At Bhode Vans, we’ve noticed something wonderful: around one in three of our customers identify as LGBTQ+. It’s not something we set out to track, but it’s become a real and meaningful trend. And honestly? It makes total sense. The freedom, creativity, and self-sufficiency of campervan life align beautifully with the values of the LGBTQ+ community.
This blog is our way of asking why. Why is vanlife such a magnetic lifestyle for so many queer travellers? And what is it about Bhode’s approach to campervan building that resonates so strongly? We’ve got a few thoughts — and a lot of appreciation for the community that’s helped shape what we do.
The Freedom to Move, the Freedom to Be
For many LGBTQ+ people, life has often meant navigating expectations, limitations, and environments that don’t always feel welcoming. So the idea of mobility — of taking control of your environment, your direction, your space — is powerful.
Campervan living offers the literal and emotional freedom to go where you feel safest and most alive. You can wake up by a loch, make coffee barefoot in your van, and drive until you find a place that fits your vibe. For some, that might be a bustling Pride festival. For others, it’s a secluded beach or a forest clearing. That choice? It’s everything.
A Home That Reflects You
Building a home that feels like you is central to queer experience. Many of our customers bring bold ideas to their van build — and we love that.
- Want soft earthy tones or bright, saturated colour blocks? No problem.
- Love natural textures, mood lighting, tambour doors and statement hardware? So do we.
- Need clever storage, a proper loo, a walk-in shower, or a hidden cocktail cabinet? Let’s do it.
Every Bhode build is bespoke — and often deeply personal. When we hand over a van, it should feel like handing over the keys to a rolling version of home.
Safety in Self-Containment
Let’s not skirt the truth — not every destination is LGBTQ+ friendly. And part of the beauty of a campervan is knowing you’ve always got a space that’s yours, no matter where you park up.
That’s why we build for comfort and self-sufficiency:
- All-electric, off-grid Victron systems
- Roof-mounted solar and lithium storage
- Stainless steel wet rooms with bespoke finishes
- Trelino composting toilets
- Diesel heating and ventilation
- Optional 12V roof-mounted air-con for summer trips
You don’t need to rely on shared campsite facilities if you’d rather not. Your van carries everything you need, safely and beautifully integrated.
Creativity, Community & Camaraderie
There’s a shared spirit between vanlife and LGBTQ+ culture: DIY energy, expressive aesthetics, and community support. Many queer vanlifers connect through social media, events, or a simple smile and a rainbow sticker at a motorway stop.
Whether you’re building your van yourself or commissioning something unique, the process of crafting a home-on-wheels is deeply creative — and connects you to a growing, vibrant vanlife community.
Queer People Know How to Make Things Beautiful
Let’s be honest — the LGBTQ+ community has taste. From layout flow to hardware finishes, Bhode customers constantly bring ideas that balance form and function in ways that inspire us.
We’ve seen:
- Monochrome minimalism with hidden LED uplighting
- Warm neutrals with textured fabrics and soft timber
- Rainbow details tucked inside drawers
- Gold taps, terrazzo surfaces, rattan panels, statement tiles
And somehow, it all works. Because it’s theirs.
Why It Matters to Us
Because it’s personal. Because when someone steps into a Bhode van and says, “This feels like me,” we know we’ve done our job.
We don’t build vans for boxes or demographics. We build vans for people — real people with style, soul, and stories. And if a third of those happen to be LGBTQ+, then that’s not just a stat. It’s a source of pride.
So if you’re dreaming of a van that reflects your freedom, your identity, and your journey — we’d love to help make that a reality.
Ready to start your build? Let’s chat
See our latest vans for inspiration
