Hobart Gay and Lesbian Scene

(Hobart, Tasmania - TAS, Australia)

Tasmania is now a relatively open-minded and progressive area of Australia. Today, this large island is certainly gay friendly, although until fairly recently, same sex relationships in Hobart, Launceston and throughout Tasmania were still illegal.

The Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group (TGLRG) was founded in 1988 and through persistent demonstrations and campaigning, finally persuaded the government to abolish this old-fashioned law in 1997, assisted by the United Nations Human Rights Committee.

Visitors to Hobart may like to look out for the free copy of the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Business and Service Directory at various cafés and bars, which provides the latest information about local LGBT events and activities.

For a memorable night out, consider a trip to the centrally located Flamingos Dance Bar on Liverpool Street. Standing just a short walk away from St. David's Cathedral, the Village Cinemas complex and also the State Library of Tasmania, Flamingos offers the chance to party into the early hours of the next morning. Themed nights often include tribute nights, fancy dress, 80s parties and an Easter EGGstravaganza, as well as Valentine's Day romance in February and a Mardi Gras party in March.

Tasmania Pride / TasPride

First held in 2011 and now very much an annual event on the Hobart calendar, TasPride takes place in early November and sees a long and colourful gay pride procession heading through the streets around the city centre. In previous events, representatives of the Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group have addressed crowds at the Parliament House.

Other events for the local gay community have included an LGBT Halloween Ball (Alice in Funderland), QTas Choir concerts, Storytelling Nights and a Sunset Cruise on the Derwent River, complete with an outrageous performing drag queen.

Useful gay Hobart addresses and contact details include:

• Gay Information Line
  Tel: +61 (0)3 6234 8179
• Lesbian Line
  Tel: +61 (0)3 6231 4228
• The Tasmanian Gay and Lesbian Rights Group (TGLRG)
  Address: 82 Hampden Road, Battery Point, Hobart, Tasmania (TAS), 7001, Australia
  Tel: +61 (0)3 6224 3556