I met with a friend the other evening. She's a cross-dresser. We went for a drink or two in the bar at Central Station, figuring that it wouldn't be too busy and she didn't have far to go to catch her train.
Still, they had music pouring out of the ceiling which made it difficult to hear what she was saying. I wasn't exactly amused at £4 for a bottle of Bulmer's Perry either. We had a good evening in spite of this but I think we might have done better.
On Friday, I picked up a transgirl at Queen's Street Station and escorted her to the gender clinic for her appointment. We met two more girls and went for a drink in the bar next to the station on the way back. Same problem: loud music and I couldn't hear what people were saying.
It was fortunate that on both occasions, the girls really look like girls, but I can see trouble if one's struggling with her appearance.
What I'm looking for, then, is a safe pub that is quiet. Either no music or music played very quietly. The licensee must be tolerant of women who are still legally male and won't complain when they use the ladies.
Gay pubs aren't necessarily the best places as there is an element within the gay community that resents the inclusion of 'T' in LGBT. I think the girls would prefer a place that does not have any particular theme, just a down-to-earth ordinary pub.
