An exciting new events organisation where “no demographic is excluded” is offering people from all walks of life the chance to “shake the stigma” and get together outside of the pub for wholesome fun and activities.
Out & Active NI was established in November by Belfast man Ryan Lee who was the mastermind behind the concept. However, the committee behind the meet-ups now boasts three Armagh-based members.
The organisation was initially founded to provide a safe space in sports for people from the LGBTQ+ community who otherwise may have felt unwelcome or excluded from sporting activities based on negative experiences in their past.
However, in the last number of months the initiative has not only “blown up” but it has diversified to include many other non-sporting activities to suit the masses with an overall aim to improve social connection.
And, while its focus remains the same as day one, Armagh-based committee member Conor Ross says it’s open to “absolutely anyone from any walk of life”.
Explaining their aim, Conor said: “We do get a lot of interest from Belfast but one of our main objectives is to get people from the surrounding towns – where there is maybe a wee bit of a stigma – and get those people involved.
“It was just kind of an idea that Ryan came up with, that it would be good if LGBTQ+ people could meet outside of a pub and outside of apps and meet organically where there is no alcohol involved.”
Photos by Conor Ross Photography
Conor explained that many people, especially those in their 30s, find that they most often meet other people from the LGBTQ+ community in pubs or via apps where there’s often an undertone of romantic interest. Yet many of these people, he says, are pursuing platonic friendship rather than a date – making networking on apps a difficult and unpredictable approach.
Alongside the uncertain relationship dynamics in app networking, Ryan also said that people might also experience an amount of social anxiety in meeting up with strangers.
But with Out & Active NI he believes the activities serve as the ultimate ice-breakers, adding: “When people are meeting like this it’s easier for the ice to be broken because you’re doing an activity.
“It has blown up. On Saturday we had 46 people for the hike up Binnian. It was amazing and such a great turn out and everyone is enthusiastic and we are meeting more friends.
“We had a lady yesterday and it was her first event after going through a break up and she wants to get back out again but her friends kept bailing on her and, on Saturday, she bit the bullet and now she’s signed up for our rugby event. I imagine it’s quite daunting but that’s the beauty of this it’s easier for the ice to be broken with the group activities.”
Conor suffers with social anxiety himself and said the Out & Active NI scheme has been an excellent way of helping him to overcome the issue: “I have found so many friendships and it’s taken me out of my comfort zone. I’m doing sports I wouldn’t necessarily do but, because I now know the group, I show up and give it a go whether I’m any good at it or not!”
And while sports and outdoor activities make up a large part of their events they also cater to those of a more sedentary disposition with board games evenings, scavenger hunts (which have proved hugely popular in the past!) and even a Traitors weekend based on the hit BBC One TV series.
Photos by Conor Ross Photography
It’s all about getting together, meeting people and having fun. As such, the committee try not to impose any rules. The only thing they politely ask is that conversation remains light, avoiding politics and religion.
They welcome all ages (over 18 for insurance purposes) and say there is an opportunity to “learn from each other”, to make friends and if it leads to a date or two – then that’s ok too!
Their events are held all over Northern Ireland to ensure that – no matter your postcode – an event could very well be on your doorstep every few months.
For now, Out & Active NI are charging a fee on a case by case basis with the fee per event reflecting the costs imposed on the organisers to arrange.
And Conor says, they aim to make sure everyone gets as much as possible for what they are paying.
Said Conor: “Every event is different but they try to keep costs down as much as possible.
“The hike was £3 but we also provide sandwiches, traybakes, tea and coffee. Other events can be more expensive because we need to book venues etcetera but we will always aim to ensure there is food and drinks and we even offer a car pooling system to help with travel.”
In time, they plan to introduce a monthly membership fee to include admission to all events but this will be assessed on an ongoing basis based on demand.
Anyone interested in joining the meet-ups can find more information via the Out & Active Instagram page here.
