The Social Gays come to Brighton
– 1 min read
A Chat with Douglas Hawkins, Founder of The Social Gays Brighton
By Liran Notik, Scene Magazine
We had a lovely time chatting with Douglas Hawkins, the heart and mind behind The Social Gays Brighton — a fresh and much-needed addition to the city’s LGBTQ+ landscape.
Douglas, a true Brightonian, shared his inspiration with us:
“Born and bred in Brighton, I’ve always loved how vibrant and open our city is—but I’ve also felt like something’s been missing… that real sense of community. The kind where you can meet new people, form genuine friendships, and feel like you belong."
That longing for deeper, more meaningful social connection led Douglas to create The Social Gays — a welcoming space for gay men aged 21 and up to come together, make new friends, and enjoy real-life experiences beyond the usual club or bar scene.
“Whether you’re new to Brighton, looking to expand your social circle, or just fancy a night with good vibes and even better company — this is for you,” he says.
From low-key mixers and speed dating nights to brunches, quizzes, and more, The Social Gays is all about fun without the pressure — and definitely without the cliques.
“It’s not about cliques or scenes. It’s about connection.”
Douglas invites everyone to follow along for updates on events and to come say hi. Trust us — Brighton’s social life just got a whole lot warmer.
Follow @thesocialgaysbrighton on Instagram to stay in the loop.
Written by
TV host, presenter, and content creator. Based in the UK, Liran works as a correspondent and reporter, regularly appearing on red carpets, lifestyle programs, and entertainment segments.
