Melanin Vybz (formally the 'BAME/PoC' group) is for all Opening Doors members from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and communities.

Melanin Vybz Meet-ups

Melanin Vybz online

These new in-person meetings are held in a sober LGBTQ+ venue in central London. They give us an opportunity for us to share our own stories and learn from each other’s experience. In a fun and supportive environment. Do you want to: • Meet new people? • Engage in deeper and richer conversations? • Be honest and open enough to find genuine support? Then this group is for you. Our meetups take place every third Friday of the month, 5.30 – 7.30 pm

When the world locked down in early 2020 our BAME/PoC group went online. These online socials continue for those who live outside Greater London, have mobility or other health conditions or other commitments (such as being a carer) and are unable to regularly attend the in-person meetup. This is an opportunity to still find some social support; those in this group share what they have been up to and ask questions of the group about things they're dealing with. It’s amazing how uplifting conversations can be with others who can relate to your own situation. Our online sessions take place every last Friday of the month, 4.00 - 5.00 pm

Meet the team

The Melanin Vybz team is led by Stephen (he/him) - the BAME/PoC Engagement Officer for Opening Doors. Stephen is an experienced group facilitator who has worked for many voluntary and community organisations over the years and has volunteered and participated with a range of LGBTQ+ groups in the past.

 

Stephen is supported by the following trained volunteers:

Jay (he/him) is a mature man of Indian descent. Brought up in Africa and now residing in London. Well travelled and has a variety of interests.

Umar (he/him) is a Scottish-Pakistani civil servant, raised in Glasgow and currently living in London. He enjoys music, festivals, politics and travelling.

If you're interested in joining or would like more information, please send an email:

[email protected]

We are also looking for a more balanced team and are looking to recruit cis and trans women volunteers. If you would like to gain experience in facilitation, event management, research or communications this might be just the volunteering opportunity for you. Please see the full role description on our volunteering pages: 

https://www.openingdoors.lgbt/Pages/Category/volunteer