San Diego is a hotspot for the trans community, with loads of inclusive spaces throughout the city.
But let’s be real, some places are way more popular with trans folks than others, and finding them isn’t always quick.
No worries, though – that’s what this guide is for. I’ll show you where to meet trans people in San Diego without all the legwork.
We’re talking top nightspots, local LGBT community centers, and the best online dating sites.
Ready to dive in? Let’s find out what this SoCal metropolis has to offer!
Table of Contents
List of TG Friendly Venues in San Diego
1. Bars and Clubs
This town is incredibly LGBT-friendly, especially in the Hillcrest area, particularly around Fifth and University Avenue.
These streets are a hotspot for trans people, loaded with queer clubs, restaurants, and culture.
Here’s a list of bars and clubs that are often frequented by TGs.
SRO Lounge – Located at 1807 Fifth Ave, a fantastic hangout for everyone under the rainbow—gender queers, drag queens, cross dressers, men, women, trans folks, and everyone in between.
Flicks Bar – Located at 1017 University Ave, packed with queer people, but there was still space to dance, and the drinks won’t break the bank. No cover charge, just good vibes. If I hit the town again, this is my spot.
The Hole In The Wall – Located at 3040 N Park Way, they can be packed on Sunday karaoke nights but it’s a place to visit if you want to mingle with an LGBT+ crowd.
Gossip Grill – Located at 1220 University Ave, a famous lesbian bar that has at least a few trans women on any given night.
If you don’t want to visit during the crowded weekends, then go on Tuesday to enjoy the karaoke night!
Lips Restaurant – Located at 3036 El Cajon Blvd, an inclusive drag club that has a different theme every night.
You’ll catch retro shows on Tuesday, drag bingo nights on Wednesday, and so on…
Nicole does an awesome job capturing the feel of the place in her video.
2. Community Centers and Organizations
If you prefer meeting trans individuals in a more relaxed setting then visit the San Diego LGBT Community Center in Hillcrest.
It has various virtual and in-person support groups for the community including trans masculine and trans feminine meetups.
Then there’s Transgender Health and Wellness Center. Although they primarily provide healthcare to the trans, intersex, and GNC community, they also organize social groups now and then.
Lastly, the San Diego PFLAG Chapter is also very active. They meet on the second Thursday of every month.
You need to contact their team to learn about the date, time, and location of the gatherings.
3. Trans Dating Sites
I often hear that online dating is trash in San Diego, but in my opinion, it depends on what app you’re using.
If it’s Tinder then yes – you will meet many edgy and often transphobic young boys. But platforms like OkCupid are actually quite inclusive.
I’ve found the majority of my trans friends through the platform and it isn’t half bad for dating either.
Based on my experience, the profile pool on the app is more mature and most cis people are open to dating trans women and men.
Another app gaining traction among the trans community is Grindr – but I kind of have mixed opinions about it.
It’s mostly used for T4M casual dating, so if you are looking for something serious, then it might not be your cup of tea.
4. Online Groups and Pages
If you’re looking for more ways to meet transsexuals online then consider joining social media groups.
You’ll find many on Facebook like the San Diego Trans Events. It’s a fairly active community that plans meetups, events, and rallies.
There’s also a Queer Community that sometimes arranges events which are great for connecting with LGBT folks.
I also recommend checking out this Transgender FTM Group on Meetup.
Even though they haven’t hosted an event in a while, you can join the community and chat with other members to maybe get some leads.
5. Other LGBT+ Spaces
If you’re into working out then The Experience Fitness is a trans-friendly gym at Hillcrest worth joining.
It’s the only openly LGBTQ+ gym in San Diego, with a talented team ready to help you reach your fitness goals, all in a fun social setting.
And if you’re more of an outdoor person then make sure to visit Balboa Park.
It’s bigger than Central Park in New York City and always attracts a diverse crowd, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Note: Balboa Park also hosts the annual San Diego Pride Festival in June.
What It’s Like to Be Transgender in San Diego
San Diego is home to an incredible LGBTQ+ community that’s super inclusive, especially in the Hillcrest area.
This part of town is always buzzing with events and has plenty of opportunities for getting involved in various queer organizations.
There are many spots where trans people can hang out and feel at home.
And personally, as a trans woman, I’ve traveled around the city quite a bit and have always felt safe.
People here are friendly and open-minded, not the type to judge you based on your lifestyle choices.
Overall, it’s a welcoming environment for trans individuals to live and explore.
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Meeting Trans in San Diego
This city sets the bar high for inclusivity – you’re likely to meet trans folks just about anywhere.
But if you’re looking for the heart of the LGBTQ+ scene, then Hillcrest should be your go-to as it’s packed with friendly options.
And the beauty is, you don’t have to limit yourself to in-person meetups.
The online world opens up numerous ways to connect with fellow trans individuals. Just figure out what works best for you.
That’s all from me, hope you enjoy meeting trans men and women in San Diego!
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.
