for some time, rarely matching the standard set by Vauxhall rivals such as Fire. Still, with the closure of the Astoria and the subsequent move of G-A-Y to Heaven, the club has experienced something of a renaissance. Thursday now hosts G-A-Y Porn Idol, Fridays G-A-Y Camp Attack and Saturdays are reserved for the G-A-Y club night proper. It's not all a gay fiesta, however, the roomy Heaven also lays on live indie nights.
Sweatbox Soho
With it's striking black and red design and sleek fittings, this state-of-the-art gay gym and sauna looks more like a club than a traditional fitness centre. The sauna occupies the lower two floors and features two giant steam rooms, two Turkish hot rooms, a 14-man jacuzzi, large stylish chill-out room with TV and Wi-Fi, two video lounges and a maze of innovative and striking cabins, some with two-way mirrors for the exhibitionists among you. Spa treatments include hot stone massage and spray tanning. Every Wednesday and Saturday the venue hosts a foam party, complete with DJs.