finding community

lgbtq+ centres

Community centres host support groups, social nights, health clinics and noticeboards full of local groups. Many have groups for trans people, older people, people of colour and people living with HIV.

• ILGA WorldA global federation of more than 2,300 LGBTI organisations in 170 countries. A good starting point for finding groups and checking the law where you live.

europe

• ILGA-Europe membersA country-by-country list of LGBTI groups across Europe and Central Asia.

latin america & the caribbean

• Casa 1 (Brazil)A São Paulo culture and welcome centre with housing for young LGBTQ+ people, a free social clinic and community activities.

africa

• Pan Africa ILGAThe African region of ILGA World, a federation of LGBTIQ+ organisations across the continent.

In countries that criminalise same-sex relations, or where the state targets LGBTQ+ groups, we don't list local organisations, to keep you and them safe. Check the law with ILGA World. If you're in danger, Rainbow Railroad helps LGBTQI+ people get to safety. Our support page lists local crisis lines in 110 countries.

asia & the pacific

• ILGA AsiaA regional network of more than 200 LGBTIQ member organisations across South, Southeast, East and West Asia.

middle east

Many countries in the region criminalise same-sex relations, so we don't list local groups. The same advice applies: check the law with ILGA World, contact Rainbow Railroad if you're in danger, and use our support page for local crisis lines.

north america

• CenterLink directoryA searchable list of LGBTQ+ community centres, mostly in the US, with some in other countries.

pride

Pride is a good first step. Look for leather, kink and trans contingents in the parade, and community stalls where groups hand out flyers. Smaller towns often have their own Pride days, which can feel friendlier than a big city march. Learn the colours you'll see on our flags page.

• InterPrideThe international association of Pride organisers, with more than 375 member Prides in over 70 countries. It awards WorldPride.

europe

• European Pride Organisers AssociationA network of more than 100 Pride organisations in over 40 European countries. It licenses EuroPride.

In some countries Pride is banned or policed. Don't put yourself at risk to attend, and check our support page for help where you are.

munches

A munch is a casual social meetup for kinky people in a café, pub or restaurant. Nobody plays and nobody dresses up. Many cities around the world have munches for gay and bi men, for queer people, or for newcomers. The easiest way to find one is usually through online groups for your city or region. Read our first munch tips before you go.

leather, bear & rubber clubs

europe

• ECMC (European Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs)Founded in 1974, it links gay leather and fetish clubs across Europe and runs the Mr Leather Europe title. Its member clubs are a good way into the scene in many European cities.

Our leather history page explains where these clubs came from.

fetish events & contests

Fetish weekends, street fairs and leather contests draw people from far and wide. They're a great way to meet people, and titleholders often spend their year supporting newcomers and charities. Big events can be intense, so plan rest and watch out for event drop afterwards.

• Mr Leather Europe (Europe)The European leather title, run by ECMC.
• International Mr. Leather (North America)Held in Chicago since 1979, and the best-known international leather contest.

Many countries have their own national leather, rubber and pup titles, and their winners often go on to compete at these.

sober & alcohol-free spaces

A lot of queer life happens in bars, but it doesn't have to. Look for alcohol-free socials, queer recovery meetings, coffee mornings, walking groups and daytime events. Some munches and clubs meet in cafés for exactly this reason. If drugs or chemsex are a worry, our support page lists services that won't judge you.

online groups

FetLife is a large social network for the kink community, with groups and listings for local events like munches and play parties. It says it isn't a dating site. Online spaces like it are a good way to find what's near you.

• Protect your privacy. Use a scene name, and keep your face and identifying details off your profile until you trust people.
• Lurk first. Read a group for a while to get a feel for it before you post.
• Move offline slowly, and follow the vetting tips on online safety.

sports, hobbies & volunteering

• Queer sports teams welcome all levels, from football and rugby to swimming, running and roller derby.
• Hobby groups like choirs, book clubs, gaming nights and hiking clubs make it easy to talk, because you already share something.
• Volunteering at Pride, an LGBTQ+ centre, an HIV charity or a leather event is one of the best ways in. You get a job to do, so you're never standing alone, and you meet the people who keep things running.

rural & small towns

• Look regionally. The nearest group may be an hour away and still worth a monthly trip.
• Start online, then meet at a bigger event when you're ready.
• Check libraries and health clinics. They often know about quiet local groups that don't advertise widely.
• Start something. A small coffee meetup can grow. You're probably not the only one looking.

going alone the first time

• Message the organiser before you go. Many groups have a greeter who'll look out for newcomers.
• Arrive early. It's quieter, and easier to start a conversation.
• Say it's your first time. People usually remember theirs and will help.
• Set a safe call and plan your way home, as you would for meeting anyone new.
• Give it a few tries. The first visit can feel awkward. It gets easier each time.