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# Being trans in Manchester
- URL: https://violet-wood.ghost.io/being-trans-in-manchester/
- Published: 2026-08-23T19:48:50.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-23T19:48:50.000Z
- Author: Violet Wood
- Tags: Gender

Being trans is a journey. I have travelled a long way in a short time. When I started, I was nervous about what others would think of me. So I tended to appear in public only in safe places which were some distance from home. Now I am much more confident. It feels natural to present as who I really am, and in almost any situation. But I still like going to places where trans women are not only accepted but positively encouraged.

Manchester is one of the UK’s top trans destinations. The city centre is modern and diverse. And the centre includes what is known as the ‘Gay Village’. This small district is centred on Canal Street, just west of Manchester Piccadilly station. It comes to life at night-time. One side of the street, next to the canal, is reserved for outdoors dining. The other side is a series of bars and nightclubs offering music and entertainment. Mostly this takes the form of a drag artist. I have been into some of the bars to sample the vibe, but I’m essentially non-scene and anyway drag does not really appeal. In the past I have settled for a quiet gin and tonic in Oscars, a basement bar which shows short clips from musicals and films on a loop.

My favourite venue in the Gay Village is a more traditional pub called The Molly House. This is on the much-quieter Richmond Street, just behind Canal Street. Back in the 18th and 19th centuries, a ‘molly house’ was a pub or similar establishment where gay men used to meet. The actual 21st century Molly House pub has a more diverse clientele, both male and female, although like everywhere else in the area, I’m guessing the customers are mainly from the LGBTQIA+ community.

I like the Molly House because it is a pub where the queer community go, rather than a specialist queer entertainment venue. The music is not so loud and the prices are more reasonable. It’s actually a very good pub on its own terms, offering both food and a wide range of beers. Although as Violet, I’m really there for the gin and tonic, like at Oscars. This is where I was on Saturday evening and I felt very much at home. 

Of course, Manchester is not the only trans-friendly city in the UK. Brighton has an equal claim. But I have never been to Brighton as Violet (although I plan to rectify that soon). I go to Manchester for the football. As a City member, I can get tickets for home games and I have watched City play several times in the past two or three seasons.

So it matters to me that the City venue is a safe place for trans women and one where I feel comfortable. This has almost always been the case. The attending police call me ‘Madam’, which I like very much. Either I present reasonably well, or they have had diversity training. Maybe both, who knows. 

I was initially concerned that the fans might single me out for attention. Football crowds are still mostly male. But the fans generally seem not to notice. There is plenty of abusive language – but it’s directed mostly at the referee, or our own players. Our fans sometimes taunt the opposition fans when we score, and ridicule the opposition players when they make mistakes. 

Only once have I felt uncomfortable. Exiting after one match last season, I noticed a group of younger male fans behind me. I still remember their cry of surprised delight: ‘Is that a bird? IS THAT A BIRD?’ On these occasions you just keep on walking. That's safer than turning round and replying: 'Who's a pretty boy, then?'

There was none of that today. I enjoyed being Violet at the game, and was relieved when we eventually won.

This weekend was my first visit to Manchester since December 2025\. It was interesting how different it felt this time round. So much more natural now. I think the main difference is that I am much more proud of who I am – ‘out and proud’ – so it no longer matters if people see me as trans.