I always struggled to make friends within the gay community of Ipswich. Partly that was me trying to hold the gay community at arms length but the other part was how introverted and cliquey the gay men of Ipswich were.
I gave this group a go on a whim and I’ve gone from someone who struggled to have a social life to someone who now struggles to find time to see everyone.
This group is a safe non judgement space for any gay man which I’d truly a breath of fresh air.

I moved to the area recently and as anyone can imagine knowing nobody is immediately lonely! This group really helped me to get out and see people, explore the town, and allowed me to settle into the space. It’s such a great group of guys and I never feel like I’m excluded from the conversation.

Leaving London behind us and moving to Ipswich when the world went COVID crazy was a tough choice for my husband and I, FA and GS, the FAGS, but arriving and settling into our new home and new town only to come to the miserably grim and deeply depressing realisation that there’s basically nothing for Gay guys outside of London was an even tougher reality than we had bargained for and it weighed heavily on our souls!
This was not a future that the FAGS were about to just sit by and accept!
So we decided to do something about it!
We took matters into our own hands and created GSM, organised social events, Invited EVERYONE we possibly could from all the colours of the rainbow and began to pull everyone together.
We built up a warm and welcoming community of kind and compassionate guys who all look out for and look after each other and then we continued to build and grow!
This is, without a shadow of doubt, the best thing we FAGS have done in our lives!
The immeasurable sense of love and pride that we feel for our guys is beyond comprehension and we use our passion as fuel to push harder and build bigger and better things for our people!

I think it was a great and beautiful thing to create this space for the guys in our community. It helps bring people together to socialise and make friend. It is also a great support and way to help people come out of their shell allowing them to be their authentic selves.
Thanks to Glen and Fernando for creating this safe place and allowing people to be themselves while respecting the views of others in the group and wider circle of friends.
Thank you

Founding this group with my husband was one of the best decision of our life, we have met and continue to meet so many incredible people since 2022 and we couldn’t be more proud of you all. Thank you for coming on this journey with us. FA

Joining the Gay Social Men group has been such a fantastic experience! It’s a truly great initiative that brings people together in a warm and welcoming environment. After moving to the area, my partner and I struggled to find local friends, but this group was a real game changer. It helped us expand our social circle and meet some amazing people who have become good friends. The founders, FAGS, are incredibly friendly and inclusive, making everyone feel right at home. We’re so grateful to be part of this wonderful community!

I first attended the meetups 2 years ago. I have made so many new friends in those last two years and have enjoyed getting to know gay guys in and around Ipswich who are looking for more than the casual ‘hook ups’. My social life has grown exponentially, joining quiz teams, film nights, bowling, walking and cycling or just meeting in the park for a picnic with the guys (or gays should I say). I know it can feel intimidating to come to an event on a Friday night with guys you don’t know. However, I promise you won’t regret it – We are all very friendly and have been there so Know what you are going through. Go on, take the chance!

I have been a member of the GSM from the very beginning and it is wonderful to see how much the group has grown.
The organisers and members are very welcoming. Everyone is approachable.
The venue is steeped in lots of character and history. It’s a real gem of a building. The bar staff are friendly and there is usually live music on a Friday evening too!
If you’re considering joining the group, you won’t be disappointed.

My husband and I moved to Ipswich during the pandemic. We tried for nearly two years to meet people and make friends but it was so difficult to really connect with anyone locally. We nearly gave up hope until we came to the first GSM Meetup. Week after week we met new people made friends and after two years we feel like we have such a large, close-knit community! We wouldn’t trade it for the world! We’ve met some of our best friends in Ipswich through GSM and we count the founders among them. We feel so fortunate to have found such a welcoming, friendly group of gay men!