The Big Queer Mixer - COOL AS LEICESTER

Leicester’s LGBTQ+ social and sporting communities are coming together for what could be their biggest collective night out yet. On Saturday 9 May, The Rainbow and Dove will play host to the Big Queer Mixer – an evening bringing the city’s queer sports clubs under one roof for the first time.

The Leicester Wildecats, Gay City Bowlers, Rainbow Racquets and Foxes Pride are all involved in the night and the goal is simple – to build community and raise awareness of Leicester’s LGBTQ+ scene.

We sat down with Darren from the Gay City Bowlers to find out how it all came together.

Tell us about The Big Queer Mixer and how it came about?

The Big Queer Mixer is all about celebrating our growing sports & activities community in Leicester – we have several independent groups and thought it would be great to bring them all together at a fun relaxed event to meet and mix with each other! We already have several people who attend more than one of the groups regularly and thought it would be a good idea to spread the word further.

Which organisations have been involved in bringing this together?

The organisers are the Leicester Wildecats, the Gay City Bowlers (Leicester), Rainbow Racquets and Foxes Pride – and also invited along to the night are the Vicky Park Queens, Leicester’s LGBTQ+ Centre and the “Gay Rugby Team” – so it’ll be a great mix of like-minded people with plenty of opportunity for people to meet and maybe even think about trying something new.

How important is it for these different organisations and community groups to work together?

It can only be a positive thing. All the groups do great work independently to provide safe spaces and outlets for the members of the LGBTQ+ community to meet like-minded others and do something exciting and interesting, so to bring us all together is the next logical step. Trying something new or different isn’t always easy so we’re just trying to break down barriers and give more people visibility of what is available and a chance to meet people in a relaxed, fun environment.

What can people expect on the night?

It’s a ticketed private-hire event at the Rainbow & Dove, so we have the venue to ourselves. Tickets are just £5 each and part of the proceeds will be donated to the Leicester LGBTQ+ Centre. A free shot (or soft drink) is included on arrival with doors opening at 7pm. There will be some light-hearted party games to start the night (optional of course!) followed by two Drag Queens and then the rest of the evening to meet and mix!

What would you say to anyone who might feel anxious about coming along by themselves?

You will be welcomed with open arms, please come along. The main aim of the night is to meet people, talk and have fun – and maybe find a new hobby!

What’s your favourite thing about the LGBTQ+ scene in Leicestershire?

I think the fact that we have one shouldn’t be underestimated, supported by the LGBTQ+ Centre and three long-term venues (The Dover, Rainbow and Dove and Helsinki), which all offer something slightly different, but all offer a welcoming smile and a safe space.