Our History

2015 - When it all started.

Birmingham LGBT Meetup was started all that time ago! A gay guy (yet to find anyone who can remember his name) was moving from Ireland to Birmingham (nope it's not the start of a joke, it may sound like it, but it's not). Our mystery man, set up the Meetup page, but his move fell through and by then, there was an event planned, and a growing number of followers. Mandy hosted the first event and subsequently, the lovely Andy Mannion took over. 

It’s grown and grown over the years. Andy Mannion ran the monthly Coffee and Cake event though-out this time, ensuring that there was always a regular friendly, non-scene event, where all were welcomed.

Follow our timeline below and learn about what we have been doing since then and hey, if you can fill in any of the gaps, message us!

January 2020

Achieved 2,200 members

August 2021

Andy decided to step down and Bryony took on the responsibility of ensuring the page stayed open. At this point there were 79 Event Organisers and over 3,500 members.

October 2021

Group name changed to Birmingham LGBT+ Meetup (addition of a plus symbol)

Winter 2021

Following some complaints regarding late cancellation of events and an issue with one attendee sending inappropriate messages, all event organisers were messaged. Communication and accountability needed to be improved. They were asked if they would like to continue in the role and if so, asked to sign up to the Event Organiser Agreement. It transpired that many no longer lived in the area or had time to devote to running events. 

January 2022

From this date a welcome message was sent to every new member within one week of them joining (most messages sent within 48 hours)

Birmingham LGBT+ Meetup reaches 4000 members!!!

February 2022

Group name changed to Birmingham LGBT+ Social (the beginning of us moving from being a group based only on Meetup)

Event organisers invited to take part in an interim Steering Committee. The idea being, to decide some basic things for the group. To work out what roles need to be covered on the Committee, set up some basic documents, such as Aims and Objectives, make decisions on priorities within media to be used and so forth. Six people volunteered.

March 2022

First Steering Committee took place.

November 2023

On 4th November, we had a day of celebration. Everyone attending an event, was given a free raffle ticket. There was a walk telling the history of the group run by Matt, the Coffee and Cake Meetup buzzed with people talking as usual and at our Mini-Meetup at the Equator, we filled the place with our laughter. The regulars joined in and bought tickets too. It was a fun day, with old friends meeting up, new members making friends and was a great was to celebrate the legacy of the group and all those who have contributed to making it such a success. Take a look!

April 2024

Following the announcement of Coffee #1 on Newhall St closing we were in need of a new venue for Coffee and Cake.
April was our very first C&C at Boston Tea Party, Corporation Street. The event started a little later at 3pm and quickly had over 40 members experiencing the all new set-up.
The event ran smoothly and was well attended... So well attended in fact that the venue quickly offered to host us at the usual 2:30pm slot in May!

May 2024

Attended Pride and joined the Birmingham Pride Parade for the first time.

The Future...

Your Stories...

'Just over 7 Years ago I met my partner at the Coffee and Cake event. It meant the World to me that the Rainbow Connections group became not just my family but also the place where I met my boyfriend and fiance' - Matthew

Can you add detail to this history or perhaps share a story of what the group has meant to you? Please message us on our contact page