Queers and Beers YYJ

About Queers & Beers YYJ

We host casual meetups for 2SLGBTQ+ folks in & around Victoria, BC. Join us to explore local beer, wine and ciders. 19+

Who runs the group and why?

We started these events in 2022 as a way to meet other queer folks in town, and enjoy some low-pressure social time while supporting awesome, queer-friendly, local businesses. 🏫

There are four of us behind the events: Ethan (he/him), Geri (she/they), Michael (he/him) and Sam (she/her). Geri & Sam also coordinate the She/They night side events. 👥

Who is welcome?

While the venues we work with are open to the public (these are not closed/private spaces), our events are intended to create space for our 2SLGBTQ+ community from around the region 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

We are not in the business of questioning someone’s identity, so we welcome and accept everyone at face value. That said, we ask our straight allies to consider visiting these wonderful breweries at other times 🙏

Most* of our events are open to any and all gender identities and presentations. Come as you are, we see and respect you 💕

*A few times a year, we organize side events to centre queer women, trans+, nonbinary and gender nonconforming folks. These She/They nights fall outside of our regular schedule and will be promoted on our page once dates/times/locations are confirmed! ✅

What to expect at a Queers & Beers night?

These events are intended to be casual, informal hangouts. There’s no agenda, you’re welcome to arrive anytime during our posted hours, and leave at any time. 🕰️

When you arrive at the venue, you’ll usually find a table with name tags and markers. Feel free to note your preferred name and pronouns on the tag! We find it’s easier to meet new people when you can remember their names :) 📇

Earlier in the evening, you might find one or more of our organizing team near the venue entrance. If you arrive a little later, we’ll likely be mingling in the crowd, taking photos, checking in with the venue staff, etc. 📸

It’s good to note that our little community has grown immensely over the years! We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has shown up to these events, and for being such a warm and welcoming community to new queer folks in town too! 👋

These days, we are averaging 100+ people during peak times, so you can expect the space to be busy if you’re arriving later. 🎉

We understand it can feel intimidating to walk into a crowded space where you might not know a lot of people. We hope you’ll feel comfortable introducing yourself to a stranger or two; if you’re feeling shy please send us a DM a few days before the event so we can be sure to keep an eye out for you and say hello 😊

Beers, etc

Yes, we host our events at some of the city’s best breweries, and yes “beers” rhymes with “queers”, but there are plenty of other options for folks who either dislike beer or prefer to stay sober🍹

All of the venues we partner with have non-beer (wine, cider and/or spirits) and non-alcoholic options, including non-alcoholic beers, soda, kombucha, etc. 🧃

Food options are sometimes available, ranging from a full kitchen, to handhelds, to bar snacks. Certain venues will allow outside food on the premises, check with them if you’re unsure :) 🍜

A good reminder that drinking responsibly is key: know your limits, drink some water, have a snack, make sure you have a safe way to get home. Also: look out for others! We’re a community, let’s take care of each other. 🫂

Let’s talk consent

Consent happens when everyone involved in an interaction demonstrates—through words or actions—that they freely and mutually agree to participate in a contact or activity. 🤝

This includes:
• Clear communication
• Asking before doing
• Respecting boundaries
• Accepting rejection
• Learning non-verbal cues
• Checking in often

This can include any type of interaction, be it verbal or physical. We want everyone who attends a Queers & Beers night to feel safe and comfortable. If anyone is making you feel uneasy or not respecting your boundaries, please let one of us know. 💜