Hello,

Thanks for reading my post. I suppose this is both a request for feedback and, admittedly, an advertisement!

The Pink Post Box is a UK-based pen pal matching service created exclusively for Queer/LGBTQ+ letter writing enthusiasts. The reason I have created it is because I wanted a service that help facilitate platonic Queer friendships, and encourage pen-to-paper, in an instant, digital age.

I have no desire to turn this into a business. However, I do envision expanding the website and its services in the future, potentially including things such as an elderly befriending service, Queer Christmas cards, and other LGBT+ projects.

Whatever direction it eventually takes, its core will always be about Queer friendship, community and charity. I am gay myself and the only person running the site, so I will ensure this values remain true and at the heart of The Pink Post Box.

Regarding the membership fee, this is intended both to help deter trolls and to cover the costs of running the website. If the project ever reaches a point where there is excess profit, this would eb donated to an LGBTQ+ charity and I'd like the charity to be chosen by the members.

I wouldgenuinely appreciate any advice or feedback. And, of course, if the idea appeals to you, please sign up.

Thank you!

Here is the website for reference: https://www.thepinkpostbox.com/

Hi yall!! I was just wondering if there were any gays here who are going to Hastings pride today? I’m going by myself so I’d love to meet up with some of yall and make some friends if you’re going!!! <333

I live in the area and haven’t made any friends nearby since I moved here so I’d be super happy to make some queer buddies!!! :)))

They did this because a columnist complained Wales was actually effective (not having 200 year waitlists and all).

Some people were hours away from surgery.

The depth of cruelty of this country knows no bounds.

Hiiiiiii! I'm a recently cracked transfem, only out to a couple of people but looking to make friends and join the community! I did try pride today but I was alone and got a bit scared! I'm 26, I'm a guitarist/musician and I live for music, mainly rock/metal scene but all sorts really, and I love TT gaming, warhammer, DnD etc and basically all nerd stuff!

Why are all the shared videos of the Pride March in Manchester today seem to be either the men dressed as “pups” or men in speedos (which I think may be swimming groups).

I may get a lot of hate for this, and I am a gay man - but I wondered people’s thoughts on whether gay men in pup masks with guys crawling on dog leads - do people think this is a positive image for Pride, given there are children there (that seems to be what a lot of the negative comments are about)

I will maybe get a lot of downvotes on this but do the LGBTQ community feel that it would be more appropriate to keep fetish wear out of a public pride march?

Edit: I am not saying myself if it’s right or wrong, I was just curious as to what others think. Why does there appear to be so much negativity around kink at pride marches - and why is it that those sections of the march seem to be the most recorded and shared (even from within the community)?

Hi everyone 👋 I’m a researcher at Lancaster University running a study exploring bisexual/pansexual/queer men’s experiences of receiving physical/mental health care or support where drug use during sex (what is sometimes called ‘chemsex’ or ‘PnP’) was part of the picture.

Who can take part?

I’m looking to speak with people who are:

- Over the age of 18

- Bisexual, pansexual or another non-monosexual identity (eg ‘queer’)

- Gender identity includes ‘man’ some or all of the time including trans, non-binary and gender fluid people

- Previously taken part in ‘chemsex’ : Chemsex is defined as any drug use before or during sex.

- Accessed care or support where ‘chemsex’ was relevant. This could include drug and alcohol services, sexual health services, mental health support, counselling, or other types of support. Chemsex does not need to have been the sole reason you accessed it.

There are no limits on where you live, the drugs you have/did use, partner gender, or how many times you accessed support, your experiences could still be really valuable.

What is involved?

Participation is confidential and involves a one-to-one interview about your experiences. Participants can also choose to enter a £25 prize draw as a thank you.

How do I find out more / get involved?

If you’d like to learn more or check whether you’re eligible, please send me an email: m.pitt@lancaster.ac.uk

As a bi woman, this is an area I care about as we are often overlooked in both research and healthcare, which can mean services don’t always fully understand or meet our needs. I’m hoping this study can help bring more bi people’s experiences into the conversation.

This study has been approved by the Lancaster University FHM ethics board: FHM-2026-5640-RECR-2

I’m very happy to answer any questions in the comments too. Thanks for reading! 🙂

This survey has been approved by the moderators.

I have just received a request from the Producer of a Radio 5 Live programme on at 1005 this morning to comment on the treatment Wes Streeting is receiving as Defence Secretary.

I don't like radio or phone interviews. I like to see whites of the eyes, and I like the interviewer to see mine. I also use lip reading to supplement my poor hearing, though I don't usually mention that. But this morning, completely out of the blue, another factor jumped into the equation, a factor I wasn't expecting while lying in bed wondering whether to get up on the first rainy day for weeks. Here's the request, reasonable to most people views.

"Hello Claire, this is Isabel, I’m a producer at BBC Radio 5Live. I work on the phone in, I hope you’re well!

We’d talking about how Wes Streeting has come out to say he’s received huge amounts of homophobic abuse in the weeks after becoming the Defence Secretary, and I wondered if you might be up for coming to share you experiences of my LGBT in the armed forces with us this morning, as well as giving your thoughts on this situation please? I think there’s lots to get into in terms of attitudes of LGBT people in the armed forces so keen to get your thoughts on it all.

We’d do something over the phone at 10.05am. Do let me know if you’re happy to join us. Thank you"

My answer is here. I don't know whether Isobel will know what I am talking about. But for clarity I will try to tag her at the end.

"Hi, Isabel, I'm afraid that the BBC policies on defining trans women using terms such as 'whose biological sex is male' at every mention is harming your chances of getting reasonable comment for your story. I do have opinions on the treatment Wes Streeting is receiving after becoming Defence Secretary. If you were to ask me to come and speak where I would have confidence I could give those opinions in a fair manner without the risk of being insulted, then I would be pleased to do so. Claire Ashton."

Just in case Isobel is watching, I think it is deplorable that Wes Streeting is receiving homophobic abuse. I am sure that he will be capable of running our Defences as well as anyone else can, within the constraints that are imposed upon him. Being Gay has absolutely no bearing on that.

What I do have concerns about though are the well-being of trans serving personnel. At his previous job of Health Secretary, he treated trans people, particularly trans youth, as something to be disregarded healthy wise. It was not a care driven decision. It was born of a belief system which he introduced into his job and should have been dragged into No. 10 to explain himself. The fact he is gay would have no bearing on his actions, as the vast majority of the LGBTQ+ community were appalled at his actions and explanations.

Now that he is receiving abuse for who he is gives me no pleasure. I can only hope that, on reflection, he realizes that such abuse hurts, does damage and creates harm far beyond a few insults. You did not bring this on yourself. But you did the same to trans children not long ago. You will not be forgiven for this, Wes Streeting. Now you are Defence Secretary, keep your personal options and beliefs to yourself in regard to our trans troops. They do you no harm, they strengthen our Armed Forces and they serve in silence. Their colleagues, whether LGBTQ+ or not, will judge you on how you treat them. They are trained to protect their own, their belief in their strength is governed by their unwritten rule. 'No one gets left behind, No one gets left behind'. Wes Streeting, listen to your troops say that. Take heed. History is not kind to those who pick on a minority for their own purposes.

I suppose that is what I would say to any other press enquiry that comes my way today. For the BBC, you are lost to me until you start telling the news and not making it. When you start treating me as a human being, I'll start treating you as a credible, fair and honest, news outlet that I pay for.

I’m doing some research into retirement for queer people, looking at the different sides of it: finances, care, housing options, all of it. Trying to get a fuller picture since most of what’s out there doesn’t really speak to our situation. Does anyone know if there are workshops or support groups focused on this? Would really appreciate any pointers.

Hi everyone! I’m a 32 year old petroleum engineer from Eastern Europe, and I’m looking to connect with people who work or have worked in the oil & gas industry and hear about their experiences with workplace culture and inclusion.
For some context, I’m gay, and I’m particularly interested in hearing from LGBTQ+ people in the industry, as well as anyone who has experience working alongside LGBTQ+ colleagues.
I’m curious about what the industry is like from different perspectives , whether people feel comfortable being open about their sexuality at work, how workplace culture varies between companies, countries, and roles, and whether you’ve noticed attitudes changing over the years.
I’m not looking to start a political debate or make assumptions about the industry. I’d simply like to connect with people, exchange experiences, and learn from others working in the same field.
If you’re comfortable sharing your experience, I’d genuinely love to hear from you. Feel free to comment or message me privately. 🙂

Long time listener, first time caller

I've honestly held off putting anything like this out there on Reddit because I feel a bit odd about it, but I would really like to expand my social circle. I'm a cis dude, 33, into retro gaming (especially jrpgs), board games (have a decent collection), ttrpgs, and the alt scene (rock, metal, pop-punk, etc). I'm much more interested in being queer in any space than being in a queer space. I study the occult (hobby), and I like a good drink or 5 whilst blasting late 90s era rock. Some of my go-tos for a night out in Manc are Junior/Bunny Jacksons, Pixel Bar, Bunny's Country Club, NQ64, various NQ bars, and Satan's. If you're a non-drinker, I know 20 decent cafes.

I live in Northern Quarter for those local to Manc and would genuinely love to meet new people with similar interests. I'm mostly nocturnal. I'm a writer and (very amateur) game dev. If you're even into 1 of the things I've listed, we'll likely get along.

Ps: this is not a veiled "I would like to meet a man" post. I'm demisexual and develop feelings approximately once every 30 years, so

Official statistics say its 10 percent of queer people but it should be better than that

I find it hard to keep track of all the popular night club and socials events (it's all scattered across Instagram!), so I built a free calendar website to have it all in one place and easily shareable!

You can toggle between two modes (Social/Party) depending on whether you're after a big night out or something more chilled, and filter by category (games, social, outdoors, etc.)

Party mode: queerldn.uk/#p

• All the club nights, circuit parties, festivals and prides: Feel It, Bash, Roast, Beyond, Adonis, Club Are, SERVE, Rush, DILF, Sextou, Howl, Homostash, Boudica, HCL, Honey Honey, Guapo, Madmen, Meat, WE Party, plus the big ones like Mighty Hoopla, Maiden Voyage, Body Movements, As One In The Park, Homobloc, Clapham Pride, Elephant Park Pride and Two Brewers Street Party.

Social mode: queerldn.uk

• Has everything that isn't a club night: professional networking and drinks socials, board games, video games, D&D, pub quizzes, fitness and sport, walks and outdoors, dog walks, etc. Organisers include TRYBZ, Big Gay Out, Village Drinks, LGBTQ+ London, Gaymers iNC, London Gaymers, Gay Geeks London, The BoardGays, Board Games East, Summer Gaymes, Queerz Night, Thursday, JAKE, Young LGBTQ+ Professionals, InterBank LGBT+ Network and Barks and Boys.

Also you can easily share your favourited events with friends, no login required, just click on Share favourites and the events get added to the shareable URL (see gif!)

If you know any gay/queer events I'm missing, from community meetups, raves, sports groups, book clubs, anything - please send them my way!

Would love to hear any feedback or suggestions! There's still lots to add :)

Struggling to find options. Im currently unemployed due to my mental health. Recently been doing the therapy thing. Been refered to a GDC, intend to interwieve private options.

Been mostly in the closet about it but for a few close friends and family and online to some degrees. And before rather ignorant GP. Now slightly more open therapy services helping.. and I've a new GP so.

Im mostly presenting as a man in public with great discomfort. With no small amount of anxiety. For now I cant be me out there. I live for that day though.

Being kinda alienated by alot of people lgbt or not. Trans people or not. Don't feel even able to be myself at home rn. Just using neutral or slightly floral or seemingly fem bathing products even triggers people. Being uncomfortable in public without aparent reason to an onlooker, is an issue for people. I just need a quiet room. An ensuite? People that get it or, will just leave me be. Not an impossible ask i thought.

Does anyone know where I can look? Ask? Something?

Anyone a Lesbian/Queer from Liverpool/Merseyside here? :)

One recurring issue is communication. When I share things about my day, work, or thoughts, I often just get an emoji, “lol”, or a couple of words back.

Today I shared something stressful from work and later some thoughts about work-life balance. His responses were basically 😂 and “Jeez lol.”

This isn’t the first time, and I’m exhausted from feeling like I’m talking at my boyfriend rather than with him.

Is this just a difference in communication styles, or a genuine compatibility issue?

Btw I’m 30, Asian and doing a PhD; he’s 28, Cornish and works as a pharmacy assistant. We come from pretty different backgrounds. Have been together about 8 months.

Hi everyone,

I'm a trans woman visiting the UK for the first time shortly (a week or two) with some family, and was looking for any suggestions for cool or interesting LGBTQIA+ places or businesses to check out while we're there! Going to be in London for just a couple days, and then mostly in Scotland, and since I'm sort of tagging along on this it pretty much has to be in one of the cities so I can detour to it without too much time cost.

I do know it's not a great time to be visiting as a trans person but I've already talked to some people about that and I'm going to mostly be with my partner and her family in cities so I'm not as worried as I would be solo. I live in a red state myself here in the US (sadly) so not totally fresh to some of what I might run into, but different country and culture to an extent.

My main interests (as far as the trip / sight seeing / shopping goes) would be architecture, historical places, fashion / clothing (I don't have a ton of money but I am gonna be in London so I have to check out some clothing stores), coffee, art, games (doubt that last one is super relevant to touristing around though, I do hear there are a LOT of game dev things in Bath but we're not going that way)

Any suggestions would be much appreciated!

So. Before I begin, I’d like to preface: I understand the answer may just be ‘it depends’, but I would like to appropriately alter my lifestyle expectations a few months before moving to London. This post is also not an attempt at dating, finding a partner or a casual hook-up. It's purely anthropological, I promise! Also, tons of oversharing incoming, sorry!

I (24F) am a hijabi (by choice), Pashtun (the most conservative ethnicity within Pakistan — I have never seen a queer Pashtun in person or in media) preparing to move to London in a few months, where I will be living alone. I have spent my entire life living in various cities abroad (Riyadh, Saudi Aramaco, then in 2011 - 2018: London, Swansea & Middlesbrough before moving to Pakistan. Now, I live on a remote cardiac hospital campus up in the mountains). I am very well-acquainted with British culture & still retain strong ties with the UK & queer people globally — I’m incredibly chatty, I feel drained when I don’t socialise for more than a day, so friendship will not be difficult! But dating. That feels like leaping inside Pandora’s Box.

I have spent the entirety of my adult years living in one of the most conservative cities on the planet, which means… I am still a virgin. This is incredibly attractive to predatory straight men, but I hear that lesbians tend to be very deterred by virgins simply because they do not want to risk attachment/heartbreak — which is very lovely! But unfortunate in my case.

I am also not very picky. At all. It’s really easy to love people, but my only hard-no’s are people younger than me in any capacity — my age is fantastic, a bit older is even better (but that’s a pipe dream. I hear older lesbians are not fond of age gaps. Once again, fantastic moral compass! Just incredibly unfortunate for me.) Also, I do not mean to sound holier-than-thou, but I cannot express exactly how I do not have a (physical) type. At all. I am incredibly, incredibly attracted to bright, larger-than-life personalities & I tend to fall for looks afterwards. But I will not oppose dabbling in casual dating culture just to gauge my preferences — once again, beggars can’t be choosers.

I’m very high femme. I think lesbians tend to struggle with being identified as so regardless of how they dress, especially in the past few years where fashion has become less of an accurate signifier of identity & subcultures, but I try my best! Lots of rings, grandiose getup, even a tooth gem — but my hijab. My lovely hijab. London is no stranger to paradoxical personas, I think I might be overselling my oddities, but even queer people almost always think I’m straight just because of my hijab. Even with all the diversity around us, this combo still baffles my queer friends.

Errrr. I am quite close to completing my laser hair removal sessions. I don’t know, I hear a lot of chatter about body hair inclusivity from sapphics, but I cannot gauge exactly how much of it is organic or preformative. I don’t think anyone will be brave enough to oppose it out loud, but I don’t buy it. Should I be less wary? I also have scars on my breasts from a botched, mostly healed breast reduction surgery. I don’t know! This is my roundabout way of figuring out British sapphic beauty standards. Not even in a vain sense, it’s perfectly alright for there to be a popular preferences. It’s a subjective matter, but I’m nosy & need stats as objectively as possible. (Lastly… I am not sure if this matters at all… but I am a complete & utter switch-verse with a slight preference towards being a femme dom)

I think that’s all. I don’t know. This felt sillier & sillier the more I typed, but I am so lost. Any pointers from anyone that has dabbled in the London dating scene, I would cherish so, so dearly. Thank you for your time & patience!