Gay London Life | May '26 Edition - Magazine - Page 4
Are you a Friend of Dorothy?
If not you should be!
This May, Friend of Dorothy isn’t just hosting events,
it’s getting gay men off their phones and back into real life
meetings and creating community.
This programme is designed as a response
to that shift.
At the centre of the month is a screening of A
Friend of Dorothy at Clapham Picturehouse, followed
by a live Q&A with director Lee Knight. It sets the tone
The May line-up sits within a wider vision
for the wider programme, bringing people together
whose focus is simple: rebuild real-world
for the brand, one that goes beyond products
around a shared cultural moment and giving them a
connection between gay men at a time when it’s
or content and instead looks at how gay men
reason to stay, talk, and connect afterwards.
quietly disappearing.
actually meet, connect, and build community
Elsewhere, the events are built around shared
today. For many, that’s become increasingly
activity as a way to remove pressure from socialising.
than to show up,” he says. “Friend of Dorothy exists
difficult. Conversations start on apps and often
A graffiti workshop offers something hands-on and
to change that — to make meeting other gay men
end there. Plans are made, then dropped.
collaborative. A rooftop flower arranging session
feel natural again, not intimidating.”
Nights out feel less social than they used to.
provides a more relaxed setting that still encourages
At the centre of it is founder Oliver James,
“We’ve built a culture where it’s easier to scroll
conversation. A visit to the Crystal Maze LIVE
Experience leans into group dynamics, where
interaction happens naturally through teamwork.
For those who prefer something more low-key, a
guided tasting at Renegade Wine Bar offers a smaller,
more conversational environment. The kind where
people can settle in, talk properly, and get to know
each other without the usual noise of a crowded bar.
The programme also extends outdoors, with
kayaking and paddleboarding experiences along
London’s canals. These smaller group settings are
designed to make it easier for people to join alone
and still feel part of something.
“The goal isn’t to force connection,” James
says. “It’s to create the kind of environment where it
happens naturally.”
Each event is intentionally structured around
smaller groups and a low-pressure atmosphere.
Most attendees come on their own. The format
does the work for them.
Many of the events are subsidised to keep
them accessible, with proceeds supporting wider
community initiatives and partners including
Impulse London.
For James, the idea goes beyond a monthly
schedule.
“We don’t need another place to message,” he
says. “We need spaces to meet.”
In a city like London, where it’s easy to feel
both busy and disconnected, Friend of Dorothy is
building something simple but increasingly rare:
spaces where people can show up, meet, and leave
feeling part of something.
What’s Coming Up
Friend of Dorothy — London Events Series
Where: Across London
When: Weekly (new events added regularly)
Tickets: From £5 (subsidised)
www.friend-of-dorothy.com
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