A new social group for members of the LGBTQ+ community is set to launch in Derry next week, with its founders hoping to create a much‑needed space for connection, friendship and community.

The Lavender Social Club, created by local women Erin McCarron and Rebecca Martin, aims to offer an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ adults to meet, socialise and take part in activities, something they say has been missing from the city for years.

Speaking to the Journal, Rebecca said the idea grew from repeated conversations within the community about the lack of LGBTQ+ spaces in Derry.

“For me this has been an ongoing conversation between me and Erin and the extended LGBTQ community,” she said. “There is nothing in Derry. It’s always the same conversation when you meet people from the community, there’s nothing here, something needs to happen. Belfast has a lot of community groups and gay bars, but there is nothing here. We thought, let’s just do it. What are we waiting for?”

Founders of Lavender Social Club, from left: Rebecca Martin and Erin McCarron.

placeholder image — Founders of Lavender Social Club, from left: Rebecca Martin and Erin McCarron.

Erin added: “We’ve talked about this for years, way back when, there was Envy, that was the central hub. But ever since Envy, there isn’t any central place for the gay community to go. It would just be nice to have a space to meet people.”

Lavender Social group aims to have outdoor adventures cocktail nights sports & activities Craft nights Coffee meetups and Genuine connection.

Erin said: “As you get older your interests broaden, you don’t want to be at a bar every weekend. We wanted to be inclusive.”

“It's about keeping it interesting, having something new to try out, while the LGBT is part of the focus, being people who want to enjoy ourselves and not sit in front of the tv is part of it too.”

Since starting up the social media page on Instagram both founders said that the reaction has been overwhelming

“I knew there was a demand, I didn’t realise how much. It just proves how much it is needed,” said Rebecca.

Lavender’s launch party was originally planned to take place in the Taphouse on June 19, but due to the huge interest Erin and Rebecca are now seeking a larger venue. While the event is still scheduled for June 19 the founders have asked those interested to keep an eye on their social media for confirmation on the new venue.

They also emphasised that people should not be worried about coming along, as they have activities and ice breakers planned for the night to help people settle in.

The launch event is open to LGBTQ+ people aged 18 to 100, with Lavender initially intended as a dedicated space exclusively for the LGBTQ+ community.

“For me it is hard to find that relatability, I find we are a group of people who have felt a wee bit excluded or a wee bit on the outside, we want to be able to create a space for people. I would like there to be space where you chat to someone you know who has a shared experience and a shared understanding. It's important in its foundations that it is predominantly for the LGBTQ community,” said Erin.

To stay up to date with Lavender Social Club you can find their Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/lavender.social.club/