Queer Minds hosts monthly movement sessions on the 3rd Monday of every month from 6-8pm, and we're excited to be collaborating with Bender Defenders for our next three sessions – Self Defence!
You are welcome to sign up to one, two, or all three sessions:
- 16 March 2026
- 20 April 2026
- 18 May 2026
Come and learn the basics of self defence with Bender Defenders. What to expect:
- A short briefing on the law surrounding self defence
- A warm up involving some games and exercises to raise your heart rate
- You will learn some physical techniques for self defence and have the chance to practise them
- We will discuss de-escalation and practise some techniques around this
- We will practice with some more physical moves!
- Ending with a breathing exercise and closing circle
Please wear clothes you can comfortable move in and bring some water. If you have any access needs, health conditions or injuries, please let us know on the registration form and/or let the facilitators know before the workshop starts.
Bender Defenders Ethos
Bender Defenders take a holistic view of self-defence, remembering that keeping people safe means more than avoiding danger in the moment – it means creating community systems to heal from the harm hate crime causes in the long term.
We approach self-defence from a compassionate, trauma-informed and community-led perspective. We teach participants simple, effective strategies for using physical force to keep themselves safe.
We believe that queer and trans people already have a wide range of self-defence skills to draw upon, and we encourage participants to collaborate with trainers in sharing these skills, enabling them to feel more confident and empowered when they use them.
🌟🌟🌟 Important information about our free events / cancellations! 🌟🌟🌟
- Queer Minds events are by and for LGBTQIA+ people (aged 18+)
- Spaces are limited, so please only reserve a spot if you can definitely make it and cancel your ticket at least 48 hours ahead of time if you can no longer attend. Failing to show up without prior cancellation takes a spot from someone else – please be considerate of those on the waitlist who wish to join us!
About Queer Minds:
Queer Minds is a peer support group for LGBTQIA+ people (aged 18+) who live, work or play in Lambeth and Southwark. This group is by us, for us and is for those who are looking to connect with others and get support for their mental health. We currently run two monthly peer support groups, a trans drop-in group, and various workshops and activities with partner organisations. You can find more information about the group on the Queer Minds website: selmind.org.uk/queermindsls or Instagram @queermindslondon.
The London LGBTQ+ Community Centre is wheelchair accessible with step-free access. The toilet is gender neutral and wheelchair accessible. For additional venue access information, visit the Centre's website.
If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please email queerminds@selmind.org.uk.