At 47, Laura Young found it challenging to meet women her age, especially in the suburbs west of Chicago, where she lives. Taking matters into her own hands, she founded Sapphic Before Sunset—a social group focused on creating events for the 35+ queer community-last winter. With the slogan “mix, mingle & still get to bed on time,” the group is quickly gaining traction.
“I’ve always been philanthropic,” Young said. “I wanted every dollar raised to go directly to a selected [LGBTQ+] nonprofit,” Young explained, so securing a free venue was key. After making numerous calls, she connected with Robert’s Westside in Forest Park, which was open to the idea. “They primarily host live music, but they’re open to other events,” she said.
With the help of volunteers, Young organized the first Sapphic Before Sunset event at Robert’s Westside in January 2024.
“It was MLK weekend and the coldest day of the year,” she recalled, adding that she was at the time unsure of how many would show up. To her surprise, nearly 40 people braved the weather, raising $400 for Brave Space Alliance, a Black- and trans-led LGBTQ+ center on Chicago’s South Side.
Building on that success, Young organized another event at Robert’s Westside in February, raising $400 for the Lighthouse Foundation, a Black- and LGBTQ+-led multiracial social justice organization serving the LGBTQ+ community. By March, Sapphic Before Sunset expanded to include a “Singles and More Mixer” at The Outta Space in Berwyn, supporting Life is Work, a trans-led social services and advocacy group.
“People were asking, ‘When are you going to come to the city?’” Young said. She subsequently organized a gathering at Blind Barber—a speakeasy hidden behind a barbershop in the Fulton Market area—and an event at Dorothy, a lesbian bar in the West Town neighborhood.
“It’s hard to meet people, and I’m always looking for social gatherings,” said Melissa, 48, who traveled from the western suburbs into the city to attend the event at Dorothy. She noted how welcoming everyone was and appreciated the group’s commitment to giving back. “I like that they donate money to diverse causes–it’s commendable.”
Richelle Gordon, 66, is no stranger to Sapphic Before Sunset events. In fact her band, #QueerCountry Bandwagon, took the stage at one of the gatherings this past July.
“I so appreciate this Sapphic group of older queer people,” she remarked. “It leans heavily towards lesbians but it’s open to all queer folk.”
Young emphasized the importance of hosting her events at venues that are both “safe and inclusive.”
“I want trans folks to feel welcome. I want BIPOC people to feel welcome. I want genderqueer people to feel welcome,” she said.
According to Young, the average age of attendees is between 40 to 60 years old. “It’s a nice little cross-section, and very diverse in all identities and relationship structures…It’s also very informal, with no nametags or wristbands. In general, it’s a chill gathering of people.”
In 2024, the organization has already raised $2000 for local LGBTQ+ non-profits including Youth Outlook, Brave Space Alliance, Life is Work, Lighthouse Foundation, Center on Halsted, Lambda Legal and Midwest Access Coalition.
Beyond the fundraising, Sapphic Before Sunset has sparked meaningful connections too.
“We’ve had a singles mixer and some love connections, which was great,” said Young. “For an older crowd, the pool of potential partners is smaller, and there aren’t as many spaces to meet. We’ve been able to fill that gap.”
For more information and to get involved, contact Laura Young at sapphicbeforesunset@gmail.com or on Instagram at sapphicbeforesunset.
While Sapphic Before Sunset creates local opportunities, there are also plenty of options for those outside Chicago looking to connect with the LBT+ community. The HER dating app provides an inclusive online space for queer women, nonbinary folks, and trans sapphics. LittleGayBook.com offers in-person lesbian, bi, queer, and trans Speed Dating events in San Francisco, LA, San Diego, and Brooklyn, plus online sessions nationwide. Damn Good Dyke Nights hosts events at unique and upscale venues in Los Angeles, while Witches of Miami produces parties in Miami centering queer and trans femmes, immigrants and first-gen people of color. Sip City Mixer throws parties focusing on women, femmes, trans, non-binary and gender-nonconforming queer Philadelphians. For a getaway, Olivia Travel offers trips ideal for solo LBT+ travelers. Connect, mix and mingle–no matter where you are!