June may be a great time for smooching (etc. etc.), but a lot of us gays are out here desperately seeking friends! Luckily, Rhode Island has many opportunities for would-be BFFs and for any queer (or queer-friendly) looking to commune with like minds. It’s all about figuring out which piece of the LGBTQ+ fruit salad you are and there you shall find your people (we hope!).
You are a…
SPORTS GAY
Queers Who Climb (Central Rock Gym, Warwick, Tue 6 - 8pm & Sat 10am - noon)
Learn to climb or improve your skills in a small, supportive group. The vibe is casual and informal, but gym membership or drop-in fee is required.
Kickball and Dodgeball (OutLoud Sports PVD)
$65 registration fee, 21+. Kickball meets at Tockwotten Field on Wickenden. Dodgeball meets indoors at the YMCA. Word is these gays play hard!
NATURE GIRLIE
Queer Hikes (various locations, RI & MA, IG @queer.hikes)
This is a club open to every queer that hosts free, queer-only walks in beautiful places. Register online for either the dog-free or dog-friendly monthly walks and other events. All hikes are marked by their difficulty, so serious hikers and slowpokes alike can participate at their preferred level.
Guided Bug Walk (Osamequin Farm, Seekonk, MA)
In addition to this free, etymological excursion, the farm offers paid classes in making nature-based crafts, as well as lots of kid-friendly activities. Not a queer activity per se but is there truly anything gayer than making friends with trees and creepy crawlies?
ARTSY FARTSY
Drink and Draw (RiffRaff Bookstore in PVD, monthly)
Oh the gays you will see doodling away to the sound of lots of happy chatter at this free event. Bring your own art supplies and come early to get a seat at the collaborative drawing table where you just might make a new friend.
Figure Drawing & Three Write (Lost Bag, PVD, monthly, IG @lostbagspace)
No one is turned away for lack of funds from either the drop-in session with a live model or the write-and-share creative writing hour. Lost Bag is a decidedly queer space, and there tend to be a lot of queerdos at their events.
FOLK SINGER / PODCASTER / POET
BIPOC Coffee Hour & Write-In (LitArtsRi, PVD, last Sat of the month, 2 - 4pm)
A free, community-building and writing block for podcasters, illustrators, and writers of color at LitArtsRI’s cool and comfy studio. Not queer explicit, but LitArts is always a good spot to meet queers.
Queer Open Mic (Lost Bag, PVD), monthly)
It’s here, it’s queer, it’s just intimate enough that you can swallow those nerves and haul your ukulele or chapbook up to that comfortable-heighted stage. You got this!
Sweet Little Variety Show (Askew, PVD, monthly)
PVD’s elderstatesperson (at 14 years old) of queer-forward entertainment, this variety show has evolved many times through many locations over the years. It currently takes place at Askew on Chestnut St, hosted by Eva Destruction and featuring sketch and stand-up comedy, drag and burlesque, magic and dance, music and, well, variety.
MAGICKAL MONK
Gentle Morning Yoga (Haus of Glitter, AS220, first Sat of the month, 8:30 - 9:30am)
Queer- and BIPOC-centric yoga classes that are slow-paced and low-intensity, for those who prefer to make friends with a shy smile in silence. $5 and up.
Tarot, Astrology, & Metaphysical classes (The Veiled Crow, Warwick)
You are bound to find friends of Dorothy (and maybe of you!) at one of the many workshops offered by this witchcraft and herbalist store owned by a pair of queer BFFs. Classes start at $20 and go up from there. (Full disclosure — I teach astrology classes here.)
ABOUT THE ARTIST
L. Horgan is a very tired interdisciplinary artist, designer, sts scholar, and adequate cat dad to Mimu. Sometimes they have a website at leahehorgan.com.
