What's on in London: Pleasure Medicine

A unique way of tackling loneliness and disconnection.

What's on in London: Pleasure Medicine

Created by Gary Albert, Pleasure Medicine is a community-led response designed to tackle the loneliness and sense of disconnection that many queer men are grappling with.

When is the next Pleasure Medicine event?

The next Pleasure Medicine event is taking place in London on 18 October.

Pleasure Medicine: Connection Workshop & Conscious Dance For Gay Men Tickets - London - OutSavvy
I’ve never felt safe to be my full authentic self around other gay men. Pleasure Medicine is the first time I have felt that.Pleasure Medicine is London’s most exciting new event for gay, bi and queer men.It is a Connection Workshop followed by an Ecstatic Dance experience.The Connection Workshop is an hour of facilitated practices, exercises and games designed to get you meeting all the men in the space in way that feels light and fun.No more walking in worried that nobody is going to talk to you, or scanning the space wanting to connect but finding it tricky. All that goes out the window as you are guided to connect to everyone in the space.The Ecstatic Dance is a 90-minute sober dance journey with a live DJ playing a wave of classical, ambient, disco, tribal, electronic and soul music. This is where you just get to dance, express yourself freely in a welcoming space where all parts of you are celebrated. No more side-stepping-eye-glancing awkward ‘can I truly dance as my self?’ energy.“I found a part of myself I thought I’d lost. It was deep and emotional and fun at the same time”What Happens?OPENING CIRCLEI introduce you to the practice and the guidelines and we create a circle of safety by agreeing to look after ourselves and each other.CONNECTION WORKSHOPA one hour gentle selection of practices and games that awaken connection and get your feeling like you’re really there with everyone.90-MINUTE ECSTATIC DANCEA live DJ set flowing from ambient to tribal, heart-opening disco to deep house. Dance time. CLOSING CIRCLEIntegration circle plus an optional sober social hangout to carry on the conversation and be part of the community. “I wanted to leave after 2 minutes — I felt so awkward. But I stayed… and it became one of the most powerful, transformative experiences of my life. A beautiful evening with beautiful souls.”This is our beautiful space in East London…This Is Your For You If You’re…Want to make new gay friendsWant something deeper, softer, more joyful and realCurious about dance, embodiment and conscious pleasureCraving connection with kind, soulful, open-hearted menLOVE TO DANCE. FAQ’sI don’t think I’m a good dancerGOOD. Because this isn’t a dance class, there are no moves to follow and you’re not being scored. This isn’t about ‘good dancing’. This is about expressing yourself and healing through movement. So if you need to sway in the corner, or twirl around like a show girl, it’s all ok. You’re safe to come and be yourself and more importantly find yourself. The more often guys come, they find their groove and their style and their confidence.I feel too old/too shy/not confident enough/not cool enoughHoney, welcome to the club for those of us that feel different. Most guys that come to Pleasure Medicine are seeking something different to the usual bars, booze, clubs and drugs. We have guys in their 20s to their 70s, every skin colour, body type and background. At Pleasure Medicine we breakdown the judgements and the disconnection. This is a space for all of us. If confidence is something you want to build and practice, Pleasure Medicine is the safest space I know to do just that. There is a beautiful community and friendships blossoming out of Pleasure Medicine. Come and be part of itWhat if I don’t like the music?To be quite frank, I’m bloody brilliant and choosing the set list. But there will inevitably be some tunes you’re not keen on. You’re invited to dance with it and use it as a practice. Simple as that. Most guys love the music by the way. I’ve never done anything like this before. Perfect. Most men who attend Pleasure Medicine come solo and leave feeling more satisfied than they have in a long time. They find other like minded men, discovery joy and fun and find the community they’ve been seeking. Meet Your Guide: Gary AlbertTherapist. Somatic Worker. Conscious DJWith over a decade as a therapist and embodiment facilitator, and now training in Somatic Sexology, Gary helps gay men unlock pleasure, soften shame and rediscover the joy of being in their bodies through dance.He’s also a columnist for QX Magazine, where he writes raw, real reflections on the mess and magic of modern gay life.

What is Pleasure Medicine?

Gary Albert is a therapist, coach, and embodiment facilitator. He's designed Pleasure Medicine with an intention to:

  • Respond to app fatigue and digital burnout by offering face-to-face
    connection without screens or profiles.
  • Provide alternatives to chemsex by creating natural, euphoric, embodied experiences without substance use.
  • Build authentic community by fostering relationships based on presence rather than performance.
  • Encourage body acceptance through movement without judgment or
    shame.
  • Remove the performative masks of masculinity that have become toxic in queer communication.

Gary Albert on How To Date Men

For our podcast, How To Date Men, we caught up with Gary Albert for a behind-the-scenes look at Pleasure Medicine.

In the conversation, we talk primal community, sensual versus sexual, and the power of dance.

Listen to the episode

"We're seeing unprecedented levels of disconnection in our community," explains Gary Albert. "The cycle of hookup apps, chemsex scenes, and superficial club dance floor interactions has left many gay men feeling profoundly isolated despite being constantly 'connected.' Pleasure Medicine is the community-level response I want to see in the world but can't find - a place for gay, queer, bi and trans men to
be together in joy, kindness, connection, intimacy and sensuality".

Pleasure Medicine is taking place in London - check the website for details


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