LGBTQ+ social group launches to create safe spaces year round

As soon as the month of June and Pride comes to an end, most rainbow flags disappear from storefronts and corporate advertising, and the LGBTQ+ community searches for ways to connect, socialize and feel safe. However, queer friendly spaces have played a vital role for decades, fostering a sense of belonging, offering refuge and safety, embracing exploration and expression, and building community. With an increase of gay bar closures nationwide and the rise of online dating, queer nightlife has dwindled and offers far less options for the community. Additionally, despite the historical strides that the LGBTQ+ equality movement continues to make, hate crimes, attacks and violence still occur and remind us that queer inclusive spaces are very much needed year round.

In response to this need, Eastern Long Island's newest LGBTQ+ social group QueerLI Social Club has formed and launched, after hosting its first mixer on July 16 at Barito Tacos & Cocktails in Port Jefferson, as well as a screening party of The L Word: Generation Q Season 2 premiere at Terra Vite Winery & Vineyard in Jamesport on August 8.

Wading River resident and hospitality manager Michelle Demetillo noticed a lack of LGBTQ+ events on the east end of Long Island during and after Pride Month. "Just because there is one month designated for gay pride does not mean that we should stop acknowledging and celebrating the queer experience year round. It is necessary for representation, inclusion, support and connection. It's also important to invest in the businesses that are not only here to welcome and support us, but those that represent us through its leadership or staff."

With only a few gay bars and events in Nassau, Western Suffolk and Fire Island, Demetillo saw a need for it and QueerLI (pronounced queer-lee) hopes to partner with a variety of businesses and organize young adult mixers and events all over the east end to socialize and network within the LGBTQ+ community. Everyone within the queer community is welcome, as well as allies!

Don't miss their next event, Friday the 13th Queer Costume Party, at Better Man Distilling in Patchogue on 8/13 from 5-10pm. Live music starts at 6pm. Eat Me Drink Me Food Truck will be serving up a variety of delicious comfort food with vegan and GF options. Special cocktails will be offered all night!

Follow @queerlisocial on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events. Stay tuned for an End of Summer dance party and Queer Field Day.

If you are a local business looking to host a QueerLI event, please reach out to Michelle at [email protected].