HIV / AIDS

**The theme for this our next meeting is:** Welcome to our friendly and supportive Community. Where do we meet and really connect with other gay men in London? We Do in Covent Garden! # **Theme of the month:** Personal Growth & Empowerment Developing assertiveness and boundary-setting skills. Practicing vulnerability and authentic expression. Exploring creativity, play, and joy as healing. Gratitude, strengths, and future goals. **Our discussion themes would always be advertised in advance.** We are not only changing our name, we will also from now on advertise the topic we’ll be discussing before each meeting, so that you know exactly what to expect before signing up for each particular meeting. Please see the list on our MeetUp profile for potential universal themes relevant to gay/bisexual men, to be covered in our sessions. Ideas are always welcome! *We offer workshops unlike other gay/bisexual men's therapeautic discussion groups.* **A Speaker** We will at times provide a Speaker for our meetings kickstarting interesting and stimulating discussions. The Speaker can be an expert in their field such as for example an author, a therapist or a philosopher but we are welcoming any of our members to be a Speaker or a demonstrator of exercises such as massage, pilates or yoga. Or perhaps you would want to talk about your profession, if you feel it has relevance to our group. You would just have to contact Dan first for a discussion and planning. **Frequency of meetings / fee** In 2026 we’ll only have one meeting per month in person at the City Lit College in Covent Garden and one meeting online. If there is a demand for more in person meetings we’ll consider having more. We are happy to confirm that our entry prices won’t be raised and that in person meetings remain at £10. Online meetings will be FREE in January and February after which it will be £5 to attend. **Walks / museum visits** We will continue offering our occasional walking trips and also now include gay/bisexual themed history walks and visits to Museums. WHAT WE ARE: We are a group of supportive and insightful great men and we are looking forward to including you - this is what we do: CONNECTING - It is a place where you will be able to connect with other gay and bi-sexual men and where you can exchange your life experiences with them and your everyday feelings, no matter what those feelings may be - and also a place where you will be able to just be with others who live similar lives to you. EXPLORING SAFELY WITH SUPPORT - It is a place where you will experience support and growth and where you can feel safe enough to explore and reflect your feelings and life stories. Sharing is at the heart of the group but you share however much you are comfortable with - you're in charge. CREATIVE STATE REGISTERED THERAPY - It is a therapeutic discussion group which at times offers workshops and borrows elements from Creative Arts Psychotherapies. The group is based on the Creative Arts Psychotherapy/Dramatherapy and counselling work I provided ongoing for the charity Positive East in London. WHO IS IT FOR: This group is for men over 18 years old who either identifies as gay or bi-sexual or men who has sex with men - or feel emotionally connected to other men. SOCIAL OPPERTUNITY: We offer a social oppertunity in the local pub after the meetings. New members are always welcome as as well as our much appreciated familiar faces! Address: City Lit, 1-10 Keeley St, London WC2B 4BA Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM The social part: There is certainly an opprtunity for social drinks after each meeting. Cost: £10.00 **PayPal:** **[https://www.paypal.me/wellnesssupport](https://www.paypal.me/wellnesssupport)** **Credit card:** \*\*card payment with SQUARE online: ​ \*\* **[https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLG8ZV8FJJDYS/checkout/DK4VVAQGAV3LIM2K5V4JIX2Y](https://checkout.square.site/merchant/MLG8ZV8FJJDYS/checkout/DK4VVAQGAV3LIM2K5V4JIX2Y)** WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU WHETHER YOU ARE A BRAND NEW TO THE GROUP OR A FAMILIAR FACE :) YOU WILL ALWAYS BE MADE TO FEEL WELCOME. Ask to join our WhatsApp group, if you liked and enjoyed your experience with us, for regular updates and social interactions. All the best, Dan

**What this is** A relaxed, social pool night for lesbian and bisexual women, designed to make meeting people feel natural rather than forced. Pool gives everyone something to do, which makes conversation easier, especially if you’re arriving on your own. You don’t need to be good at pool and it’s not competitive. Some women play properly, some mostly chat, some do a bit of both. All of that is normal here. The games run for around an hour and a half, and most people stay on afterwards for drinks. It’s an easy, sociable evening rather than a structured or intense event. Women usually range from their 20s through to their 60s. Most weeks it’s a genuine mix of new faces and returning women, so you won’t be the only person coming for the first time. Most people come on their own. That’s normal here, and it doesn’t feel awkward or cliquey once you’re there. Hosts are present throughout and help things settle naturally. If you’re feeling nervous, you won’t be the only one. Many women feel that way before their first event and end up staying longer than they expected. **Important** This is a female-only lesbian space. That boundary is clear and upheld at events. If that doesn’t work for you, this won’t be the right event. **Event details** 📍 Hurricane Room, King’s Cross 🕒 Friday 20th March · 7:00 pm 🎱 Pool games for around 1.5 hours, drinks afterwards **Tickets** £16 per person. This includes pool table hire, venue entry, and hosting. Places are limited so the night stays calm and social. We have six tickets remaining. If you’re planning to come, it’s best to book sooner rather than later. Book your ticket here: [www.thelcommunity.com/lesbian-pool-night](https://thelcommunity.com/march-female-only-lesbian-pool-night/) **Meeting point** Please come to the main bar or waiting area when you arrive. We’ll be there to greet you and get everyone settled before heading to the tables. Please arrive ten minutes before the event begins so we can arrange teams and start smoothly. **How to attend** You must book in advance to attend. RSVPing on Meetup helps others feel comfortable coming too and keeps you updated if anything changes. **Staying connected** If you’d like to stay connected between events, you can also join the wider L Community network and private WhatsApp groups by registering here: [https://thelcommunity.com/register/](https://thelcommunity.com/register/)

Hi Gang, Two golden gems of queer women cinema are being screened on Sunday 💫 Oscar nominated *TWO PEOPLE EXCHANGING SALIVA* followed by *Jackie*, a documentary by journalist Emily Sargent about the LGBT rights campaigner Jackie Foster, whose underground donor sperm operation helped the first queer women to have children ! So join us on Sunday for some queer women movies 🍿 Details as follows: 🗓 Sunday 29th March 🍸 2:00pm — drinks & chats 🎬 3:00pm — film screening 🥂 Post-screening drinks after the film Tickets here 🎟 https://www.outsavvy.com/event/34657/sapphic-screening-and-social-two-people-exchanging-saliva-jackie

Join us for an electrifying evening of **non-stop salsa at Changó**, hosted inside the beautiful Amadeus, W9 - just a short walk from Warwick Avenue or Royal Oak stations. 🆓 **CROSSBODY SALSA CLASS** — 8:15pm to 9:00pm New to salsa or want to brush up your Crossbody technique? Kick off the evening with a free Crossbody salsa class, open to all levels! 💃 **SALSA SOCIAL** — 9:00pm to 11:30pm No classes, no interruptions - just pure, continuous dancing! Brought to you by Cali Beat, our social is 100% salsa, featuring authentic Latin music all night long. Expect great energy, friendly dancers, and an atmosphere that celebrates true salsa culture. 🎟️ **WHO'S IT FOR?** \* Salsa lovers of all levels \* Social dancers looking for a great mid-week vibe \* Anyone who enjoys real Latin music and a welcoming community 📍 **LOCATION** The Amadeus 50 Shirland Rd London W9 2JA (Short walk from Warwick Avenue & Maida Vale stations) Come for the music, stay for the energy and let Changó bring the salsa magic. 💫 **Full info and advanced tickets at changosalsa.com**

**LAST 5 PLACES REMAINING - BOOK NOW BEFORE IT IS SOLD OUT.** A massage workshop for men who want a supportive, safe, and heart-centred space to explore intimacy, connection, and touch. Think of it as the sex education you never had — where we slow down, bring sensual awareness into our touch, and learn to ask for the experiences we truly want. You’ll leave with practical, embodied skills you can bring into your connections with other men beyond the workshop. Open to all self-identified men — both singles and partners who are comfortable exploring with others. Beginners and experienced practitioners equally welcome; no prior massage experience required. This dedicated space allows you to connect freely, explore openly, and enjoy the experience fully. 💆‍♂️ What to Expect ✨ Playful, erotic, and nourishing connection in a shame-free environment ✨ Massage and intimacy skills to deepen connection with partners, lovers, and community ✨ Being fully present with others in a caring, heart-centred setting ✨ Gentle paired and group activities *(nudity and genital touch included)* ✨ Building intimacy through presence, not performance or pressure ✨ Connection in a safe, sober, and supportive community ✨ Learning the language of consent, touch negotiation, and communication ✨ Relaxing into a welcoming space for men who may feel nervous, curious, or stuck around sexual connection 👉 31st January [Click HERE to reserve your spot](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds#focus=ev-s3zf8-20260131140000) 🧭 What You’ll Learn ✨ Slowing down and enjoying sensual foreplay as a form of erotic mindfulness ✨ Breathwork and energy-based practices to revitalise sexual energy without rushing to orgasm ✨ Asking clearly for the touch you want — and setting boundaries with confidence and ease 🎥 Want to know more? Click below to watch a short video overview: [👉 ](https://youtu.be/Nd9ysbH-TL4?si=29fWRbovTRbLG3VR)**[CLICK HERE](https://youtu.be/Nd9ysbH-TL4?si=29fWRbovTRbLG3VR)** 📅 Event Details **Date:** Saturday 31st January **Time:** 2–7.30 PM (doors open 1:45 PM) **Location:** Canary Wharf **Nearest Tube:** Jubilee or Elizabeth line (15-min walk) **DLR:** East India (8-min walk) 🎟️ Tickets Full price: **£69** Reduced rate (students/unwaged): **£39** 👉 31st January [Click HERE to reserve your spot](https://bookwhen.com/evolvingminds#focus=ev-s3zf8-20260131140000) Newcomers warmly welcome. We meet regardless of Meetup RSVPs. 🌿 Facilitator **Nick Kientsch** — trauma-informed practitioner with 20+ years’ massage experience and a background in Tibetan Buddhist Tantra and Neo-Tantra. A former Buddhist monk, Nick brings depth, compassion, warmth, and safety to every session. 💬 Testimonials ✨“Nick creates a safe and positive space for exploring human connection through touch. I felt uplifted, seen, and valued. I highly recommend his sessions.” ✨“Nick’s workshops are a glorious affirmation of our bodies, sexuality, and the importance of caring touch. His facilitation is gentle, open, and encouraging, creating a truly accepting atmosphere.” — *Chris* ✨“Nick holds a safe, affirming space for deep connection. I highly recommend his workshops.” — *Paul* ✨“Nick creates such a beautiful and welcoming space — I left feeling blissful and connected to myself and others.” — *Sam*

You can also join the meeting by Conference Call at (518) 263-8851.

**Complex Trauma Support Group** Our group is intended for survivors of complex trauma. If you are here, it’s likely that so much of who you are and what you have experienced in this life is actually invisible to most people––to family, society, coworkers, and the people who are around you. We are a peer-led group of survivors creating opportunities for ourselves and others to share our experiences, share support, and build relationships in kind community together. Survivor experiences might include: child sexual abuse, incest, child trafficking, and other experiences of people living with traumatic dissociation and complex PTSD. **What to expect at your first meeting:** Currently, we are offering a bi-monthly in person group at 2:00pm on the first and third Sunday of the month. The only criterion for joining the group is that you are a survivor of trauma wishing to have more kindness in your own life and share kindness with others, and that you agree to practice to group’s relational agreements available for view here: https://www.kindgroups.com/agreements. Joining the group is free of charge. We ask that new people connect with us for 30 minutes on the phone or on zoom before coming to their first group, so that we can determine together that we are a good fit. Our meetings last approximately 90 minutes. Participants are never required to share. You’re also welcome to choose a pseudonym and you will never be asked for private information. You are welcome to leave at any time. The kindness that survivors can share when among others who have survived similar childhood experiences is something we rarely get to experience. Time spent with others who understand even a little bit more about us is a relief. Our hope is to help ourselves and others experience that we are not alone. We wish for our efforts to be a cause of kindness in our own lives and the lives of each other. You can read more about the groups at www.kindgroups.com.

**Caller: Kim Thompson** **Band: Full Moon Country Dance Orchestra** **Clinton Heights Lutheran Church** **15 Clinton Heights Ave, Columbus, OH 43202** WHAT IS CONTRA DANCING? Picture the Grand Ball scenes like you’ve seen in period films such as “Pride and Prejudice”, where the dancers are lined up in long lines, across from each other. That’s English Country Dancing, the predecessor of contra dancing. Now, add moves like “swing your partner” and “do-si-do,” like you’ve seen in square dancing. Set it to fabulous, high energy, live music with fiddles, guitars, percussion and more, alá “Riverdance.” Finally, set the whole scene down in the middle of Woodstock, with a hip, groovy atmosphere, a bit of tie-dye, and hints of counter-culture attitude. THAT’s Contra Dancing! Wear cool and comfortable clothes (you will get warm) and clean shoes that won't mark up our nice wood floor. Be sure to come for the beginner's lesson from 7:30 - 8:00, followed by dancing 8:00 - 10:30. All dances are taught; we will help you learn! Beginners always welcome, no need to bring a partner. Cost is $10.00 adults, $5.00 ages 12-26. Under 12 free. Free parking in church lot. For more information contact me or check out our website: [www.bigscioty.com](http://www.bigscioty.com/) Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

The Humanist Monthly Program is our longest running event and still a community favorite. In the old days it used to be called "Going to HCCO" and we still like to think of it as our flagship event. We will be hearing from Becca Powell, Director of Advocacy and Outreach at Unchained At Last, an organization whose mission is dedication to ending forced and child marriage in the United States through direct services and systems change. Unchained At Last's mission clearly meshes and addresses several of our Humanist Ten Commitments. Becca will educate us about an issue many of us may not be familiar with--but should be. Food and drinks will be provided at the event. Feel free to show up a little bit early to hang out and talk. Going forward our meetings will be hybrid. You can meet us in-person or attend online Join Zoom Meeting [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87836564953?pwd=4Mi57ElZkDIFlb1fnlNwOJ0NiOK4tP.1) Meeting ID: 878 3656 4953 Passcode: 760812 One tap mobile +19292056099,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (New York) +13017158592,,87836564953#,,,,\*760812# US (Washington DC) The formal presentation will start at noon

**The idea for this group is to build a community where men can gather together and build connections & learn and grow from each other.** How we start each meeting is by each of us checking in with our "roses and thorns" aka what are the good things and the bad things going on in your life recently? Then we will go into a topic discussion. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS** \*\*THERE WILL BE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR NO-SHOWS. IF YOU RSVP TO A MEETING AND FAIL TO SHOW UP WITHOUT NOTICE, YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP. THIS IS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE GROUP\*\* 1. Confidentiality - EVERYTHING that is shared NEVER leaves this space so that this space remains safe and sacred. There is a zero tolerance policy for this. If a man is in violation of this, they will be permanently removed from the group. 2. Non-Judgement - we respect and honor every man’s truth so that we may receive the same from others. While we may not agree on everything, we commit to respecting every man’s perspectives and engaging in honorable discussion with one another. 3. Be committed - honor your commitment to this group and to yourself. If you attend a meeting, please commit yourself fully to the meeting. Also be committed to your own journey. When we fail, we own it & clean it up. 4. Speak from the heart - this is NOT a space to “look good”, have the “right” answers, and have it all together. Relax and know you are not alone. Be exactly who you are within the safety of this space. 5. Be supportive - This means always willing to provide encouragement to your fellow men, encourage action and momentum in each other’s lives.. Be willing to challenge each other. Be willing to hold each other accountable. 6. Participation - what you receive from this community will be a reflection of what you put into it. Period. We ask that you share your perspectives, reflect on others, and give/receive support when and where it’s needed.