With so many rapid changes happening in Turkey and the world, along with all the changes in our personal lives, the LGBT community needs safe spaces to come and make new connections with supportive people now as much as ever. It’s very easy to feel isolated, even after all the progress our community has accomplished. The good news is, many young people in Istanbul, foreign and local, alike are frequently very welcoming of us and happy to meet us. Turkish society may still have homophobic elements, but, like most societies, much of the younger generation is willing to transcend this. You see this attitude mainly in areas like Cihangir, Taksim, Kadıköy and Beşiktaş, where young people congregate and commiserate.
Since moving to the Kadıköy neighborhood in September, I have found several places there that are very welcoming to us and receive little attention. Since Kadıköy is full of students, you are likely to find English speaking staff and patrons and unlikely to hear bigoted comments in this area. It’s also worthwhile to keep track of the various pride parties that happen throughout the year and throughout the city. You can do so by joining the Facebook group and seeing their upcoming events. It’s a great way to discover new gay and gay-friendly venues and connect with new friends. Some people I know have even met their current partners, boyfriends, and girlfriends at these parties. I have begun my list with the Asian side and continued to the European side, but they are in no particular order. Enjoy the company and remember the old Buddhist teaching: “You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserves your love and affection.”
1. Benazio
This small cafe in Kadıköy is a frequent hang out spot for the gay community and features a huge menu of coffee drinks and vegetarian sandwiches.
Benazio is located at Karakolhane Cd. No:48 in Kadikoy off of Uzun Hafiz Sokak. Look for the black tribal triangular logo.
2. Komşu Kafe Collective
Right next to Benazio and meaning “neighbor” in Turkish, this vegetarian cafe is run by a progressive socialist collective that sells everything by suggested donation rather than set prices. They also hold ethnic cuisine nights with themes such as Kurdish night and falafel night. Their bulletin board contains a rainbow flag and their manifesto forbids homophobic behavior and commentary.
Komşu Kafe is located at Uzun Hafız Sokak No: 83.
3. Böcek Cafe
This cafe and stage in Kadikoy is full of lavish decor and frequented by the artist community in Istanbul and has many gay patrons. The stage features theater and music performances and their menu has plenty of food, coffee and tea options. They have a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian choices, great smoothies, and all-day Turkish breakfast. Check out their Facebook page to keep track of their events. Be sure to get one of their loyalty cards for discounts and free coffees after purchases.
Böcek is located at Bademaltı Sk. 17/A in Moda. Look for the triangular logo.
4. Reset Bar
This small dive bar in Kadikoy is a frequent hang out spot for the gay community. They feature a full bar menu and a some small finger food. Since the music is usually at a low volume and the space is intimate, it’s a good place for a date or a friendly chat.
Reset Bar is located at Sarraf Ali Sokak No: 31 off of Guneşli Bahçe Sokak.
5. Liberta Cafe and Restaurant
On the same street as Reset, Liberta also features many gay patrons and a huge variety of different savory foods, desserts and cocktails. They have an outdoor area and an indoor bar where you can chat with the bartenders, many of whom speak English.
Liberta Cafe and Restaurant is located at Sarraf Ali Sokak No: 25. Look for the black awning.
6. Son Gemi
Situated on the lively Güneşli Bahçe street in Kadikoy, this bar is adorned with rainbow flags, pride symbols, and even a photo of two boys kissing. They have good deals on tap beer and friendly bartenders.
Son Gemi is located at Güneşli Bahçe Sokak No:52.
7. Bar’bar Inanna
This large bar on the street displays a rainbow flag on the wall and has nice areas in the back terrace and in the front street area for drinking. They also have a small food menu.
Bar’bar Inanna is located at Miralay Nazım Sokak, No 28/A.
8. Mahle
Mahle is a colorful cafe and bar with a nice breakfast nook, extensive food and drink menu, and a good selection of foreign beers. They display several rainbow flags and are frequented by gay patrons.
Mahle is located at Piriçavuş Sokak, No 16.
9. Baykuş
Right next to Mahle, this three story bar has multiple rainbow flags displayed and a huge selection of mix drinks and foreign beers. The upstairs terrace has a resplendent view of the hanging umbrella art installation. However, the terrace is only open on weekends, so plan around that.
Baykuş is located at Ziya Bey Sokak, No 9. Look for the owl symbol
10. Draft Gastro Pub (Caddebostan)
This bar has four locations, but the Caddebostan location in particular is quite friendly and welcoming to LGBT community. The bartenders may not speak English, but will make a sincere effort to if they know you are not from Turkey and may even give you free shots if you’re a frequent customer. They also have the best pizzas and veggie burgers I’ve tried in Istanbul, and a huge selection of mix drinks, wines, and beers.
Draft Gastro Pub is located at Bağdat Caddesi, No 349 next to Mado and opposite the gas station. There are also locations in Moda, Erenkoy, and Acibadem.
11. Chianti
This gay bar in Taksim holds swanky pride parties and has two floors. The first floor is for dancing and drinking and the second floor is for sitting and enjoying coffee. But both floors serve alcohol.
Chianti is located at Balo Sokak No: 31 on the third and fourth floors. Look for the white banner.
12. Düşler Sokağı
This small, intimate bar in Taksim is popular among the LGBT community, especially for karaoke. They have an extensive selection of songs to choose. Don’t worry if you’re nervous about singing in public. The low standards of the crowd take the pressure off.
Düşler Sokağı is located at Bekar Sokak No: 16 off of Istiklal Cad.
13. Ravouna 1906 Bar and Terrace
This huge four-story bar on Istiklal may not look particularly queer-friendly from the outside, but they hosted Yabangee’s first LGBT Pride rooftop party. The cafe on the first floor has delicious desserts and a great tea menu that includes exotic teas, such as Rooibos, Jasmine and Darjeeling. There is also a lovely rooftop area with great DJs spinning and quality wines.
Ravouna 1906 Bar and Terrace is located on İstiklal Caddesi No: 201.
14. Barkod
This two story cafe in Beşiktaş features delicious fare, much of which is vegetarian and a variety of creative cocktails. The upstairs terrace area has a great view of the neighborhood.
Barkod is located at in Sinanpaşa Köprü Sokak No: 51.
15. Leman Kültür
This two story bar in Taksim with comic book adorned walls has a rainbow flag in the window and is a frequent hangout spot for the Istanbul theater community. Their couches are comfortable and the music is low enough for friendly dialogue.
Leman Kültür is located at İmam Adnan Sokak. No:14 off of İstiklal Cad.
16. Espresso Lab (Taksim)
This three story cafe on İstiklal has a great selection of coffee drinks, teas and juices. The upstairs terrace has a great view of Taksim and has long been known as a meeting spot for gay people. Many patrons speak English.
Espresso Lab is located at İstiklal Cad. No: 15.
If you know any cafes or bars that are welcoming to our community but are not included here, please share them in the comments section.
All images courtesy of Böcek Cafe.
