They say change is good, and in the case of Gay Friends in Calgary, formerly Gay Singles in Calgary, this couldn’t be truer. Ian McKinnon, spokesperson for Gay Friends in Calgary agrees.
“As we’ve grown we’ve been joined by those in all imaginable aspects of our community. We’ve become much more than a social group for gay singles. We’ve morphed into a community that encourages friendships irrespective of barriers.”
With this being said, Gay Singles in Calgary has been re-launched as Gay Friends in Calgary Society, an inclusive group with the sole purpose of celebrating “the unity and diversity within Calgary’s GLBTQ community.” Through numerous social events, that don’t necessarily include the bar scene, to a new website that includes forums, events, member summaries and pictures, this group lives up to its goal of promoting and enabling growth of the gay community, and it’s place in the greater Calgary community, that is so necessary.
Gay Singles in Calgary was originally launched on May 21, 2009 as a non-profit group, giving its members a medium to socialize that was not bar-centric. It was with the growing number of members of all genders and identities, and the suggestions of its members and the community to expand the organization to include all individuals, that the Gay Friends in Calgary Society came to fruition. With a strong Board of Directors, their dedication to the organization is assured.
This new initiative was introduced at its 1st Birthday Celebration at AXIS Gallery in Art Central this past May 21st. With hundreds in attendance, including Olympian Mark Tewksbury who was signing copies of his latest book, the change was announced. This was applauded by the crowd, which included individuals from all areas of the community.
Alongside the main celebration was a silent auction, wine donated by Barefoot Wines, and appetizers for the masses. There were also computers set up with the Gay Friends in Calgary website ready for people to register. Currently at 159 members, the site is growing, and is consistently updated with events going on around the city.
“Gay Friends in Calgary is open to all members of Calgary’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered, queer, and straight community. Members can experience social events such as bowling, dancing, coffee, theatre, hiking, sightseeing road trips, sampling Calgary’s hidden eateries or networking with other individuals,” states McKinnon.
In a community that members have complained lacks in social opportunities, Gay Friends in Calgary offers that missing link.