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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Victorian Pride Centre
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DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260512T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260512T213000
DTSTAMP:20260819T065606
CREATED:20260305T033622Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T033622Z
UID:10016314-1778612400-1778621400@pridecentre.org.au
SUMMARY:Speed Mating: Build & Connect Edition
DESCRIPTION:Does this sound like you? \n– Tired of endless online chats that never turn into real life connection?\n– Want to practise feeling more confident socially in a queer friend space?\n– Craving grounded\, meaningful friendships with other gay\, bi\, trans and queer men. \nYou’ll feel right at home here at Speed Mating’s ‘Build & Connect Edition’ – a queer social night designed to spark genuine connection in a way that feels relaxed\, guided\, and actually enjoyable. \nThis isn’t about awkward speed dating or surface level small talk. It’s about creating a space where connection feels easier – especially if social confidence isn’t always your strongest muscle. This event is intentionally designed with socially shy\, socially rusty\, and socially overthinking humans in mind. \nWe use structured activities and guided conversation rounds to help you practise how you connect with new people – including small group rounds\, partner chats\, and shared prompts that take the pressure off “what do I say next?” \nSo The Good News Is: \n– No chaos.\n– No cliques.\n– No being left standing alone wondering how to enter a conversation. \nAnd Think Along The Lines Of: \n– Clear structure\n– Clear facilitation\n– Rotating rounds (including group conversations) \nEvent Overview: \n– You’ll have two full hours of guided connection – with enough movement and variety to keep things fresh\, but enough structure to feel safe and supported.\n– And here’s the beautiful part: every Chemistry Lab night is a little different. The prompts change. The group energy shifts. The conversations surprise you. \nThe Venue: \nWe’ll be gathering in the back bar of the The Laird Hotel – one of Australia’s longest running gay owned venues. Once known as Melbourne’s iconic bear and leather bar. The Laird has evolved into a warm and inclusive meeting place for same sex attracted CIS and Trans men. \nEvent Details: \n– The Laird Hotel – Back Bar\n– Arrive by 6:45pm for a 7:00pm start\n– Free tickets (bring a friend!) via Eventbrite until sold out \nPlease Note: \n– This is not a dating or hook-up event. It’s about friendship\, community\, and practising real-life connection in a supportive space.\n– If you book a ticket\, please commit to coming – and if something changes\, cancel so someone else can take your spot. \nCome as you are. Come open minded and ready to connect – at your own pace.
URL:https://pridecentre.org.au/event/speed-mating-build-connect-edition/
LOCATION:The Laird\, 149 Gipps Street\, Abbotsford\, Victoria\, 3067\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Career & networking,Community & culture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://pridecentre.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Speed-Mating-Build-Connect-Edition-Instagram.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Speed Mating":MAILTO:speed.mating.au@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260414T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260414T213000
DTSTAMP:20260819T065606
CREATED:20260305T033744Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260305T033744Z
UID:10016313-1776193200-1776202200@pridecentre.org.au
SUMMARY:Speed Mating: Chemistry Lab Edition
DESCRIPTION:Does this sound like you? \n– Tired of endless app chats that never lead anywhere meaningful?\n– Want connection that feels earned\, not swiped?\n– Craving a space where you can think\, build\, laugh\, and meet grounded\, like minded men? \nIf you’re nodding along\, you’ll feel right at home here! \nWelcome to the ‘Chemistry Lab Edition’ – a night designed to spark connection through curiosity\, creativity\, and collaboration. \nThis isn’t about speed rounds or surface level small talk. It’s about building things with your hands\, solving riddles\, unpacking mysteries\, and letting shared problem solving do what it does best: create natural conversation and genuine social connection. \nIn this edition\, the “icebreakers” aren’t questions – they’re challenges. \n– You might be decoding clues.\n– You might be constructing something unexpected.\n– You might be teaming up to solve a mystery. \nWhatever the format\, the magic happens in the doing. So think: \nNo awkward rotations.\nNo forced scripts.\nJust open minds\, collaborative energy\, and connection that unfolds organically. \nAnd here’s the twist: no two ‘Chemistry Lab’ nights will ever be the same. The activities change. The dynamics shift. The results? They may vary and that’s part of the fun. \nWhat To Expect: \n– A facilitated evening of hands on challenges\, collaborative puzzles\, and playful mystery solving designed to spark conversation without forcing it.\n– You’ll have two full hours to rotate organically between activities\, team up\, mingle\, and connect at your own pace.\n– You don’t need to be “good” at riddles or building things – curiosity beats skill every time. Whether you’re socially confident or still stretching that muscle\, you’ll be welcomed\, supported\, and free to engage in whatever way feels right for you. \nThe Venue: \nWe’ll be gathering in the back bar of the The Laird Hotel – one of Australia’s longest running gay owned venues. Once known as Melbourne’s iconic bear and leather bar\, The Laird has evolved into a warm and inclusive meeting place for same sex attracted CIS and Trans men. \nEvent Details: \n– The Laird Hotel – Back Bar\n– Arrive by 6:45pm for a 7:00pm start\n– Free tickets (bring a friend!) via Eventbrite until sold out \nPlease Note: \n– This is not a dating or hook-up event. It’s about collaboration\, community\, and building authentic social connection – so please respect the vibe.\n– If you book a ticket\, please make sure you attend. If you can’t make it\, cancel so someone else can join the experiment. \nCome curious. Come ready to build. Come ready to solve. Come ready to connect.
URL:https://pridecentre.org.au/event/speed-mating-chemistry-lab-edition/
LOCATION:The Laird\, 149 Gipps Street\, Abbotsford\, Victoria\, 3067\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Career & networking,Community & culture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://pridecentre.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Speed-Mating-Chemistry-Lab-Edition-Instagram-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Speed Mating":MAILTO:speed.mating.au@gmail.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260310T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260310T213000
DTSTAMP:20260819T065606
CREATED:20260217T232516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260303T045656Z
UID:10016274-1773169200-1773178200@pridecentre.org.au
SUMMARY:Speed Mating: Social Mixer Edition
DESCRIPTION:Looking to meet new people without the pressure of dating apps or the chaos of packed dance floors?  \nThis night is all about relaxed\, low key connection with like minded souls – no scripts\, no speed rounds\, just space to be. \nThe ‘Social Mixer Edition’ of Speed Mating is our most informal gathering yet. Unlike our structured events\, this one celebrates freedom: more time to chat\, fewer formalities\, and a warm\, welcoming atmosphere where conversations can unfold naturally. \nNo timed rotations.\nNo formal icebreakers.\nJust good music\, open energy\, and genuine connection. \nDoes this sound familiar?\n– Tired of endless app chats that never lead anywhere meaningful?\n– Not into hook up culture but still craving community?\n– Want a space where you can show up as yourself and meet grounded\, like minded men? \nIf you’re nodding along – this night was made for you. \nWhat To Expect: \n– Fun\, feel good music\, a lightly facilitated vibe\, and optional conversation prompts on screen if you’d like a little nudge to get chatting.\n– You’ll have two full hours to freely mingle\, practise your social skills\, and connect at your own pace.\n– While this edition may especially suit those who already feel socially confident\, it’s absolutely open to everyone.\n– If you’re still building that confidence\, come anyway – you’ll be supported\, welcomed\, and encouraged to take things at whatever pace feels right for you. \nThe Venue: \nWe’ll be gathering in the back bar of The Laird Hotel\, one of Australia’s longest running gay owned venues. Once known as Melbourne’s iconic bear and leather bar\, The Laird has evolved into a warm and inclusive meeting place for same sex attracted CIS and Trans men. \nEvent Details: \n– The Laird Hotel – Back Bar\n– Arrive by 6:45pm for a 7:00pm start\n– Free tickets (bring a friend!) via Eventbrite until sold out \nPlease note: \n– This is not a dating or hook up event. It’s about friendship\, building social confidence\, and finding your place in community – so please respect the vibe.\n– Please make sure that if you book a ticket\, actually turn up on the night. If you can’t make it\, cancel your ticket so someone else can come along. \nCome curious. Come open. Come ready to connect.
URL:https://pridecentre.org.au/event/speed-mating-cis-trans-male-edition/
LOCATION:The Laird\, 149 Gipps Street\, Abbotsford\, Victoria\, 3067\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Career & networking,Community & culture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://pridecentre.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Speed-Mating-Social-Mixer-Edition-Instagram-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Speed Mating":MAILTO:speed.mating.au@gmail.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260212T180000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260212T200000
DTSTAMP:20260819T065606
CREATED:20251202T010647Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T071701Z
UID:10016042-1770919200-1770926400@pridecentre.org.au
SUMMARY:Speed Mating: Gender Inclusive (Neurodivergent Edition)
DESCRIPTION:Speed Mating: A queer\, neurodivergent friendly hangout to boost social confidence\, meet great people\, and spark real friendships. Welcome to Speed Mating – Melbourne’s modern day queer social experiment! \nThis event is designed to help LGBTQIA+ folks (especially our neurodivergent friends) build social confidence\, make genuine connections\, and form lasting friendships in a safe\, supportive space. \nDoes this sound like you? \n– You’re keen to get out of the house but not sure where to go.\n– You sometimes feel like you don’t quite fit in at queer events.\nYou’d love a relaxed\, welcoming space to practice social skills without pressure. \nIf you nodded “yes” to any of the above\, Speed Mating is the place for you! \nWhat to expect on the night:\n– Fun\, low-key activities and conversations to help break the ice.\n– A fresh vibe each quarter – no two events will be exactly the same (that’s why we call it a social experiment!).\n– A 100% platonic focus – this is about friendship\, not dating. \nWhy we exist:\nSpeed Mating is about building a safe\, inclusive\, and playful space for LGBTQIA+ folks especially those who are neurodivergent – to meet\, connect\, and feel seen. If you’re shy or find social situations tricky\, that’s totally okay! Just bring an open mind and your neuro-spicy self. \nEvent details:\n– This event will be hosted at Thorne Harbour Health (Upstairs Common Area)\n– Please arrive by 5:45pm for a 6:00pm start \nCancellations / Refunds:\n– This is a completely free event\, so refunds don’t apply. Come along\, connect with like minded people\, and be part of Melbourne’s queer social experiment!\n– By booking a ticket please ensure that you are actually able to come along or refund the ticket to allow another guest to come in your place.
URL:https://pridecentre.org.au/event/speed-mating-gender-inclusive-neurodivergent-edition-2/
LOCATION:Thorne Habour Health\, 200 Hoddle Street\, Abbotsford\, Victoria\, 3067\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Career & networking,Community & culture
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://pridecentre.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Speed-Mating-NEW-Instagram-Post-All-Genders.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Speed Mating":MAILTO:speed.mating.au@gmail.com
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260210T190000
DTEND;TZID=Australia/Melbourne:20260210T213000
DTSTAMP:20260819T065606
CREATED:20251217T053951Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T071814Z
UID:10016107-1770750000-1770759000@pridecentre.org.au
SUMMARY:Speed Mating: CIS & Trans Male Edition
DESCRIPTION:Looking to meet new people without the pressure of dating apps or the chaos of loud dance floors? Speed Mating is here to help you build real friendships and social confidence in a safe\, welcoming space. \nDoes this sound familiar:\n– Tired of endless chats on gay ‘dating’ apps that never really go anywhere?\n– Feeling out of place at dance parties where hook-up culture rules?\n– Wishing there was a relaxed space to practice social skills and actually connect? \nIf you’re nodding yes to any of the above\, then Speed Mating is for YOU! \nAfter a short break\, we’re excited to return to our home at The Laird Hotel – welcoming CIS and Trans men of all ages to come together\, connect\, and have fun. \nOn the night:\n– Expect easygoing activities and conversations designed to help us get to know each other better.\n– Every event is a little different (that’s why we call it a social experiment).\n– This is not about dating or hook ups – it’s about building friendships and community. Please respect the vibe of the event. \nThe venue:\nWe’ll be gathering in the back bar of The Laird Hotel – one of Australia’s longest running gay owned venues. Once known as Melbourne’s bear and leather bar\, The Laird has evolved into a welcoming haven and meeting place for same sex attracted cis and trans men alike. \nEvent details:\n– The Laird Hotel (Back Bar)\n– Arrive by 6:45pm for a 7:00pm start \nTickets & Access:\n– Tickets are free\, bring a friend! \nThese are available via the Eventbrite website until sold out. \nCancellations / Refunds:\n– As this is a free event NO ticket refunds are available. \nCome curious. Come open. Come ready to connect with your community.
URL:https://pridecentre.org.au/event/speed-mating-cis-trans-male-edition-3/
LOCATION:The Laird\, 149 Gipps Street\, Abbotsford\, Victoria\, 3067\, Australia
CATEGORIES:Career & networking
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://pridecentre.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/New-Speed-Mating-Instagram.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Speed Mating":MAILTO:speed.mating.au@gmail.com
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