With a new year just beginning, why not pick up a hobby or get to know more people within your community? Start off the decade by joining one of these fabulous organisations to make new friends, learn new skills and just have fun!

Running Amach-LGBTQ Women’s Social Networking Club

Looking to make new friends in 2020? Look no further than Running Amach. The group is a social club for LGBT+ women who want to meet new people, develop new friendships, participate in common-interest activities, network, share resources, build a sense of community and just have a bit of craic! With hundreds of events happening throughout the year, there is sure to be something that will grab your attention.

Out & About

Are you the outdoorsy type? Out & About is a Belfast-based group who arrange monthly walks, occasional nights out and weekend trips for the LGBT+ community and their friends. The group meets every other Sunday at 10:30 am at the car park at the junction of Corporation Street and Exchange Street in Belfast for anyone interested! 

Queer canines

Have a canine companion? Hit up Queer Canines, the social group for doggies with queer owners! The group arranges to meet monthly at a dog-friendly location and let the dogs play while the owners can get to know each other and maybe even get a coffee. 

Flaming Feathers

Flaming Feathers is an LGBT+ Badminton Club who aim to provide more opportunities for LGBT+ people to get involved in the sport. Who knows, it might be your new thing! 

Wet & Wild

Wet & Wild is an LGBT+ outdoor pursuit and social club with the aim to create an adventurous, fun and welcoming club by running a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. The all-inclusive group has over 2,800 members with different events taking place across all of Ireland, so be sure to keep an eye on their Facebook page for anything that sparks your interest. 

Dublin Gaymers

Physical activity not your forte? Are you more likely to be caught on the couch playing FIFA than out on the football field? Dublin Gaymers have you covered! The group’s goal is to provide LGBT+ people with a friendly community where they can hang out, make new friends, and play some games. The group holds monthly board gaming nights in Street 66 on the first Wednesday of every month as well as hosting several other gaming centred nights throughout the year. Nervous? Don’t worry! Dublin Gaymers have a buddy programme for those anxious to come alone!

Glória LGBT Choir

Musically inclined? Why not audition for Dublin’s longest-running LGB choir Glória LGB Choir? The group are very successful, even performing at Winter Pride this year. For information on getting involved contact [email protected]. 

Choral Con Fusion

Similarly, Cork also has an LGBT+ choir if singing floats your boat.  If you live in the south and can hold a tune, definitely check out Choral Con Fusion to find out about auditions. 

Over The Rainbow Drama Group

Have a flair for the dramatic? Over The Rainbow is a self-described “straight-friendly” LGBT+ drama group based in Sligo that aims to provide opportunities for LGBT+ people to have a go at performing or supporting performing in backstage roles!

Drag and Draw 

Have an artsy side? Drag and Draw is a monthly(ish) life drawing session, hosted in numerous bars, where the models are drag queens. Each month a different queen poses for their portraits to be drawn by the crowd. It is a popular and much-loved event for both its laid back approach to creating art and the uniqueness of its subjects. Whether you’re a master with a brush or struggle to draw a simple stick man, the night welcomes everyone of all skill levels and is a fab way to get creative!

Dublin Gay Gardeners

Dublin Gay Gardeners is a fantastic group which invites those with green fingers to join them on meet-ups and day trips to some of Ireland’s most stunning botanical locations. The group accepts people with all levels of gardening knowledge and is a good way to get to meet new people in an informal and fun environment. If you are interested in attending any of their meet-ups or day trips you can contact them here.

The Dublin Gay Men’s Book Club

Avid reader? How about heading along to The Dublin Gay Men’s Book Club! The group meets on the last Thursday of every month and vote as a group on the next book to read as a club. The next meeting is in the new year, on Thursday, January 30, 2020, and the book is Find Me by André Aciman, the follow up to his novel Call Me By Your Name. For those interested in attending you can find more information here.

So, what will you do with your 2020? Any other LGBT+ friendly groups, clubs or activities happening in the new year we should know about? Tell us in the comments!