In a world where digital connections are more prevalent than ever, finding genuine community can still be a challenge, especially for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Pippa Palmer, a non-binary actor and former contestant on the BBC’s I Kissed A Girl is addressing this issue head-on with the launch of Queer Connected an innovative app designed to foster connections within the queer community.
The app, set to launch on 15 August aims to be a comprehensive hub for LGBTQIA+ individuals to make friends, discover events, and create their own community groups. Palmer’s inspiration for Queer Connected stems from their personal experiences of queer loneliness and the difficulty of finding events and friends in a predominantly straight, heteronormative area.
From Personal Struggles to Community Building
Palmer’s journey to creating Queer Connected began with their own struggles to find a queer community. I didn’t have any queer friends until a year and a half ago, when I moved to East London they shared. It was only after hosting a dinner party and meeting a few queer friends that Palmer realized the profound impact these friendships could have.
The app’s key features include a UK-wide listings section for FLINTA* (Female, Lesbian, Intersex, Non-binary, Trans, and Agender) events, a group page for creating local meet-ups, and a friend-matching service similar to Bumble BFF. Palmer emphasized the importance of these features, noting that discovering events can be challenging without the right social media connections. I’ve tried to find events and massively struggled. Unless you’re following them on Instagram or happen to have it on your TikTok feed, a lot of the time you will never find these events.
The Power of Community and the Snowball Effect
Palmer encourages LGBTQIA+ individuals to take the initiative in finding their community. Just do it. Sometimes, when finding your own queer community, you need to make that first step they advised. Palmer believes that once individuals find one or two queer friends, the connections can grow exponentially. As soon as you find one or two queer friends, it’s such a snowball.
The early response to Queer Connected has been overwhelmingly positive, with already 1,000 people on the waitlist. Palmer expressed gratitude for the support and highlighted the app’s potential to fill a significant gap in the queer community. The app will also feature articles written by and for the queer community, covering topics such as coming out stories and explorations of queer history.
Launch Details and Future Prospects
Queer Connected is set to launch on 15 August with waitlist members gaining early access. Interested individuals can find more information and sign up via the app’s Instagram page, @queerconnected_. Palmer’s vision for the app extends beyond mere connections; it aims to create a space where queer joy and community can thrive.
As the LGBTQIA+ community continues to seek meaningful connections and safe spaces, Queer Connected offers a promising solution. By providing a platform for events, friendships, and community groups, the app has the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of many.
