Speed Love (Speed Dating for the Anti-Cynic)

SPEED LOVE is a speed “dating” event for the tender hearted. Whether you’re in a relationship and want to new friends, hoping for a romantic meetcute, or somewhere in between–we welcome all those with open hearts looking to make new, unexpected connections.

We’re living in a moment where capitalism would prefer us to be pessimistic about love. Dating apps are dead, our obligations are overwhelming–and when was the last time you struck up a conversation with a stranger who matched your vibe? Earnest, sentimental, and a little whimsical, SPEED LOVE rallies against the cynicism of everyday life. Come for quickfire conversations, an all vinyl set, snacks and drinks; leave with a new friend, potential lover, or just a funny even anecdote to share about how your weekend went.

At the start of the event, you’ll be given a sticker to mark what you’re looking for: pink for platonic connections only, light blue for romantic love, and dark blue for those who aren’t sure. You’ll then have the chance to get to know everyone in the room through a round of short chats–we’ll have some customised prompts you can draw on for inspiration, or you can simply follow your curiosity and ask others about whatever you want to know most that day. We want you to come as your authentic self, some come as you are–and all the ways that you are!

Hay is a writer and zinemaker who thinks a lot about the ways in which we are and can be radically transformed by others. They are the creator of POOZINE, a collaborative poetry zine about the pleasures and pains of pooping, and can otherwise be found at @thehaybale or on pierrotlaughs.blogspot.com.