Finding Your Fitzroy to Your Collingwood: The Ultimate Guide to Making Gay Mates in Melbourne
G'day, mates! Feeling a bit short on the side of fabulous friends? You've landed on the right rainbow crossing! Melbourne is a smorgasbord of queer culture, but sometimes navigating the scene to find your squad can feel like trying to find decent brunch after 11 am on a Sunday (we feel you). Fear not, fellow fabulous one, for we're here to dish the deets on how to find your Melb mates and turn your social life from beige to full-on Mardi Gras realness.
Hit the Apps, But Not THOSE Apps (Unless...)
Let's be honest, swiping right can be a gamble. But hey, there are apps specifically designed for finding LGBTQI+ friends, like Lex or Bumble BFF. Pro tip: If you do decide to venture into the world of Grindr or Tinder, be clear in your bio that you're just looking for pals. You never know who might be your future brunch buddy!
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
| How To Find Gay Friends In Melbourne |
Themed is the Dream
Melbourne isn't called the "cultural capital" for nothing! Dive into the city's vibrant LGBTQI+ events scene. From drag bingo nights at fabulous haunts like The Imperial to arty soirees at Chasers nightclub, there's something for everyone. Bonus points: Attending events based on your interests (think: queer film festivals, LGBTQI+ book clubs) is a great way to meet people who share your passions.
Channel Your Inner Athlete (or Not So Inner)
Tip: Reread tricky sentences for clarity.
Who says making friends can't be a workout? Join a gay sports team! From the legendary Melbourne Phoenix (basketball) to the inclusive Diamond Docs (dodgeball), there's a crew for every athletic (or not-so-athletic) whim.
Friend-tastic Co-working
Tip: Train your eye to catch repeated ideas.
If your idea of a good time involves lattes and laptops, hunt down a co-working space that caters to the LGBTQI+ community. Co-working isn't just about work, it's about building connections, and who knows, you might just find your future business partner (or latte buddy) with fabulous taste in shoes.
Don't Forget the Power of Proximity
Tip: Look out for transitions like ‘however’ or ‘but’.
Sometimes, the best friendships blossom in the most unexpected places. Strike up a convo with the barista with the killer rainbow hair, or the person next to you at a queer bookstore. You never know who might become your next BFF!
**FAQ: How to Find Gay Friends in Melbourne
How can I find LGBTQI+ events in Melbourne? Check out Facebook groups like "Gay Melbourne" or websites like Eventbrite for upcoming events.
Are there any LGBTQI+ sports teams in Melbourne? Absolutely! Search online for teams like the Melbourne Phoenix (basketball) or the Diamond Docs (dodgeball).
I'm not into sports or the bar scene. How else can I meet people? Co-working spaces like Gays on Business or GLOW Melbourne offer a great way to connect with LGBTQI+ professionals.
What are some good LGBTQI+ bookstores in Melbourne? Hares & Hyenas and Readings Carlton are well-known for their LGBTQI+ sections and often host community events.
I'm feeling shy. How can I overcome my nerves when meeting new people? Start small! Join a group activity or event where you can focus on something else besides making friends (like watching a movie or playing a game). Remember, everyone feels nervous sometimes, and most people are happy to chat with someone friendly!