You’ll find a lot of mixed opinions when it comes to meeting trans individuals in Orlando.
Some people have had great experiences, while others absolutely despise the city.
So which one is it…? Well, I can’t speak for everyone but what I will say is that Orlando has its fair share of inclusive spaces.
You just have to prepare in advance and learn which spots are worth visiting – and that’s what I’m here to help you with.
So get ready as we talk about the best places to meet trans men and women in Orlando and how the city treats our community.
Table of Contents
List of TG Friendly Venues in Orlando
1. Bars and Clubs
The thing about Orlando is that it doesn’t have a specific gayborhood like most cities. Trans friendly bars are spread around different areas.
But usually, you’ll find them within a 20-minute driving radius. Here are some places I recommend visiting.
District Dive – Primarily a gay/lesbian bar but you can often find a few trans folks here as well.
I must say that their bartenders are just amazing, especially Ramon who is always super attentive towards all customers.
Southern Craft – A hidden gem in Orlando that is not only inclusive but also serves excellent mocktails.
And it doesn’t get excessively loud here so you can potentially have a conversation with trans folks around you.
Southern Nights – This place used to be a hub for trans men and women in Orlando a few years back.
But recently, I’ve been hearing a lot of complaints about their management so I hope they get their shit together soon.
Savoy Bar – Whether you’re trans, gay, bi, or straight, this place welcomes everyone.
The cherry on top is that they mostly do not charge a cover fee and you can enjoy incredible drag shows like this on most nights…
2. Community Centers and Organizations
Orlando is a big city, with plenty of trans focused spaces. One of them is the LGBT+ Center.
They have programs for transgender and non-binary folks. They host discussions and support/social groups for the community.
They host in-person weekly meetings on Mondays, and virtual meetings on Tuesdays.
Zebra Youth is also doing a phenomenal job in helping LGBT+ youth against isolation, bullying and offering assistance in other areas of life.
Even as an adult, you can volunteer to join them and get involved in activism to potentially meet more trans individuals.
Another organization is GIFT which aims to offer a safe network to the transgender community and their friends and families.
They used to host regular support groups as well but for now, they’ve paused the meetings. Nonetheless, it’s a great resource.
And if you’re in the city for a longer period or a local then keep an eye out for the Trans March hosted by One Orlando Alliance.
3. Trans Dating Sites
Orlando is a big city so it’s no surprise that there’s a large community of trans individuals on online dating sites.
Now, it’s hard to choose a single platform because it depends on what type of relationship you’re looking for.
If you just want to make new trans friends then I’d suggest OkCupid. It’s great for both dating and platonic relationships.
Though if you’re purely after casual arrangements then Grindr is slowly becoming a popular site.
But its drawback is that sometimes, you’ll have to browse through an endless profile pool of gay men.
So what I prefer more is TSdates since it primarily focuses on T4M hookups.
4. Online Groups and Pages
Orlando has a few decent Facebook groups for trans folks. One is Transmasc Orlando, kind of like a small community for transmasculine peeps.
Then there’s the Transgender Social Meetup Group, good for finding out about events.
It’s a public group so you can scroll through the posts without becoming a member.
For a broader hangout, there’s LGBT Orlando. It’s a general group that welcomes everyone in the LGBTQ+ family.
5. Other LGBT+ Spaces
I know, most of you might be wondering: Is Disney World trans friendly?
Short answer – yes, they have unisex restrooms and you can actually meet many trans individuals there.
But keep in mind that it’s also a tourist hotspot so sometimes, you might hear insensitive remarks.
Fortunately, the cast members there have a strict no-discrimination policy and are quick to kick out bigots.
Aside from that, there are also other LGBTQ+ spaces and if you’re into fitness then definitely visit YMCA.
It’s one of the most inclusive gyms in the city and you can often find trans folks working out there.
What It’s Like to Be Transgender in Orlando
Orlando is surrounded by a lot of controversy and honestly, I felt skeptical during my first visit to the city.
But my experience was surprisingly pleasant and I found it to be more trans friendly than Miami and Tampa.
Still, I won’t say that you can walk into any area you want. I spent the majority of my time near Universal and Disney along with Downtown Orlando.
Outside these areas, I did notice some errant glances but thankfully, nothing too extreme.
Aside from that, I know that the state has passed some anti-trans bills recently like banning trans healthcare for youth.
However, I feel optimistic that this will change in the near future as the city continues to progress.
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Meeting Trans in Orlando
In a nutshell, Orlando is a great place in Florida to meet trans folks – if you know where to go.
Whether you like bars, nightclubs, or online stuff, Orlando has it all. But do some research, or better yet, try out the options we’ve highlighted to save you time.
With a huge community, start slow–-meet, greet, and ease into the LGBTQ+ scene.
So that’s all from my side, hope you enjoy the process of meeting the trans community in Orlando and have a blast forging new relationships!
Ashley Taylor
Having grown up feeling misunderstood and unaccepted within my own family.
I also faced difficulties when it came to dating and connecting with guys around the world due to a lack of awareness about trans-friendly venues.
To address this, I took it upon myself to create city guides specifically tailored to meeting trans people.