Birmingham’s Sol Cafe Reopens ‘Vital Space’ for LGBTQ+ Community After Spate of Homophobic Attacks

Sol Cafe has reopened in the centre of Birmingham to provide a much-needed safe space for the city's LGBTQ+ community after a spate of homophobic attacks last year.

The not-for-profit cafe is needed “now more than ever”, according to the local LGBTQ+ community, given the rise in homophobic attacks. In fact, one victim, was attacked just a few metres away from the LGBTQ+ Center as he returned to a hotel after a night out, according to Birmingham Live.

Sol Cafe aims to provide a safe haven for where “marginalized communities can make friends, learn and grow together – and feel safe in a non-judgemental environment”. It’s said to be the only "sober cafe" in Birmingham where the LGBTQ+ community can get away from clubbing and alcohol.

The dog-friendly cafe holds weekly workshops and focus groups, including Queer Book Club, 361 Sober and trans, black and POC check-ins. It also has arts and crafts equipment donated by the community for people to have fun with.

The cafe, now based in Birmingham’s Holloway Circus (38-40), is open Monday to Friday, and welcomes everyone from the LGBTQ+ community including those who are homeless and refugees. "Anytime people come in here they can search through the boxes. We opened just before Christmas and people were coming in and doing their present wrapping, it was great to see,” commented one volunteer. “Hopefully footfall will continue to increase here; especially when it gets warmer, and the feeling around the pandemic is a little more relaxed, and people aren't as stressed out."

Check out the upcoming social events at Sol Cafe here.