LGBT Friendly

Join LGBT Thamesmead for a relaxed coffee brunch and connect with other LGBTQIA+ people in the local area. We'll be meeting at the Thamesmead Social, a fabulous café on the ground floor of the Lakeside Centre by Southmere Lake. The area is very well served by buses, but should you need to drive, there is usually plenty of on-road parking available next to or near the venue. Please feel free to arrive or head off at any time between the start and finish times depending on your schedule. Whether you're a regular or you're joining us for the first time, all are welcome! 🌈 +++ This event is free to attend - however, if you'd like to give a small donation on the day to help us run this group and continue to support our local community, this will be very gratefully received! 💖

Join the **Gayzelles Running Club** for a fun way to both keep fit and socialise with other LGBTQIA+ people in our local area! We meet at 8.45am every Saturday by Woolwich Works (The Fireworks Factory 11 No. 1 Street London SE18 6HD, 5 minutes walk from Woolwich station) The Parkrun is called [Thamespath Woolwich](https://www.parkrun.org.uk/thamespathwoolwich). Make sure you have your Parkrun ID handy. It is a 5KM run or walk, but we encourage you to run your best! Afterwards, we regroup for a hot drink at a nearby cafe. We look forward to seeing you there! 🌈 Follow us Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/gayzelles/](https://www.instagram.com/gayzelles/) Strava: [https://www.strava.com/clubs/gayzelles](https://www.strava.com/clubs/gayzelles)

Looking to meet more LGBTQ+ people? Join us at The London Art Bar for our regular meet-ups hosted by LAB co-founder Gareth. Now in our fourth year, our meet-ups are all about meeting new people, making friends, and having a good time in a queer-friendly space. The meet-ups have a very relaxed vibe with background music at just the right volume for chatting to people! There are also some boardgames on the shelves if people fancy playing them. Feel free to bring your own! I (Gareth) try my best to greet everybody, but this is of course easier at the beginning of the event. If you are ever stuck, say hello to our friendly bar team who can point you in my direction. Come by yourself or bring a friend :)

Pre Valentine Saturday Fun with Mint Set inside one of Soho's most iconic members' clubs, expect well-crafted drinks, lush surroundings, great sound, skyline views, and a warm, chosen-family feel. Link for tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/lwiredevents/2004045

Hot Bi Beverages! The Bi Coffee group (a separate group) meets at 3–6.30pm on the first Saturday of every month. The old Leon venue is permanently closed, so the group now meets in a Caffè Nero near Tottenham Court Road/Shaftesbury Avenue. **The venue**: Caffè Nero, the Central Saint Giles one; at the bottom (south end) of Earnshaw Street, at the corner with Shaftesbury Avenue (a big junction); round the corner from Tottenham Court Road Station. **Address**: 1a St. Giles High St, London WC2H 8AG Vicki is running Bi Coffee each month, come and go as you please. Find us by looking for our little purple unicorn and sign. Respect each other. Newcomers and quiet people are most welcome. There are regulars from outside our group (but in the general London bi community) so even if there's no-one else listed from here you'll be in a friendly and safe group. But do please note this is a separate group from our meetup group and for most reliable updates check out the [facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bicoffeelondon/). Its run enthusiastically by upstanding bi community member(s) and heartily recommended if more relaxed and quiet hanging out in a café is more your thing. 🟣 Accessibility: The cafe is ground floor and claims disabled toilet and access, baby changing facilities, wifi, and air conditioning (only one toilet though, which can occasionally mean a longer queue for that than for service). The cafe is opposite Tottenham Court Road bus stop S (busses 14, 176). It is on the junction so taxis will need to stop outside it. 🟣 More Info: Facebook group: [facebook.com/bicoffeelondon/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/bicoffeelondon/) Old Bi Coffee website (ignore the outdated location,map): [bi.tocotox.org/bicoffeelondon/](http://bi.tocotox.org/bicoffeelondon/) Venue: [website](https://caffenero.com/uk/store/central-st-giles-654/) / tel:[02072407412](tel:02072407412).

Join us for Queertopia Brunch where love, laughter, and chosen family come together IRL! ## Queertopia Brunch: Love, Laughter & Chosen Family February can be a tough month especially for LGBTQIA+ people who may feel disconnected, isolated, or estranged from family. That’s why **Queertopia Consortium** is bringing the community together for a joyful, affirming brunch centred on **chosen family**. All profits go towards running costs for our **FREE** community spaces. This is a space to come as you are. Whether you arrive with friends or on your own. Many of our attendees come alone and leave feeling connected, seen, and held by community. ✨ **What to expect** * A delicious Caribbean brunch ***provided by Chans Place*** * Music, Games,laughter and good vibes * Gentle connection activities (no pressure, just invitation) * A warm, alcohol-free, inclusive space * A diverse, intergenerational LGBTQIA+ community * Black and global majority-led, trauma-informed facilitation 💜 **Who is this for?** LGBTQIA+ people and allies who want to build meaningful connection, especially those who: * Are building or rebuilding their chosen family * Feel isolated or new to community spaces * Want a relaxed, welcoming social event without alcohol * Believe in connection, care, and collective joy 🌈 **Accessibility & values** Queertopia is a community-led CIC committed to creating safer, inclusive, and accessible spaces. * The venue has **step-free access** * We keep ticket prices as low as possible * Ticket Gifting supports tickets to be available from you where possible to give to someone who might not be able to afford it! We wouldn't want anyone be excluded because of finances. 💛 **Community impact** Any profits from this event will go directly towards **providing free, inclusive events for the LGBTQIA+ community** throughout the year helping us reduce isolation and build connection for those who need it most. If you have any access needs or questions, you’re warmly encouraged to get in touch with us after booking. Come for the food. Stay for the connection. Leave with new faces that feel like home. **Love. Laughter. Chosen Family.** We can’t wait to welcome you 💜

Join us for our monthly Sunday group walk in Lesnes Abbey Woods! Enjoy some fresh air, beautiful surroundings, and get to know other LGBTQIA+ people in your local area. This will be a relaxed walk with the intent of socialising and getting to know other members of the group. Each participant is free to set their own pace. We'll meet from 10:30am outside Chestnuts Kiosk (on the side of the Lodge where refreshments are served, facing onto the Monk's Gardens), where you can grab yourself a drink to keep warm and introduce yourself to your fellow walkers. We'll set off at 10:45am. At the end of the walk, we'll return to Chestnuts Kiosk where everyone will be welcome to get another drink, relax in the Abbey's grounds, and continue chatting with each other (and maybe even reward yourself with a nice slice of cake!) ☔ This meetup will still go ahead if it's raining (to a reasonable degree!) However, if the weather is forecast to be particularly bad or potentially dangerous, we'll reschedule the activity with as much notice as possible. 🐶 Dogs, families and friends are more than welcome! While the park and gardens of Lesnes Abbey are accessible for wheelchairs and buggies, many areas of the woods have steep hills or steps. You can [check the park's facilities and accessibility information](https://www.lesnesabbeywoods.org/plan-your-visit/facilities-and-accessibility/) to find out more about accessibility at Lesnes Abbey.

# **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.

**💝 Speed Dating for Working Professionals – Meet Like-Minded Local Singles from Home!** � **Tired of wasting time at loud, crowded bars?** We get it! Online speed dating is perfect for busy professionals. Meet like-minded local singles from home or anywhere – no time-consuming commutes, just genuine connections. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Career-driven professionals looking for like-minded local singles - Working singles seeking genuine connections - Busy professionals tired of time-consuming bar scenes - Those who value efficient, meaningful dating experiences **Event Details** - **Format:** Hosted on Zoom – convenient, intimate & perfect for busy professionals - **Location:** From home or office – no commute to crowded venues required - **Host:** Experienced facilitator who gets the professional dating scene - **Vibe:** Genuine conversations with like-minded Columbus professionals from anywhere **Age Groups & Registration** - **Ages 20-36** Event → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=clearpath-valentines-group&ar=20-36) - **Ages 30-46** Event → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=clearpath-valentines-group&ar=30-46) - **Ages 40-58** Event → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=clearpath-valentines-group&ar=40-58) - **Ages 55+** Event → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=clearpath-valentines-group&ar=55+) **How It Works** 1. Select Your Age Range - Pick the session perfect for you. 2. Take a Brief Compatibility Quiz - Help us find your ideal professional match. 3. Enjoy Speed Dating Conversations - Meet career-driven Columbus singles in a convenient setting. 4. Make a Real Connection - Discover someone amazing from Columbus who shares your values. --- ✨ Online speed dating perfect for busy professionals – meet local singles from anywhere. Join us! 💘 ✨

**💝 Speed Dating for First Timers – Meet Like-Minded Local Singles from Home!** � **Anxious about meeting in person?** We get it! Online speed dating is perfect for first-timers. Meet like-minded local singles from the comfort of your own home – no pressure, no crowded venues, just genuine connections in a safe, welcoming environment. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Curious first-timers wanting to explore speed dating - Singles who prefer a safe, comfortable online environment - Anyone nervous about traditional dating scenes - First-time speed daters seeking a welcoming, easy experience **⚠️ IMPORTANT: Register to Secure Your Spot** **Your RSVP on Meetup does NOT guarantee a spot!** You must click the registration link below for your age group to complete your registration now. **Age Groups & Registration** - **Ages 18-32** Event → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=deep-water-singles-matrix&ar=18-32) - **Ages 30-46** Event → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=deep-water-singles-matrix&ar=30-46) - **Ages 40-58** Event → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=deep-water-singles-matrix&ar=40-58) - **Ages 55+** Event → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=369.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=deep-water-singles-matrix&ar=55+) **Event Details** - **Format:** Online via Zoom – comfortable, low-pressure from anywhere - **Location:** From the comfort of your own home – no need to go anywhere! - **Host:** Engaging guide creating a welcoming, pressure-free space for beginners - **Vibe:** Relaxed conversations with friendly Columbus singles from the comfort of home **How It Works** 1. Register for Your Age Group - Choose the session that matches your age range above. 2. Complete a Quick Personality Quiz - We'll match you with compatible first-time speed daters. 3. Speed Dating Rounds - Guided, structured conversations with friendly Columbus singles. 4. Connect from Home - Meet someone special from the comfort and safety of your own space. --- ✨ Online speed dating perfect for first-timers – meet local singles from the comfort of home. Join us! 💘 ✨

# **Band and caller TBA** 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.