Despite the changing times, gay bars remain a refuge for all sorts of people who may be frightened to reveal their sexuality in a conventional setting, or don't want to go to a pub which could be full of rowdy revellers.

With many arguing Kent is noticeably short of such venues we've put together a list of LGBTQ+ friendly bars across the county offering everything from karaoke to drag performances.

Both of Kent's RuPaul's Drag Race UK stars have said the county is short of "queer venues".

Winner Krystal Versace from Tunbridge Wells told us: "I really want to come back to Kent, I just think it needs more venues.

"It needs more queer culture, you know?

"They need to just change things up a bit and tweak a few things."

Some venues are now starting to grow a significant reputation within the community, booking stars from across the country to sell tickets.

Sundowners, Margate

The Sundowners bar in Margate is currently the only gay bar in Thanet.

They regularly host drag performance evenings and it is the hub of all festivities during Margate Pride.

Recently, The Sundowners has hosted performances from international stars like Baga Chipz and Cheryl Hole.

It was also featured on Netflix's I Like to Watch UK Tour.

Duncan Bayles, 60, who runs The Sundowners said: "Bars are a lot more in the open now. In the past, bars were held underground.

"You had to push buzzers or know somebody to be able to get into them.

"We aim to create a safe space for everyone regardless of sexual orientation in a place where people can be who they are and feel safe

"We offer a warm welcome to everyone and as one of only a couple of LGBTQ+ bars in Kent we play an important part in our community."

Throughout LGBTQ+ history month they have performances from local performers, drag stars Divina De Campo and Sum Ting Wong and this month will see the return of their Sunday roast dinners.

The Limes, Canterbury

The Limes Lounge on Rosemary Lane in Canterbury is a retro gay bar with rainbow branding across the front of the building after a renovation last month.

The bar is well-known across the county for cocktails and karaoke nights - owners Mikey and Anthony advertise "Gayaoke" regularly on the Facebook page.

However, it has at times been subject to abuse, with a dead pigeon thrown through the door and threats of an arson attack.

Anthony says bars like his are "a refuge to everyone who is afraid to come out" but they can know their secret will be safe with bar staff.

Anthony is hopeful for the future, as gay bars evolve with the changing times.

He said: “The gay community is not going back, they’re going forward because we’re getting braver.

"I've worked hard in this industry for a very long time, it's nice to know the barriers are breaking down and people are enjoying themselves.

"Anyone who likes the gay community is welcome”

The bar is open from noon every Tuesday through to Saturday and from 5pm every Sunday.

Huffler's Arms, Dartford

The Huffler's Arms on Hythe Street in Dartford is the county's newest gay bar, opening as an LGBTQ+ venue in January.

There's a host of drag queen shows, comedy open mic nights and other events in the works, in addition to the venue's usual billing.

Some staff are members of the LGBTQ+ community, whilst others are allies and have thrown their support behind the changes.

General manager Chris Leeder, 34, said: "We were just discussing new options for the pub going forward and if we made it into something that isn't around this area and what we thinks this area needs."

Chris continued: "We want to keep it as the community pub that it is and still offer everything that we offer now but just have that as the safe hub where the LGBTQ+ community will feel safe."

"We are really happy, all the staff are on board and all the locals are on board as well.

"A lot of people have reached out to us, including new customers that are very happy."

The Huffler's Arms will host various events throughout LGBTQ+ history month, including a sit down Valentine's Day dinner in the Pride Bar.

Since the reopening the bar has been a huge success and they are ready to continue the "big pride party".

Coyotes, Chatham

New Road Avenue in Chatham is home to the gay nightclub Coyotes.

The late night venue is a small but established bar for the LGBTQ+ community and is this year celebrating its 14th birthday.

It is a blast from the past and just like Duncan Bayles from The Sundowners mentioned, is completely underground, with a staircase taking you down to the front door.

Coyotes is only open on Fridays and Saturdays but doesn't close until 4am so if perfect for those who like to party until sunrise.

The Ship Inn, Rochester

This pub has a long history, standing for 500 years on Rochester High Street and is the oldest gay bar in Medway.

In place of the traditional St George's flag in many beer gardens, this pub celebrates its history with a rainbow flag in pride of place.

For those who are a fan of history, the purple dance bar was the site of the first arrest and conviction for buggery way back in the days of Henry VIII.

Not only is this a great pub to enjoy a quiet drink with friends, but they also serve traditional English food fresh from the kitchen every day.

The Cuban, Canterbury (Glitterbomb nights)

This Canterbury bar is incredibly popular with students, but has recently become host to Glitterbomb nights.

Tokyo Tea Rooms was previously occupied every Tuesday by the external company who put on LGBTQ+ club events.

However, they have recently changed location and now The Cuban is taken over every Tuesday with drag performances and the Glitterbomb dancers.

Fans of a Glitterbomb night out will also be please to hear that Glitterbomb in the Park is set to return to Mote Park this summer after a successful debut last year.

Mu Mu: The Laundry Room, Maidstone

Again, much like The Cuban, Mu Mu in Maidstone doesn't brand itself as a gay bar but is very LGBTQ+ friendly.

The Laundry Room is home to resident drag queen Madame MuMu who hosts bingo and brunches - she is also the DJ in the upstairs room on club nights.

They have recently added another drag queen to the books - Shebert Dip runs karaoke evenings on Thursday and Sundays in Nellie Gerkins (the Irish pub owned by the Mu Mu brand).

Many of the LGBTQ+ events are ticketed, but the upstairs room on club nights is easily accessible through the laundrette entrance.