Welcome to ‘I Tried It!’ an ongoing series in which our reporters try novel or trendy experiences in New York — so you can decide if you want to.
For the past several months, tickets to a speed dating event aimed at queer women, nonbinary people and transmasc folks have been selling out in days.
The premise of each event, called “We Met IRL Queer,” is simple: 20 people show up at a bar, and go on “dates” that last about four minutes.
The creator of “We Met IRL,” Maxine Williams, 27, started a heterosexual dating series of the same name in February 2022 and began offering an LGBTQ+ version last June, to coincide with Pride Month. It’s been a hit ever since, and has sold out every time.
“We were imposed with isolation during the pandemic for so long that we crave personal connection,” said Williams.
“Pre-pandemic, we used to see so many articles like ‘Gen-Z is so on their phones,” said Williams. “They love social media and dating apps!’ And I just don’t think that’s the case.”
Having broken up with my ex-girlfriend more than a year ago, and with the cold, lonely months of cuffing season just around the corner, I figured I was open to meeting the love of my life — or, at the very least, diving into the dating pool.
Imagine all of the anxiety before a first date with a stranger. Now multiply it by 20.
The queer speed dating events happen every month at The Bush, a self-described “dyke bar for the Queers” in Bushwick that opened earlier this year.
At a good friend’s apartment before the event, I frantically examined my outfit from every angle in the bathroom mirror as we rehearsed potential conversation topics. I chugged a Red Bull and reapplied blush for the umpteenth time.
Courtesy “We Met IRL”
My best friend – who is straight – reminded me that I literally make small talk with strangers for a living. Somehow, I did not feel better. Asking questions and getting to the bottom of a story can be thrilling — small-talking with…
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