LGBTQ+ Singles Nights

Dedicated LGBTQ+ singles nights provide a safe and inclusive space for individuals to connect with like-minded people — and potentially find their perfect match. Read on to find out more about how LGBTQ+ singles nights work and where to find one near you.

LGBTQ+ dating in the UK

Society has come a long way in terms of gaining acceptance and equal rights. But when it comes to finding love, the journey may still be challenging for many minority groups; the dating scene can be intimidating for anyone, but this is especially true in places where there is still prejudice and discrimination. But this is where LGBTQ+ singles nights come in. Held in bars, clubs and other social venues and hosted by experienced pros, they’re designed so that people can gather together, meet and mingle in a respectful, fun and inclusive environment.

Why are dedicated LGBTQ+ singles nights important?

A supportive, warm and welcoming atmosphere — somewhere people can feel fully comfortable being themselves and expressing their desires — is the perfect place for a new relationship to flourish. These events also help to build a sense of community among LGBTQ+ singles. Perhaps you feel isolated or disconnected from your peers? This may well be the case for those who live in areas with few social spaces. A singles event provides a platform to network, have fun and make new friends, as well as finding a mate. Some hold space for advocacy and education, offering information about LGBTQ+ rights, resources and health issues. Others are purely about having a good night out, with plenty of laughs and a few drinks.

Tips for attending LGBTQ+ singles nights

So you’ve booked, you’ve got your ticket and you’re all set.

But what now?!

If you are attending an LGBTQ+ Single’s Night for the first time, here are some tips to help you get the most out of the experience and to shed some of those nerves.

Be yourself

It can be easy to fall into the trap of being what you think others want or expect you to be. But your partner, once you find them, will love you exactly as you are. So if you change yourself to fit in with family members, colleagues and society in general, you’ll likely miss out on being the very best version of yourself, walking your own unique path and meeting another half who complements you perfectly. Therefore don't try to be someone you're not. Be genuine and authentic, fearless in sharing your interests and passions with others. Embrace your differences and know that someone out there is going to do exactly the same.

Keep an open mind

Just as we’d encourage people to be themselves, we’d also encourage attendees to avoid snap judgments. Let go of some of your preconceptions and expectations and see where the journey takes you. The great thing about meeting face-to-face, is that you give time to people you’d probably swipe left on if you saw the online. Many happy and long relationships have come about with couples who say they’d never have got together if their first view of one another was via an app profile. (If dating apps aren’t working for you, this may well be the reason).

Be approachable

When you’re feeling nervous it can be tempting to glue yourself to your phone or stay in a corner. Instead, try to move around and mingle with different people. Having some icebreakers prepared will help you to initiate conversations with strangers. A smile and eye contact can go a long way in making a good first impression too — it shows that you're friendly and approachable, giving other attendees the green light to chat with you.

Have fun

Remember that the main goal of a singles party is to have fun and meet new people. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to find a romantic partner right away and don't take rejection personally. Remember that not everyone will be interested in you, and that's okay. There will likely be some activities or games going on to create interaction. So dive right in and it’ll help you to relax.

Are you longing to connect with like-minded people and potentially find romance? If you’d love to hang out in a safe space that’s conducive to coupling up and are a single member of the LGBTQ+ community, consider signing up for a singles night near you. Keep your eyes peeled on our website, as we have some brand-new and very exciting LGBTQ+ events in the pipeline.

Related Questions

Where can I find LGBTQ+ events near me?
Eventbrite, Meetup, relevant Facebook groups, successful national speed dating companies and What’s On websites for your town or city are all a good source of events happening in your area. You can also check out the noticeboards and Instagram pages of local LGBTQ+ venues and UK-wide publications such as the PinkNews and DIVA magazine.

What should I wear to a singles event?
In terms of dress code, we’d suggest smart casual. But feel free to wear whatever makes you feel amazing, comfortable and confident. Your clothing is a simple way to convey your personality, particularly in a setting where you’re very much seen before you’re heard.

How soon is too soon to start dating after coming out?
There are no set timelines, it’s entirely down to the individual. Go at a pace that feels comfortable for you, whether that be smooth and steady, or whether you’re just raring to get out there! Hosted events provide a safe setting in which to explore and get to know people of the same orientation as you.