Can I get an Amen? Are you a woman trying to find something to do with other similar women, but find the queer social scene a little too bar-oriented for your liking? Have you logged onto Plenty of Fish lately and realized that you already know everyone on the site?
Well, let me tell you, there is a group out there that may be your saving grace. Let me introduce you to Janine Cote, creator and organizer for the Lesbian Meet-Up Group, currently rounding off its first year of operation. She took some time to talk to GayCalgary and Edmonton Magazine about this ambitious venture.
"I was born and raised in Calgary, and then when I went to live in Vancouver for a year, I was blown away by the active queer community and the resources available for Lesbians," Cote explained, regarding her motivations for starting the group. "When I moved back I sought out a community, first through sending an Email to Calgary Outlink, and then to the Calgary Sexual Health Center. Neither knew at the time of a group for woman, or any kind of support available aimed towards Lesbians. I was leaving my husband, coming out to my family/friends and felt a bit like... it wasn’t acceptable in Calgary, or that I was the only one.
"When I started speaking to someone at the Calgary Sexual Health Center about doing a fundraiser for them, and as an aside explaining the situation, we started brainstorming. From that came the idea to just start something myself. I wanted anyone coming out to know that they weren’t alone, to have a place to go where others might understand, and for there to be an active social club for Queer women to participate in, and meet each other. I also needed reassurance that I wasn’t the only Lesbian in Calgary! I’m not! We will, at the end of January be celebrating our one year anniversary with an 80’s rollerskating party. I’m proud at the way the Community has jumped on board, and that there are 230 women on the site with more joining daily!"
Often, lesbian themed events involve alcohol and dj-related adventures, which is fine when you’re in the mood for a fun night out. But this is where Cote’s group is different. "(The events) are aimed to just be good old fun. We have a variety of events offered each month. Upcoming for the month of December we have a Death by Chocolate Buffet, Night at a Blues Bar, serving lunch at the Calgary Drop in Center, a community party, our Monthly movie night, pottery painting, a pizza dinner, and Zoo lights. We have a monthly book club starting up in January and a monthly games night hosted for us at Club Sapien."
You may be asking yourself at this point, who are these 230 women that come to these events? Janine is quick to answer. "The people who come are varied as we have Lesbians who have been out for decades, bi-sexual woman, those who are questioning, and really anywhere on the spectrum. I love how every single person is welcome regardless of where they are in their journey or what they end up deciding is right for their life. The events are planned by multiple hosts, myself, as well as some of our regulars put events on the calendar - it is all volunteer run. We are also happy to post events from other groups in Calgary that might interest our members, such as events put on by GirlTalk, Calgary Outlink, or by other groups in the community such as the Bi-Sexual/Pansexual support group, The Smutty Writing Circle, GirlsGroove Dances etc. People are welcome to contact me through the meet up group - there is a contact us link - if they would like their related event posted on our calendar."
Let me guess, you are at the point of decision. Maybe you are asking yourself, why should I join? Or you may be asking, is this group really right for me? Janine hears you, and answers, "People should join this group if they want to have fun. It can be scary coming out to something for the first time, especially if your Queer identity is just developing! I have however, never met a nicer and more accepting group of women than those that come to our events! We aren’t a hook up group but I am pleased to say that some of the women have met the love of their life through our events - sometimes when they weren’t looking at all - who were previously feeling very isolated and like me... didn’t know there were other Lesbians living in town! I’ve gotten a few wonderful notes about the love that has come to their life through the group, the friendships that have been made and it makes the time we put into the running of the group more than worth it. There are many couples who participate as well, like myself, and it seems to be a nice balance between the two.
"You can never have too many wonderful people in your life, and there are events for everyone!"