LGBTQ+ First Date Ideas You'll Both Actually Enjoy

Great LGBTQ+ first date ideas have two jobs. Like any first date, they should be fun, easy to talk through and simple to end or extend. But for a lot of queer folks there is a second question too: will we both feel comfortable here? Will we feel free to be ourselves, hold hands if we want to, and not have to scan the room? This list is built with both in mind.

How to choose an LGBTQ+ friendly spot

Before you pick, a few quick checks:

• Look for signals. LGBTQ+ owned businesses, venues that host Pride events or queer nights, and places with inclusive policies are a good sign.
• Read recent reviews. People often mention how welcome they felt, or did not.
• Ask your date. "Is there anywhere you feel especially comfortable?" is a thoughtful question, especially if one of you is not out everywhere.
• Stay public for the first couple of dates. And make sure you each get there and home on your own.

Low-key LGBTQ+ first date ideas

Perfect for nerves, new-to-dating folks and anyone who just wants to talk:

• Coffee at a queer-owned or LGBTQ+ friendly cafe. Short, cheap and easy.
• A walk through a park or neighborhood with something to sip. Side-by-side talking feels relaxed.
• Brunch. Daytime, chatty and a little celebratory.
• A bookstore browse. Pick a book for each other under a set price.
• Dessert and a stroll. Ice cream is a universal language.

Playful and active first dates

Doing something together gets you laughing fast, and laughing together is a great way to feel at ease:

• Bowling, mini golf or an arcade. Friendly competition, built-in jokes.
• Trivia or karaoke night at an LGBTQ+ friendly bar. Go on a quieter night so you can actually talk.
• A drop-in class. Dance, pottery, painting or cooking. Being a beginner together is bonding.
• A queer sports league game. Watch a friend's kickball or softball match and cheer together.
• An easy hike on a popular trail. Bring water, keep it short and go in daylight.

Arts, culture and community dates

These are great conversation starters, because you are reacting to the same thing:

• A gallery or museum, especially one with an LGBTQ+ exhibit or a free evening.
• A drag show or drag brunch. Joyful, funny and full of community energy. Pick one where you can chat before or after.
• A queer film screening or film festival. Grab a drink after to talk about it.
• A comedy night. Laughter is a fantastic first-date glue.
• A volunteer shift with an LGBTQ+ nonprofit. You learn a lot about someone when you help others together.
• Pride events and fundraisers during the year, not only in June.

Free and cheap ideas

1. A picnic in a park with deli sandwiches.
2. A sunset at a scenic lookout.
3. A free outdoor concert or movie night.
4. An art walk or gallery opening.
5. A farmers market or night market.
6. A community center game night or social group.

LGBTQ+ first date ideas in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has plenty of options off the Strip. Think a coffee shop in a walkable neighborhood, a monthly art walk, a drag brunch, trivia at an LGBTQ+ friendly bar, a desert sunset in the cooler months, or one of the city's Pride events and fundraisers. Following local LGBTQ+ organizations and venues on social media is the easiest way to see what is coming up.

A tip for the desert: summer evenings can stay very hot, so save outdoor dates for mornings, sunsets or the cooler months, and always bring water. When it is too hot to be outside, a gallery, a bookstore or a cozy cafe makes a perfect backup plan.

If one of you is new to queer dating

Some first dates are also somebody's first queer date ever. If that is you, or your date, pick a low-key spot where you can talk easily and leave whenever you like. Coffee, a walk or a gallery work beautifully. Go gently, be kind to each other's nerves, and remember there is no wrong way to start.

Make it a good date, wherever you go

• Suggest a specific plan. "Drag brunch Sunday at 11?" is easier to say yes to than "What do you want to do?"
• Respect privacy. Ask before posting photos or tagging each other, especially if one of you is not out everywhere.
• Bring two good questions. "What are you excited about right now?" beats "So, what do you do?"
• Lead with a real compliment. Specific and sincere, about something they chose. Dawn teaches this as the compliment method; read more on our learn how to date page.
• End warmly. If you want a second date, say so, and call the next day.

Need someone to take on that first date? Pride Time is our speed dating for LGBTQ+ singles 21 and over in Las Vegas, with a lesson first and a room that is all yours. Read more about LGBTQ+ speed dating in Las Vegas. New dates are coming soon, so register free to hear first.