LGBT Friendly

Welcome to Game Night at The London Art Bar - an evening of fun games, great drinks, and awesome vibes. Whether you’re a board game pro, a casual gamer, or just looking for something a bit different to meet new people, there’s something for everyone. We’ll have all your favourites out: from UNO and Cards Against Humanity to Connect Four and Guess Who. You’re also very welcome to bring your own games - the more the merrier! Grab a drink from the fab selection at the London Art Bar, pick a game, and get ready to play. Our team will be on hand if you have any issues. Just come along, grab your drink, and dive into a game!

We were pleased to welcome so many new faces at last week's great meetup, when people dropped into the Rupert on a casual basis - we are back again with our Saturday soho drinks which are informal and fun. All LGBTQIA+ people and their allies are welcome. It's social drinks where we meet and see what we feel like doing. It's all very freestyle.... come for one drink...or the whole evening! We will start off in Rupert Street at 5pm Please join the WhatsApp group for up to date info on the day. https://chat.whatsapp.com/HOKXRrCEnFwFawuQYDbNFO?mode=ac_t New people are welcome, everyone is friendly and the host will welcome you and introduce you to everyone. Feel free to message me here on meetup or in the chat. If you are coming, please sign up on Meet-up.....that way I can reserve a table/space at Rupert. Cheers, Queers!

🎉 **Hey London & Southern England Childfree Friends!** 🇬🇧 📅 **Date:** last Saturday of the Month 🕖 **Time:** 15h/3 PM - Whenever 📍 **Location:** Mercato Metropolitano, 42 Newington Causeway, SE1 6DR I'm so excited to announce that even though I'm back in Portugal, the Londoners are keeping the childfree meetup momentum going—something I’m incredibly thrilled about! 🥳 **This is an ongoing monthly meetup without me physically present and run by y'all**, and I couldn't be prouder of our community! 👯‍♀️✨ **Event Details:** * 🤝 **Who:** This meetup is for **childfree individuals, meaning anyone who doesn’t have or wants kids**. It’s the perfect opportunity to find like-minded people, share stories, and build lasting friendships. Whether you're a local or just passing through, everyone is welcome! 🫶❤️ * 🍕 **What:** Dinner, drinks, and great company at Mercato Metropolitano, an iconic market in London known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse street food, craft beer, and artisanal shops. With plenty of food and drink options, there’s something for everyone—**including vegan and vegetarian options!** 🍻🍽️ * 📍 **Where:** Mercato Metropolitano offers plenty of space for large groups, making it the ideal spot for our gathering. You can explore its variety of stalls or simply relax and enjoy the evening. [Website: MercatoMetropolitano](https://mercatometropolitano.com). * 📓 **Please Note:** The meetup is free, but you'll be responsible for any food or drinks you purchase during the event. 💸 * 🎉 **Why You Should Join:** If you're ready to enjoy a casual evening with people who share the childfree lifestyle, this is the perfect opportunity. Our meetups are all about having fun, connecting with new people, and building a supportive community. 💫💬 * ⏰ **Arrive & Leave:** Feel free to arrive and leave as it suits you. Come for the entire evening or just pop by for a drink—no pressure! 🍷✨ * 📱 **Join the WhatsApp Group:** Stay in touch with the group and make it easier to connect on the day of the event. It’s also a great way to keep the conversation going afterward. 🔗 (You just need jump on my email list and you'll get access to all the Unapologetically Childfree™️ WhatsApp Groups: [https://maggiedickens.com/childfree-group-chat](https://catharticcounseling.com/childfree-group-chat)) **Unapologetically Yours** 🫶, **Maggie Dickens** **Host of the Unapologetically Childfree™️ Community + Podcast** **Instagram: @MaggieGetsREAL** 📣 🚨 **Important: Event Participation Agreement** This Event Participation Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between Maggie Dickens, owner of the Unapologetically Childfree™️ Community ("UCC"), and the Participant ("Participant"). By attending the event, the Participant agrees to the following terms: 1\. Disclaimer of Affiliation and Liability 1.1 No Affiliation with Third-Party Vendors: The UCC has no affiliation with third-party vendors at the venue. Participation in any activities or purchases from vendors is at the Participant's own discretion and risk. 1.2 No Financial Remuneration: No member of the UCC receives financial compensation from third-party vendors, and this is subject to change without notice. 1.3 Waiver of Liability: The Participant agrees to waive all liability and hold Maggie Dickens and the UCC harmless from any claims or damages arising from participation, including physical injuries, property damage, or financial loss. 2\. Voluntary Participation and Assumption of Risk 2.1 Participation is entirely voluntary, and the Participant assumes all risks, including any injuries or losses. 3\. Photography and Marketing Consent 3.1 The Participant consents to being photographed or recorded during the event for marketing purposes. 3.2 The Participant grants the UCC the right to use their likeness for promotion without compensation. 4\. General Provisions 4.1 The Participant is responsible for any costs incurred during the event. 4.2 This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and can only be modified in writing. 4.3 This Agreement is governed by applicable laws.

**\*Please purchase a ticket before marking your attendance - see below to book\*** Join us at the Royal Festival Hall as Vladimir Jurowski conducts Rudolph Barshai's arrangement of Mahler's unfinished 10th Symphony. In a continuation of performances of 'interesting' arrangements of works at the RFH (I previously attended a concert of Beethoven 9 arr. Mahler), here's Rudolf Barshai's rarely heard arrangement of Mahler 10. Whilst I'm familiar with the Cooke/Matthews/Goldschmidt edition, I've never managed to hear this symphony live in any form. It is certainly up their with being one of my favourite Mahler symphonies, so I hope Barshai doesn't go too bonkers with his orchestration in this version! **PROGRAMME** * Mahler: Symphony No. 10 (arr. Barshai) London Philharmonic Orchestra Vladimir Jurowski conductor **TICKETS** Full price tickets range from £16-£62. The booking page can be found here:- [https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/mahlers-tenth/](https://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whats-on/mahlers-tenth/) I am sat in the choir in seat B29 facing the conductor if anyone wishes to sit nearby.

**One quick note on how the community works** **L Community is member-funded.** The standard contribution is **£13 per month** to cover the platform, events, moderation, and safeguarding. If £13 isn’t workable for you right now, you can opt out for now. Support can be changed or cancelled at any time. Support the platform: [www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now](www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now) **What this is** A relaxed weekly night for drinks, conversation, and meeting other lesbian and bisexual women in real life. 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 arriving for the first time. Most people come on their own. That’s normal here, and we make sure you don’t feel it. Hosts introduce people, keep things flowing, and make it easy to settle in without pressure. There’s no requirement to drink, talk constantly, or impress anyone. You can arrive quietly, chat a bit, sit back, or leave early. All of that is fine. 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. **How to attend** You must register in advance to attend. Register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/events/lesbian-offline-nights](http://www.thelcommunity.com/events/lesbian-offline-nights) **Arriving and support** Table booking is under the name **Jenny**. If you’re nervous, arriving alone, can’t find us, or have any difficulty at all, you can message at any point — days before, on the day, or during the event. If it helps, we can have someone come outside to meet you. **WhatsApp Jenny** WhatsApp only (calls or messages): **+44 7591 386019** Normal calls or texts will not go through on this number. **Staying connected** Registering for an event is separate from joining the wider community. If you’d like to stay connected between events, access the private WhatsApp group, and join the wider network, you can register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/register](http://www.thelcommunity.com/register)

Join us at Bishops & Brews by Yas Queen! Chess Club for a relaxed Sunday afternoon of chess over a cup of tea! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, come hang out with us and enjoy some friendly games of chess in a queer friendly space. We are generously supported by ODAC/Old Diorama Arts Centre/@olddiorama, our fantastic venue near Euston/Warren Street station. More about us on yasqueen.uk Instagram yasqueen.chessclub Yas Queen! Code of Conduct: We are an LGBTQ+ club. All allies are welcome. We reserve the right to exclude anyone from our events in case of any behaviour (at our events or otherwise) which does not support our aim of creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ club members.

**Two Years of Muse.** **Two years of magic.** She's turning two and she's ready to celebrate! Muse wouldn't exist without you, our fabulous community - what better way to celebrate our birthday than to have a reunion! We have secured exclusive use of an event space at The Last Talisman cocktail bar (Mala Madre room). We have free flowing prosecco and low alcoholic beers for as long as they last... not long knowing you lot! As well as celebrating our birthday, we will also be celebrating the launch of our cinephile sister group, Arcana! Most importantly, we raise a glass to you, for all the support, friendship and wonderful times we've shared (and for the ones yet to come!). So much to be grateful for! We have missed you all and can't wait to catch up and meet up - old friends and new! This one's for us! FREE entry as always. Big love, Muse xxx Please note: PHOTOS AND VIDEOS will be taken at our events. Our photographers will be capturing the vibe at all our events. Some of these will be posted on our social media. Please come and chat to a host if you would prefer not to appear online.

**Lez Meet join Arcana** **for this amazing movie night event.** Arcana is London’s only sapphic movie club currently running. We are starting this new year with a screening of BLUE JEAN, by Georgia Oakley The Arzner Cinema (Bermondsey) Drinks from 3.00pm Movie starts at 3.45pm Post-drinks and chats after the movie **Synopsis :** Blue Jean presents the struggles of a woman trying to blend into a heteronormative world in 1980s Britain, at a time when homosexuals were politically vilified and othered. Through gestures, glances, and silences, the film traces how public hostility seeps into private life, shaping the body, the classroom, and desire itself. It explores the cost of silence and the risks of visibility, asking what it means to hold onto integrity when simply being seen carries consequences. **About Arcana:** Finding films that truly reflect lesbian and queer women’s lives remains a challenge. They are difficult to produce, to finance, to distribute, to promote, to find, to screen… one movie that comes to you has gone a very long way. Stories where we are not marginal, implied, tragic, or killed — but visible, complex, joyful, political, alive. Bringing those images and queer and lesbian representation to the big screen matters. **Arcana** exists to seek out and share visual work that celebrates our lives, offers mirrors and models, and affirms something simple and powerful: we exist, and we are full of life. Through curated screenings and shared cinematic experiences, Arcana creates **space for a sapphic gaze** — one that looks at the world through *our* desires, *our* bodies, *our* friendships, and *our* experience of the world. Tickets here : https://www.outsavvy.com/event/32929/screening-blue-jean-with-arcana-londons-sapphic-movie-club **\*\* Lez Meet & Arcana stands loud and strong with our trans brothers and sisters \*\*** *Any form of hate, discrimination, or transphobia will not be tolerated at any of our events. If you have any concerns or questions about this requirement, please feel free to reach out, and we’ll do our best to address them.*

## Lez Meet will join Muse Birthday Celebration after Arcana Movie ! **Two Years of Muse. Two years of magic.** Here a message from Muse. She's turning two and she's ready to celebrate! Muse wouldn't exist without you, our fabulous community - what better way to celebrate our birthday than to have a reunion! We have secured exclusive use of an event space at The Last Talisman cocktail bar (Mala Madre room). We have free flowing prosecco and low alcoholic beers for as long as they last... not long knowing you lot! As well as celebrating our birthday, we will also be celebrating the launch of our cinephile sister group, Arcana! Most importantly, we raise a glass to you, for all the support, friendship and wonderful times we've shared (and for the ones yet to come!). So much to be grateful for! We have missed you all and can't wait to catch up and meet up - old friends and new! This one's for us! FREE entry as always. See you there !

# **Band: The Pegheads; Caller: Liz Burkhart** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** 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 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. 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. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

# **Band: Old Possum's Menagerie; Caller: Richard Ades** Beginner lesson at 1:30, regular dancing begins at 2:00 pm NOTE THAT WE ARE TEMPORARILY DANCING IN THE AFTERNOON INSTEAD OF EVENING. Dance with us in the afternoon then you can still go out in the evening! **Sponsor: All Soles Contra and Square Dancing, First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Rd., Columbus OH 43214** 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 1:30 - 2:00, followed by dancing 2:00 - 430. 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. Please bring your own refillable water bottle.

**In March we will be making protest signs form carboard, paper, thick markers, and more! All supplies are provided, seats are limited! Come As you are, when you can; hope to see you there!**

Join us for our February Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *A Master of Djinn* by P. Djèlí Clark in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.