LGBT Support

Join Queer Meditation Melbourne for an evening of self-exploration and mindfulness in a safe and inclusive space. Start the event with a guided meditation session focused on promoting wellness, positive thinking, and spiritual growth. Connect with like-minded individuals from the LGBT community and enjoy meaningful conversations that nurture self-empowerment and consciousness. After the meditation practice, we will engage in social activities, promoting healthy living and dining out experiences. This event is designed for gay men and gay and lesbian friends who are looking to nurture their spiritual journey while building connections within the community. Come together to foster a sense of belonging and support each other in a space that celebrates diversity and self-care.

Join your fellow LGBTQIA+ folks for a social evening of board games at Marché Board Games Cafe. We have access to the games library at the cafe. If you have a game that you want to share, please feel free to bring it along. We play all sorts of games - card games, party games, strategy games - and we're happy to teach new players. Groups for games usually form between 6:30-6:45, so it's important to try arrive on time to ensure you're allocated to a game/group. Anyone arriving late may have to wait for a game if all groups have started. The cafe has drinks and food available. Check out their menu here: https://mbgcafe.com.au/menu.pdf We only accept payment at the time of booking to reserve your spot. This means you will need to pay the booking amount via PayPal at the time of booking to confirm your spot. If you can't make it to the event, please ensure you get in touch by messaging the event hosts or emailing rainbowbg.melbourne@gmail.com at least one day before the event, and we can reverse your payment via PayPal. The cafe does NOT have a liquor licence. Consuming alcohol on the premises is illegal, and will result in any members being banned from future events. See you on Thursday!

**Registration required at below link:** **Tickets: $5** https://events.humanitix.com/copy-of-oot-and-aboot-lgbtqia-regional-wellbeing-hike Join Oot & Aboot in collaboration with Euphoria Social for a relaxed LGBTQIA+ morning wellbeing walk at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne. This is not a fitness session. This is not a race. This walk is designed to create space for slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and building safe community. At the start of the walk, you’ll have the option to select a simple intention word to carry with you throughout the morning. We’ll move at a gentle, inclusive pace through the gardens, pausing occasionally to notice elements of the natural environment — such as scent, sound and scenery — and reflect on how time in green spaces supports mental wellbeing. No one is left behind. You’re welcome to talk, walk quietly, or simply be present. ## Post-Walk Community Coffee (Optional) The event concludes with a coffee at The Terrace café for those who wish to continue connecting. This is completely optional. ## Meeting Point We will meet outside The Terrace café at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Please arrive by 8:50am for an 9:00am sharp start. ## Agenda * 8:50 am - 9:00 am ### Arrival & Welcome * 9:00 am - 10:00 am ### Gentle Guided Walk * 10:00 am - 10:30 am ### Optional Community Coffee ## Know before you go 1\. Who is this walk for? This walk is for LGBTQIA+ adults seeking connection, gentle movement and time in nature. All fitness levels are welcome, provided you are comfortable walking 6–7km at a relaxed pace. 2\. How far will we walk? Approximately 4–5km on flat, accessible paths. 3\. What should I bring? Please bring: * A bottle of water * Hat * Sunscreen * Comfortable walking shoes Staying hydrated is essential, especially in warmer months. 4\. What should I wear? Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Enclosed walking shoes recommended. 5\. What happens if the weather is bad? The event will be cancelled if severe weather is forecast. Participants will be notified at least 24 hours prior. 6\. Is this a therapy session? No. This is a peer-led wellbeing walk focused on community and nature connection. It is not a therapy or clinical service. 7\. Can I get a refund? Tickets are non-refundable. You may transfer your ticket to a future event with at least 24 hours’ notice. ## About the Collaboration Oot & Aboot is a volunteer-run registered LGBTQIA+ charity creating inclusive outdoor and nature-based experiences that support mental wellbeing. Euphoria Social, a grassroots not-for-profit championing mental health, inclusion, and belonging for LGBTQIAPN+ communities across Victoria.

Coffee Catch up Sat morning 11am . Meeting Point Outside The Sun Theatre Yarraville. Heaps of cafes to choose from.

**Details** Support groups for individuals with OCD and their families this meeting will be online for the Mental Health Foundation Australia. Join online and gain support from others with OCD in the comfort of your own home at 6:30pm on the third Tuesday of each month. **Facilitator** Facilitating the OCD support groups is Jim, a dedicated community support worker with expertise in mental health. Jim brings his experience and knowledge to guide the group discussions and ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participants. **Benefits of OCD Support Group** Support groups for individuals with OCD and their families provide an avenue for comfort, safety, and mutual support. These groups offer participants the opportunity to connect with others who understand their experiences and challenges. Additionally, the support groups serve as a valuable platform for learning more about OCD and its impact. Participants can gain insights into the disorder, its symptoms, and effective coping strategies through shared experiences and discussions. This knowledge empowers individuals to better manage their condition and navigate their daily lives. To register your attendance and to join the meeting please see: [https://supportgroup.mhfa.org.au/ocd-support-group ](https://supportgroup.mhfa.org.au/ocd-support-group) For other MHFA support groups please see: [https://supportgroup.mhfa.org.au/](https://supportgroup.mhfa.org.au/) If you need any further information feel free to contact us at supportgroup@mhfa.org.au

We've heard you loud and clear, and we're excited to present the first sapphic session of Queen of Hearts Speed Dating! Hosted by the bisexual icon Ruby Slippers who will help you with icebreakers and conversation starters, and even perform a fabulous burlesque show as the finale. [(Link to booking)](https://www.trybooking.com/DALHR) Doors open 6pm with speed dating running 6:30 - 8:30pm. Each ticket is $10 entry only or $20 including a free cocktail of your choice. Book online or pay at the door (bookings preferred). Note: This event is intended for the FLINTA\* community who identify as sapphic/WLW/lesbian. We would love to hear if there is interest in holding these events for other genders and sexualities, please let us know! \*female, lesbian, inter, non-binary, trans and agender people Pride of our Footscray is located up a flight of stairs and unfortunately does not have an elevator. We apologise for our reduced accessibility.

In April WQC's Creativity Circle will be making beaded bracelets and keychains! All supplies provided, open to all, bring yourself (and a friend or two) for when you are able to make it in the two hour window. Note: Seats are Limited to the provided space at the Westerville Public Library in Meeting Room D.

Join us for our March Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *The Manor of Dreams* by Christina Li in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.