MEET GAY MEN IN PERSON the way it used to work
Curated events for gay men in London — singles, couples, friends, first-timers — everyone welcome
Loneliness is the gay epidemic nobody's curing
London can be the loneliest city for gay men. Same crowds, same bars, same scroll. So we built rooms where the whole community can show up — try something new, meet people who aren't on the apps, and leave feeling lighter. Every ticket is heavily subsidised so cost is never the reason you skip community.
FoD presents: LGBTQ+ Comedy Night - James Barr & Friends
Join James Barr, Joe Sutherland, Ciara O'Connor and host Kate Martin for an unforgettable evening of stand-up comedy celebrating queer talent, big laughs and great company.
Your ticket includes a welcome drink, an exclusive Friend of Dorothy gift bag, and access to a post-show social, where you can grab another drink, meet the comedians and connect with other guests.
FoD presents: Matt Cain MBE
A special fundraising evening in support of Not A Phase
Matt Cain. Novelist, former Attitude Editor-in-Chief, MBE. One night, the full back catalogue and the brand new The Castle of Stories. Q&A with James Wallace, book signing, pop-up bookshop, welcome drink and a gift bag on us.
What's on next book before they go
Our most popular events — automatically sorted by date so the next one's always first. Sold-out events take you to the waitlist signup.
GAY MEN'S COOKING CLUB: EMPANADA MASTERCLASS
Guided by an experienced chef, you'll discover the art of making authentic empanadas, from preparing the filling and folding the perfect pastry to baking them until golden and delicious.
Friend of Dorothy presents: LGBTQ+ Comedy Night - James Barr & Friends
Join James Barr, Joe Sutherland, Ciara O'Connor and host Kate Martin for an unforgettable evening of stand-up comedy celebrating queer talent, big laughs and great company. Hosted by Friend of Dorothy in association with Not A Phase.
🧗♂️ GAY MEN GO ROCK CLIMBING
Join a group of adventurous, chaotic and moderately athletic gay men for an evening of climbing, laughing, falling off walls dramatically and hopefully making some new connections along the way.
Gay Men's Axe Throwing
Gay Men’s Axe Throwing – Back by Popular Demand! 🪓 You asked, we listened, axe throwing is back! Join us for another evening of throwing axes, meeting new people and a bit of friendly competition. No experience needed.
🏺 FRIEND OF DOROTHY LGBTQ+ POTTERY WORKSHOP
A relaxed, hands-on introduction to pottery designed for all levels. Whether you’ve never touched clay before or already enjoy creative work, this workshop offers a welcoming space to try something new
✏️ Gay Men's Life Drawing Class
Sketch, socialise and connect at our gay men’s life drawing night at Ministry — a relaxed, body-positive evening with male models, creativity and community at its heart.
LGBTQ+ STRENGTH SWEAT With Workout with pride
Friend of Dorothy Presents: Workout With Pride This high-energy functional fitness class is suitable for all abilities and focuses on building strength, confidence and wellbeing in a welcoming, judgement-free environment.
Dance Class with Friend of Dorothy x Alpha Dancers
Join us for a themed dance class with Alpha Dancers, a high-energy, feel-good session designed for all levels.
Friend of Dorothy Presents: Matt Cain MBE
Matt Cain. Novelist, former Attitude Editor-in-Chief, MBE. One night, the full back catalogue and the brand new The Castle of Stories. Q&A with James Wallace, book signing, pop-up bookshop, welcome drink and a gift bag on us. The event is fundraising for Not A Phase, supporting their vital work for the trans+ community. 100% of ticket sales to Not A Phase.
Gay Men Paddle London: Hackney wick
Paddle. Meet. Maybe make a splash. We’re heading back onto the water for another Friend of Dorothy paddle with Moo Canoes in Hackney Wick. Escape the city without leaving it. Explore London’s hidden waterways by canoe or kayak.
Gay Men Paddle London: Hackney wick
Paddle. Meet. Maybe make a splash. We’re heading back onto the water for another Friend of Dorothy paddle with Moo Canoes in Hackney Wick. Escape the city without leaving it. Explore London’s hidden waterways by canoe or kayak.
Friend of Dorothy x Mildreds: Private Supper Club
A seriously good dinner in Soho. 20 people. One private room. Join us at Mildreds for a welcome drink, a table full of their best dishes, and an intimate evening of eating, drinking and making new connections.
🧘 Gay Men's Yoga Club: Flow to Restore 🧘
Move, breathe and reset with a 60-minute blend of vinyasa, restorative yoga, breathwork and meditation. Open to all levels, bodies and abilities.
Join the Friend of Dorothy WhatsApp Community
Connect with other gay men, stay up to date with upcoming Friend of Dorothy events, and be part of a community built around real-life connection.
What it looks like when it actually works
Photos from past events. No models, no staging — just guys from our community having a good time.
We made the events we wished existed
Two guys, one frustration: every gay event in London felt like the same crowd, the same body type, the same conversation. So we built something different — for the rest of us.
When I moved to London I thought I'd meet my people instantly. Five years in, I realised the apps weren't community — they were a slot machine. I wanted rooms where you could meet someone over a flower arrangement, or a board game, not over whether you were each other's type.
I've worked in LGBT marketing for 20 years and watched the community fragment into smaller, harder-to-enter cliques — the fitness ones, the chemsex ones, the elite ones. We wanted the opposite: everyone welcome. Single or partnered, 24 or 64, jacked or not. If you're here, you belong.
Powered by our community & partners
Everyone. And we mean everyone
We've seen too many gay groups become gatekept little fiefdoms — only six-packs, only 20s, only couples, only chems. Our events are the opposite. Here's what 'welcome' actually means with us:
Most of our guys showed up solo too
It's the most common worry we hear: what if I don't know anyone? Here's how we make sure first-timers leave feeling like they belong.
You won't be the only solo guy
More than 60% of our attendees come alone. The room is built for it — that's the whole point.
We greet you at the door
One of us is at the door for every event. Tell us it's your first time and we'll introduce you to people right away.
The activity does the work
Flower arranging, board games, kayaking — they're conversation starters. You don't have to make small talk from cold.
Leave when you want
No pressure to stay till the end. Many people come for 90 minutes and head home. That's totally normal.
Real Moments. Inside The Event.
Real moments from the event, captured as they happened.
Real reviews, real receipts
Finally a gay event where I felt seen
I'm 47 and most gay events make me feel ancient. The flower arranging night had every type of guy — single, coupled, all ages. Left with a bouquet and three new Instagram follows.
My first gay event ever
Was so nervous to come alone. Within 10 minutes someone introduced themselves at the bar. By the end I'd swapped numbers with four guys. Coming back next month.
Kayaking was a vibe
Didn't expect to find community on the Thames at 11am on a Sunday but here we are. The pastries after were chef's kiss. £15 for all of that — unreal.
Not what I expected (in the best way)
Came expecting a Grindr-style scene. Got a board game night where people actually talked. So refreshing.
Worth every penny (which is barely any)
£10 for a wine tasting that would cost £40 anywhere else. And the sommelier was patient with my zero knowledge. Class act.
The rooftop party was the best of summer
200 of the loveliest guys, free flower crowns, a DJ that knew what they were doing. Already buying tickets for next year.
There's more than just events
We're a wellness brand. Events are how we build community in person — but we also make supplements and run a digital health service for the things you'd never talk about in front of friends.
HAVE BETTER SEX
Made by gay men for gay men. Performance, recovery, and the stuff that helps you show up better — in bed, in the gym, in your relationships.
Shop supplements →
GET YOUR YOUTH BACK
Prescription treatments for sexual health, intimacy, hair, and weight — reviewed online by UK clinicians who actually understand us.
See treatments →All upcoming events in one place
See everything we have coming up — pulled live from our events app. New events added weekly.
Come once. See what happens
You don't have to commit to anything. Pick one event, see if it's your kind of room, leave when you want. Most guys come back. None of them regret it.