Traditionally the South Coast gay scene has very much centred around bars and clubs, which is great if you’re into partying, but what if you’re not? If you left your dancing shoes in the last millennium, and spend your Friday nights at home with Graham Norton and takeaway, you’re not alone!

Wouldn’t it be great if you could go out for tapas, learn how to make cocktails, or even play at Sherlock Holmes at a murder mystery night, knowing that everyone else there is gay? That’s the idea behind the newly launched Gay Singles That Mingle (GSTM), an extension to the straight singles events brand that has taken the South Coast by storm.

The events are organised by marketing director Darren Northeast, in conjunction with Singles that Mingle founder Nicky Payne. For Darren, GSTM is about building friendships in a no-pressure environment.

“We’re targeting a specific community group that isn’t at the moment accommodated for,” explains Darren. “Whether doctors or lecturers, tradesmen or students – we want anybody to come along regardless of age, background or where they are in life.”

The events are taking place in a whole range of venues, but not ‘gay venues’ because the point is not about being gay, says Darren, but meeting like-minded people. In particular, Darren hopes the events will attract those who aren’t so comfortable about entering the gay scene, or are still unsure about their sexuality.

“If a person was thinking about coming out and went straight into gay scene it could scare them to death,” he laughs. “It can feel so young and in your face,whereas this is very laid-back.” And how about romance, will there be any (civil) wedding bells we wonder? “It would be great to see relationships develop,” remarks Darren. “It’s happened with the straight STM events, so who’s to say it won’t here. However, the pointisn’t about dating, but doing things you wouldn’t normally do with people you wouldn’t normally socialise with. What could be more fun than that!”

Find out more: www.singlesthatmingle.co.uk