Sunday, March 1st 2pm-4pm
Balaclava, Melbourne
Pause & Play is a gentle, playful gathering for LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent humans who want to meet like-minded people in a low-sensory, light, and pressure-free environment.
This space is designed for those who crave connection without overwhelm, where you can arrive as you are, stay regulated, and let connection unfold naturally through shared play rather than forced conversation.
Here, we prioritise nervous system safety, clarity, and softness. Through simple, familiar games and gentle facilitation, you’re invited to connect, without needing to perform, mask, or explain yourself.
Whether you’re seeking community, playful presence, or a new way of meeting people that actually feels accessible, this space welcomes you exactly as you are.
Pause & Play
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Pause & Play 🌈
This is for you if:
You’re LGBTQIA+ and/or neurodivergent and want to meet people without loud, overstimulating environments
You prefer gentle structure, clear expectations, and predictable flow
You find connection easier through shared activities rather than small talk
You’re craving lightness, play, and ease in social spaces
You want community without pressure to overshare or be “on”
You value low-sensory, consent-led environments
You want to socialise in a way that supports your nervous system
This might NOT be for you if:
You are NOT under the LGBTQIA+ and Neurodivergent banner
You’re looking for a high-energy, fast-paced social or networking event
You want deep emotional processing, coaching, or therapeutic group work
You’re uncomfortable with quiet, gentle, or softly facilitated spaces
You prefer unstructured mingling over guided flow
You’re seeking clinical therapy or medical support (this is a community-based, nervous-system-aware gathering, not treatment)
What’s included:
A 2-hour facilitated connection space
Opening grounding meditation to support arrival and regulation
Rotating game stations with familiar, low-pressure games (UNO, Connect Four, Guess Who?, Scrabble + more)
Typed and laminated rules at each station for clarity and ease
Partnered and small group play with gentle, predictable rotations
A 15-minute rest break built into the experience
Snacks, herbal tea, and sparkling water
Fidgets available throughout the session
A closing grounding and reflection practice
A low-sensory, welcoming environment where all ways of being are honoured
Investment:
The investment for this 2-hour experience is $40 AUD.
This gathering is capped at 14 humans to ensure a gentle, spacious, and connected experience.