Out and Active NI describes itself as a “community-driven sports and social group dedicated to providing a welcoming, inclusive and supportive space for LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies”.
Mr Gribben said groups like this are still needed.
“We have loads of amazing things in 2025 like phones and apps, but we are finding a lot of our younger members don’t really know how to communicate with people in person without drink or an app,” he said.
“They really struggle to just make friends unless it’s through a computer screen and it’s been really nice to see younger people really embrace just playing a game and making friends.”
Since the formation of Out and Active NI, Mr Gribben has put together a committee to plan weekly events, workshops and activities.
“Some of the feedback we’ve got is that if we’re playing a game of something, like rounders, some members have said that it feels really good to them and gives them a real buzz when people are chanting their name and chanting for them… and they’ve never had that before,” he said.
“It’s kind of wholesome.”