Forums

meeting new people

  Page: 1
 
 

sumparemi
 
Joined in 2011
October 10, 2012, 15:34

Hey All,


I was just wondering if anyone knows of any LGBTI social events etc. I am not originaly from Sydney, and though I've been here for a while now, I've found it difficult to meet/ make friends with other women, beyond my work collegues, particularly other women who identify as same-sex attracted. (Btw, I don't mean to date, or to meet potential partners, just friends).


Although I'm familiar with a couple of venues around Newtown and Oxford St that host monthly women's nights etc, I don't drink much or enjoy clubbing, so they aren't events that I really feel comfortable/ natural at. I even found myself at an MCC church service once, though I don't identify as a Christian right now, or really have a relationship with God. I also recently attended one of the Open Nights at Newtown Women's Library, but although everyone was quite welcoming, most of the women were a lot older than me (I'm 25). Similarly, I went to one of the fredom2b meetings in Sydney last year, however most of the other attendees were men, or older women. (Not that I don't enjoy being around people of all ages and genders, but it would be really nice to get to know more queer women around my own age).


I guess I just feel a little lost because there doesn't seem to be anywhere that I fit in, even though I've tried to 'put myself out there', so to speak, by attending different events and things. Somehow, even though I've been here for nearly two years now, I just feel really disconnected from others, and even though I'm really grateful for a lot of things in my life, it's starting to get me down a bit.


Any suggestions or ideas will be very welcome!



Ann Maree
 
Joined in 2008
October 10, 2012, 19:52

Hi sumparemi

Thanks for posting. I'm sure a lot of people will relate to what you've written. It can hard to find a place to fit in, especially when you're part of a minority group.

OK so you're 25. Where are you from originally?

Here's some links, not sure if they will suit you. There are lots of different groups and activities mentioned in the following link. http://www.sapphicsydney.com.au/communitygroups.htm

Youth services which usually go up to age 25. http://www.yapa.org.au/youthwork/facts/glbt.php

Here's a link to an LGBTI counselling service in Sydney that lists a couple of groups that may or may not be relevant. http://www.glcsnsw.org.au/

The following is for culturally diverse lesbians and gay people. http://www.qahc.org.au/files/shared/docs/LGBT-CALD_info_sheet.pdf

There's The Australian Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender, Intersex and Queer Multicultural Council of Australia. This is a national council that seeks to highlight and address issues related to sexuality, gender identity and intersex status in multicultural communities in Australia.

http://www.agmc.org.au Email [email protected]

I'm not from Sydney so not familiar with any of these groups. I hope they are helpful. Perhaps other members from Sydney may have other suggestions.

Let us know how you go.

Blessings,

Ann Maree

sumparemi
 
Joined in 2011
October 11, 2012, 17:45

Thanks Anne- Marie for all your suggestions.

I'm familiar with a couple of those sites (that's where i found out about a few of the events/ groups I've been to so far). Might try to check out the youth services while I still can!


In answer to your question, I grew up in Brisbane.

Mother Hen
 
Joined in 2011
October 11, 2012, 17:58

Ann Maree, you are a wealth of information and a real blessing to the F2B community, we are so lucky to have you 🙂

sarab
 
Joined in 2011
October 13, 2012, 20:44

Hi Sumparemi –

I have been going to the open house group at Newtown. I can understand that you may feel it's just for older women – I am in my mid 40s – however, it does shift from week to week as to who is attending. There are at times some women of your age attending. I have recently met a young woman (23) at the group – she would love it if some other younger women came along. Not sure where you are at in your journey – but there's also a coming out group in Sydney run by the gay and lesbian counselling service of nsw. – it meets every fornight – this may be of assistance too. http://www.glcsnsw.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=142 You may also like to try this website which has a whole lot of social events for lesbians in Sydney http://www.withthegirls.com/


if you decide to go to the open house group again – you can always send me a pm and I'll look out for you.:)


Regards,


Sarab



ShadowBoxer
Moderator
Joined in 2005
October 15, 2012, 23:28

Sumparemi


When I first hit the Gay scene in sydney I had a bit of a similar issue.

I dont drink much and Im really bad with small talk.


So didnt know any Gays and I was a bit depressed as well.

So what I did was try different sporting events. I ended up forcing myself to try different sports – EVEN THOSE I didnt have any interest in.

Eventually I found several sports where I clicked with the people attending. One -where I have made a number of really great friends was not one I actually had any interest in – but the people made it fun and I developed a great interest in time.


My point being – if you want to meet people – this could be worth a try – dont just limit yourself to groups that you prejudge you might like.

Try many until you find several where you click with the people.


Theres a list of sydney sporting groups here http://www.teamsydney.org.au/

I would also suggest checking the L publications.
  Page: 1
 
WP Forum Server by ForumPress | LucidCrew
Version: 99.9; Page loaded in: 0.032 seconds.