Top 10 Ways to Connect with Your Queer Community This Fall

Fall is here, which means cooler weather, busier schedules, and fewer chances to connect with friends and chosen family. In the summer, we naturally run into people. Events are happening, people are hanging out outside, and we have boundless energy to spend time with our friends. But then the cold and fall schedule hits, and we feel more inclined to wrap ourselves in a blanket and stay inside.

But community doesn’t have to fade with the summer sun. In fact, fall is the perfect season to slow down, gather indoors, and intentionally build queer joy. But sometimes you may feel at a loss for where to start. So whether you’re craving laughter, skill-sharing, or just cozy vibes with people who get you, here are 10 ways to stay connected with your queer community this fall.

1. Host a Potluck Dinner

Nothing says queer comfort like gathering around a table filled with everyone’s favorite dishes. My community in Montreal was built around food-sharing. Potlucks are budget-friendly, low-pressure, and a beautiful way to taste the cultural traditions and comfort foods of your community. 

It’s also a lower-pressure way to hang out for us queer introverts out there. Gathering around a meal is a great focal point, and you can stay just for the meal or hang out longer if you’re feeling it. And if people are at a loss, set a theme (soups, fall harvest, nostalgic childhood meals) or keep it open-ended. Although let's be honest, chips or a bottle of wine are still great in a pinch. 😘 Either way, you’ll leave full in more ways than one.

2. Clothing Swap + Mending Skillshare

As the weather cools, we’re all digging into closets for warmer layers. At Origami Customs, we’re always in favour of making fashion last as long as possible. So, why not gather friends for a clothing swap where you can refresh your wardrobe sustainably, and affirm your gender expression at the same time? 

Clothing swaps are where I get a ton of clothes. My friends have great taste, but we all get bored with our wardrobe sometimes. I always leave with stuff I’m in love with (with the exception of those 2 years where all of us were only giving away fem clothes that no one else wanted. 😂)

Add in a mending skillshare to learn quick fixes like sewing on buttons or patching denim. A queer take on fashion is always better when shared and sustainable.

3. Singalong Night (Gay Edition!)

Turn up your queer anthems, pour some tea (or wine), and sing your heart out. Whether you’re belting Chappell Roan, Lady Gaga, or your favorite campy classics, a queer singalong night is pure catharsis. You don’t even need a karaoke machine! Just look up your favourite tracks “with lyrics” on YouTube, and gather around your laptop.

 Singing together is a community practice as old as time. Not only does it give you the sensation of working together with your queer family, but singing also releases endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine! That’s one way to shake off the cold-weather blues! Bonus points if you make it a regular tradition. It’s like karaoke, but cozier and gayer.

4. Meal Prep + Food Swap

If you live alone, then you’re well aware that cooking for one can be draining, especially in colder months. It is so much easier to spend money and order in (or, in my case, forget to eat at all) than it is to walk to the grocery store and wrap your head around what to make. And is it just me, or does anyone else get sick of their own leftovers? 🙋 

So plan a meal prep night where everyone batch cooks a dish and swaps portions. Cooking together is WAY more fun, and actually motivates you to make something good (and probably more healthy.) Freezer-friendly meals mean you’ll have ready-made nourishment, and every bite will remind you of your community’s care.

5. Trash TV Night (Fantasy Football, But Gay)

Okay, I’ll be honest about my guilty pleasure- Reality TV. 😂 There’s something I love about watching people’s drama other than my own. But reality TV is always SO much better with commentary, and queer folks have the best hot takes. 

Pick a show (Drag Race, Queer Ultimatum, Couple to Throuple, or something utterly chaotic) and root for your faves together. We personally love snarking our favourite characters and laughing about the ridiculousness together. Make it a weekly ritual. because sometimes yelling at the screen is the best kind of bonding.

6. Dog Meetup or Socialization Walk

I know that not all of you may have dogs, but I do! And although I love our daily walks, it’s always better when a pal joins me. For the queer dog parents out there, a pup playdate is an easy way to gather outdoors, swap training tips, and let your dogs enjoy community, too. 

No pup of your own? Borrow a friend’s, or just show up for cuddles. And if you’re not a dog person, just go for a walk with friends! Let’s bring back walking around the neighbourhood together after dinner or during work breaks. You get an excuse to move your body and connect at the same time. Everyone wins.

7. Manicure & Pedicure Night

Yeah, I may be in my masc era right now, but I still love a good spa day. And self-care feels better in good company. I will never not love a night where all my friends show up, don face skincare masks, and giggle about crushes.

Set out some polish, nail files, glitter, skincare products, whatever you love, and turn a night in into a DIY spa evening. Bring snacks, play music, lie in your coziest pajamas (or our new Bamboo Lounge Undies 😍), and tell each other secrets while your nails dry.

8. Go See the Fall Leaves

Not every community event has to be indoors. Organize a group walk or hike to admire the fall colors in your neighbourhood or local park. For us in Montreal, heading somewhere close (like the Regional Park of Val-Morin) when the fall colors pop is our favourite. 

It’s free, grounding, and a gentle way to connect with your queer fam, while at the same time connecting to nature! It can be really healing to embrace and honor the changing of the seasons. And it’s a perfect activity for introverts or anyone looking for low-key togetherness.

9. Skillshare Night

We all have something to teach. From juggling to making spreadsheets less painful, host a skillshare evening where one person does a “quick and dirty” demo of something they know. You can do several in an evening, or make it a regular event where someone new teaches something each week! 

Whenever I mention this to strangers, people seem to get a little shy about not having something to share. But I guarantee that you have at least one thing that you’re a total nerd about that your friends would love to learn! Think outside the box, and don’t only focus on the skill that you monetize. You’ll leave with new skills and a deeper appreciation for each other’s brilliance.

10. Craft + Preserve Together

Cold nights are made for craft circles, and creating together in the home is such an ancient tradition. Knitting, collaging, zines, jewelry-making, or any creative pursuit all count. You don’t even have to all do the same thing! Bring whatever you’re working on and be creative in whatever way feels best.

Want to take it up a notch? Try making preserves, herbal medicine, or ferments like sauerkraut or fire cider together. Not all of these things are hard, and most things you can learn from the internet. So why not try your hand at it together? You’ll leave with jars full of goodness and memories that last even longer.

Building Queer Community This Fall

The colder months can sometimes feel isolating, but intentional connection makes all the difference. We don’t need to wait for an organization to create events for us; we just need the willingness to start at home. From physical nourishment to creative pursuits to hanging out, these gatherings help sustain us through the darker days and keep queer joy thriving. 

However you choose to gather, remember: community care is revolutionary. So grab your chosen family, share your skills, and keep the queer magic alive this fall.