SLOW DATING+
A Place to Meet Gay Men
Without the Masks
Gay Men
Do You Want Something More?
Imagine this…
Instead of the same old cycle of swiping, messaging, pic swaps and ghosting, you could actually meet men face-to-face in ways that feel alive, warm, present and real.
Rather than awkward small talk that rarely goes deeper than the weather or “what do you do, where are you from?”, how about conversations on topics you rarely get to talk about that flow with curiosity, intrigue, creativity, laughter and genuine connection?
If you have become disillusioned with dates that feel like job interviews where you’re unsure and performative, then how about meeting in a space where you can finally let the masks slip away and practice being more yourself.
And if you’ve contemplated the limited relationship possibilities that box you into traditional dating frameworks, imagine exploring the full spectrum of connection; friendships, intimacy, sensuality, sexual, creative collaboration, platonic and romantic love. All honoured as valid and meaningful, neither taking precedent over the other.
Welcome to
Slow Dating+
Speed Dating Sounds Like:
“I must meet someone.
Who’s looking at me?
Who do I fancy?
I didn’t meet anyone, this was a disaster!”
Slow Dating+ Sounds Like:
“Wow, this is really fun. I’m meeting new guys naturally without pressure. Oh, I think we could be friends actually. Even if I don’t fall in love I’ve had an amazing afternoon, made friends and learned so much about myself and others. I feel part of a growing community … and who knows what might spring from that in the future!”
I hear you! I’ve heard the call! I’m here with what I think is the answer my friend…
In a world that moves at lightning speed, where swipes replace real conversations and profiles hide who we really are (enter the Grindr mask logo!), at the Slow Dating+ event, you’re invited to, well, slow down and rediscover the art of authentic relating.
A place to truly meet without the masks.
Added to that, Slow Dating+ is a sober event in the daytime that takes the pressure off meeting ‘the one’.
You are released of the pressure of needing to meet your soulmate! Because this isn’t only about looking for or finding romance. It's about creating meaningful relationships that nourish your soul, whether they bloom into:
Love
Sexual connection
Platonic friendship
Creative collaborations
Something else
It’s also about re-educating (or re-edu-GAY-ting as I call it!) ourselves and learning new skills to take into the world. Whether or not you meet the love of your life, you’ll have had a truly wonderful and joy filled time together and learned plenty!
Slow Dating+ is a unique half-day sanctuary where hearts open, minds meet and genuine connections flourish in the most natural way possible.
Hi, I’m Gary Albert…
For my entire adult life I struggled to find my place in the gay community. I never felt accepted by the tribe. And more importantly I found it hard to accept them.
Mostly, this has been down to feeling different. To being sensitive. To being someone who thinks and feels deeply. And these days I just don’t enjoy clubs, bars, booze and even tho I’m on the apps, they do my f’ing head in. And I have an allergy to surface level connection. This has created a lot of challenges in dating, sex and love. Added to that, my relationship goals do not necessarily always fit into the traditional mould.
I need more. I need something deeper, more honest, more raw and real. And I’ve struggled to find these qualities in the gay ‘community’.
The more gay men I speak to, I’m hearing that you all feel the same too. We are ready for something new, something different, something that aligns with who we really are.
So I decided to do something about it! They say ‘create the thing you want to see in the world’.
First came Pleasure Medicine, my connection workshop and ecstatic dance for gay men that happens every 2 weeks in East London.
And now, a big gay drum roll please…
Slow Dating+ for gay men who are ready to meet without the masks.
What to Expect at Slow Dating+
ARRIVAL & INTRO
Settle into the space, meet your facilitator, light introductions and ice breakers.
‘Mask Melter’ Connection Exercises
Something playful to ease nerves and bring everyone into the moment and create and equal common ground.
Guided Group Activites
Rotating group chats with prompts that go beyond small talk. Interesting and creative topics that support you to feel seen at a deeper level and to see others.
Short Live Music Performances
Live musicians give something deeper and more meaningful to give focus and spark conversation. A live ambient DJ spins an underscore to the games and exercises.
Creative Games
Simple, fun games in groups to spark laughter, create ease and ignite curiosity. In play we tend to let our masks fall away and show a lighter more honest part of ourselves.
Reflective Practices
Visualisation, journalling and inner visioning around what you really want and desire. Not just in relationhip but in your life in general as a gay man — dreams, goals, wishes, wants and desires.
1:1 Time With Men
Moments in pairs to connect around themes of gay life, desire, intimacy and friendship. A chance to share deeper aspects of yourself. Not too short but not too long either. The perfect amount of time to feel someone’s energy beyond surface level chat.
Embodiment Practice
Gentle exercise to loosen up and move your body. And don’t worry. Everything is guided. You won’t be putting on a dance performance! LOL!
Closing Circle
Reflections, appreciations and space to acknowledge the the things you’ve learned.
Optional Hang-Out
Time after to mingle, keep chatting and getting to know each other informally.
All this is carefully curated to support you in getting to know yourself and each other in a way that is light, gentle and effortless, but also deep and engaging — let judgement fall away and curiosity lead.
You’ll learn micro skills to take into your life that will support you to connect more deeply to men you meet out and about. You’ll develop more confidence in your dating and intimate life. You’ll be so glad you came to Slow Dating+ even if you don’t mee ‘the one’ (or two or three… LOL!)
And you’ll become part of a growing community rooted in care, kindness and connection.
The Slow Dating+ Solution
Slow Dating+ is a transformative, fun and joyful half-day experience that honors the sacred art of getting to know gay men more deeply and fully; mind, body, heart, soul and spirit. Drawing from the principles of the original Pleasure Medicine workshop and ecstatic dance for gay men, we create a safe, conscious container for authentic human connection to unfold naturally. We learn through our original essence… play.
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Connection Games
Games and exercises that bypass the small talk and invite you into meaningful dialogue, playful interaction and genuine discovery of each other. Everything is facilitated and guided step-by-step — so if you’re nervous, we got you!
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Embodiment
Embodied expression through movement that allows your fuller self to be seen and felt without the words. Moving beyond mental connection into somatic resonance and playful joy with a live DJ set. It’s all very simple and straight forward and guided, so no nerves necessary.
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Live Music
Nothing creates connection and a vibe like live music. Peppered with mini-performances that give you a focus, something to discuss and a magical heart-opening ambiance offering a focul and connection point.
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Conscious Container
A beautifully held space by a facilitator with over a decade of experience as a therapist, embodiment worker and somatic intimacy coach. Vulnerability is held and honored, boundaries are respected and every form of connection is celebrated — romantic, platonic and creative…
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Guided Sessions
Gentle journeys through visualisation, journalling and inner visioning that help you connect with your desires and intentions, creating clarity about what you seek in relationships, connections and life as a gay man in general! Then chances to share in small groups.
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Meet Without The Masks
The whole experience is designed to gently let the masks we wear slip away. To let ourselves be seen in more truth and authenticity. To allow connection and bonds to form naturally. And to allow yourself to be surprised as you get to know others in new and unique ways.
