Meetups in Thanet for LGBTQ+ folk who like to do stuff

If ever there was a marker of a community, the breadth and volume of Thanet’s queer meetup groups is a good one. 

Organisations such as Margate Pride and Margate Black Pride are great resources and advocates for the community. Gay bars like CAMP and Margate Arts Club are busy hubs, hosting an events programme throughout the year beyond drinking and dancing, although there’s that too. 

However, with groups for everything from sunset watching and circus to self-defence classes for trans people and socials for older people, Thanet’s LGBTQ+ meetup groups are full flavoured, speaking to the diversity and creativity within the community, and its political and social charge. 

Margate Pride’s Head of Engagement, Ellie says the volume of meetups is due to Thanet’s DIY-culture and an engaged community. 

“The community has really delivered,” Ellie says. “We are so grateful that our community is showing up and making spaces that mean there is literally something for everyone. 

“Living in such a DIY place never gets old so Thanet queers never stop starting new, incredibly niche social groups.

“Queer sunset watching is the queerest thing we’ve ever heard!”

While there are several running and crafting groups about the place, Ellie says meetup groups are vital for the LGBTQ+ community. 

“We historically have been, and continue to be, marginalised and targeted by homophobic, transphobic (and various other phobic) attitudes,” Ellie adds. 

“Unfortunately, we’ve had many LGBTQIA+ friends experience negative attitudes at social groups or sports clubs, which is what leads us to create our own spaces where we can guarantee we will not experience this.

“LGBTQIA+ people deserve spaces in which they feel safe and held, and this is not something we can guarantee in groups that are not queer-led.”

While these groups aim to create safe spaces for queer folk, you’ll find most will welcome allies too. However it’s important to keep in mind queer groups come from a need for LGBTQ+ people to feel safe, seen and “have a community where they can be completely themselves,” Ellie says. 

“If attending, you are going into a space which has not been created to centre heterosexual people; so listen, be respectful, and remember why these spaces have needed to be created."

Pointing out the obvious, Ellie says if you're not sure you can attend the meetup group as an ally, the easiest way to work this out is to ask. “Send the organiser a message and see if [the group] is a space for allies too.

"But if the reply is no, that’s okay - the best allies acknowledge that not every space or event is made for them!”

So with that in mind, if you identify as LGBTQ+, here’s where you can hit a ball, go for a run, decoupage or try a counterbalance as part of a community that will show you the love. 

Queer Meetup Groups in Thanet

Queer Swim Margate

A “trans-centered, fat-positive, anti-racist” group for sea-dippers of all bodies, who usually meet at the Walpole Bay tidal pool for dips, hangs and natters.
instagram.com/queerswimmargate/

Queer Fight Club

Run by Trans Club Margate, Queer Fight Club is self defense classes for trans and queer people. It runs every Thursday from 6pm-7pm. It’s free, but book because places will be limited initially, while the team acquires equipment. Location details on the ticket. 

Trans Club Margate

A group for trans people, and their families. As well as Queer Fight Club, the group hosts days out, advocacy events, family meet ups, as well as things like crafting sessions.
instagram.com/transclubmargate/

Pool 4 Queers

Pool sharks at the ready, this one meets at Margate’s Lido Pool Hall to grab a cue and sink the pink, or however you play the game. 
instagram.com/pool4queers/

Crafty Queers

Perhaps you’re looking to bedazzle a jacket, press a badge, or just want to get on with your needle work or knitting - Margate-based Crafty Queers is for whatever craft you want.
instagram.com/craftyqueers_margate/

Cirque De Mar-Gay

For “weird circus folk”, LGBTQ+ crew and allies, Cirque De Mar-Gay meet monthly-ish at the beach for sandy counter balances, clowning, tricks and circus revelry. The group moves to ARK Cliftonville in the colder months.
instagram.com/cirquedemargay/

Potluck Margate

It’s a pretty simple but delightful concept. A bunch of queer people meet up every now and then, weather permitting, to chat and hang out, while munching on each other’s dishes. Not a euphemism. 
instagram.com/potluck.margate/

Queer Knit

Another craft-focused group, but specifically for knitters. Held at Margate Arts Club. Crochet and general crafting also welcomed.
instagram.com/queer.kniiit/

Margate Queer Writers

Not a meetup group but a collective of LGBTQI+ writers living in Margate. The collective has created projects like Queering the Margate Map, which connected queer experience and stories to locations around Margate. Also puts on writing workshops.
instagram.com/margatequeerwriters/

Queer Tennis Ramsgate

Queer Ramsgate meet on Wednesdays, from 7pm at Spencer Square for a bash about with the ball. They also put on the less frequent social at Penelope’s wine bar. Check Instagram for when the next one is on.
instagram.com/queerramsgate/

Queer Run Margate

Are you a runner, or just someone who wants to take a walk among company? Queer Run Margate takes place weekly and welcomes you whether you want to go as fast as you can or at a more leisurely pace. The trot starts at Bugsy's, on Wednesdays at 6.30pm. Dogs welcome.
instagram.com/queerrunmargate/

Sugar Rush

Currently lying low after closing down Salon Du Miel on the High Street, watch this space for DIY-artsy ongoings in Ramsgate.
instagram.com/sugar_rush_ramsgate/

Bower Street Morris

Open to everyone, but this group of hankie waving, white-wearing, leaping Morris dancers is definitely welcoming of the LGBTQ+ community. 
instagram.com/bowerstreetmorris/

Queer Sunset Club

One of the best things to do in Margate during summer just got better, with the addition of a group of queer sun-gazers bringing potluck-style snacks to eat while the sun goes down.
instagram.com/queer_sunset_club_margate/

CAMP’s Book Club

Does what it says on the tin; a monthly book club hosted at CAMP that focuses on queer literature.
instagram.com/campmargate/

Ramsgate Pride

Founded in 2024, this grassroots, community-minded crew are working on Ramsgate 2025’s Pride taking place on June 14.
instagram.com/ramsgatepride/

LGBTQ+ Young Adults Group

Another new group, this one is for young folk aged around 18 to 25 who are looking to make new friends. Organised by Margate Pride, people utilising the group will have a say in what shape it takes going forward. The first meet up took place last Thursday, May 8, at CAMP for pizza and board games, with the second Thursday of every month from 6pm-7.30pm bookmarked going forward. The next venue is TBC.
instagram.com/p/DInuTI7vMdi/

Tea-Time Socials

Another Margate Pride initiative, but this one is a monthly get-together for “swishy seniors” aged 55 and older. Usually held at the Tom Thumb Theatre in Margate, there’s teas, coffees, cakes and performances.
instagram.com/p/DIVsuuZstED/