The Gay Birders Club was formed in 1994 in response to an advert placed in Gay Times urging gay and lesbian birdwatchers to get in contact.

Fifteen respondees gathered for the first event in February 1995 in Dorset. The name was decided and, with further advertising in the gay and birding press and at the British Birdwatching Fair, the Club soon attracted members from around Britain. The Club has continued to grow since, with an increasing number of members worldwide. Our membership currently stands at over 300, with almost as many women as men.

The prime ethos of the Club is to bring gay and lesbian birdwatchers together. This is done primarily through the extensive programme of events. Since 1998, there have been over 100 events each year. These range from evening walks, to weekend events at prime birdwatching locations, to extended GBC holidays to international destinations such as Nepal, California, India, The Gambia, Costa Rica and Australia.

Every eighteen months, the Club also holds a Grand Get-Together bringing as many members together in one place as possible for a weekend of socialising and birdwatching. The social element of the Club is further underlined by the fact that London has a monthly GBC pub night, and there are regular bar-B-Qs and meals to complement the birdwatching calendar. Full details of events are available only to members, but the GBC Events section will give you an indication of the range of events on offer.

With such a friendly all-inclusive atmosphere, the Club attracts - and welcomes - members with all levels of birding expertise. Whether you enjoy seeing rarities, which in the UK have included GBC ticks such as Lanceolated Warbler, Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler and Black-headed Bunting, or just want to get the chance to see favourites like Puffin, Golden Eagle and Kingfisher, the Club can provide you with the opportunity.

As a member, you will also receive the quarterly newsletter Out Birding, and be able to join the GBC egroup.

Some people wonder why there is a need for a Gay Birders Club; indeed it is not obvious until you participate in your first event. Keener birdwatchers have found it suddenly brings together two very important parts of their life. They can go birding with other people and not worry about conversation which strays into non-birding matters. Other members knew they were interested in birds, but did not want to get involved in their local bird club because they felt uncomfortable with the attitudes of straight birdwatchers. They suddenly found their interest could develop in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Events bring together not only people of mixed birding abilities but at different stages of coming out.

The Club understands and respects the need for discretion and confidentiality. Your name and details will not be passed to anyone else without your prior permission. We do ask you however to consider having your name and details forwarded to your Regional Contact to ensure that the events they organise suit you and others in your area. All mailing is done in plain envelopes. The Club is non-profit making and all monies raised go towards the production of the newsletter, the cost of advertising in the gay and birding press, and to conservation work.

If you would like to join the Gay Birders Club, you can fill out your personal details and send them now.