Le Mercury is a queer bar in Montpellier's old town, a short walk from Place de la Comedie. The space used to be a rock and metal bar called Le Blitz before reopening under its current name and concept in 2022, with a pink wall, an LGBTQIA+ flag behind the bar and Queen on the sound system.
The owners built the place around a zero tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination, with a quieter side room for anyone who finds the main floor too loud or too bright. The bar serves both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks side by side, and every other Friday hosts a drag show. Every other Thursday is given over to talks and sessions run with local associations, on subjects such as sexuality or identity.
The toilets double as an informal message board, with pens left out for anyone who wants to write or draw on the walls, and carry basic hygiene supplies and condoms.
The people in this picture are AI-generated.
