Ethan Atkinson set up the Clover Club – now in a gallery in Fitzrovia

A GROUP for queer creatives has found a new home in a gay fine art photography gallery.

The Clover Club, founded by Ethan Atkinson in 2024, is running popular coffee mornings at the BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! gallery in Fitzrovia.

The cafe offers a safe space to make friends and connect with like-minded people.

Mr Atkinson said: “I’ve been working part-time at the gallery since it opened. It felt like a natural progression for

The Clover Club to turn into coffee morning and to host the gatherings here.”

Since its grand opening BOYS! BOYS! BOYS! has hosted exhibitions, talks and screenings.

On Wednesday nights, leading members of the LGBTQIA+ community are invited to share their stories.

Previous speakers include Kylie Minogue’s once creative director William Baker as well as the co-founder of Queer British, Joseph Galliano-Doig MBE.

With the loss of so many queer nightlife venues over the past 20 years, the popularity of daytime events like coffee club meet-ups is on the rise.

Mr Atkinson said: “Nightlife has always been such a big part of the queer experience, but it’s no longer totally accessible. A coffee morning offers a safe and alternative social activity that everyone can enjoy.”

The first Clover Club meeting was held as a picnic in Hyde Park last May with around 50 people attending.

Mr Atkinson, who is a performer and movement director, has worked in the theatre and performing arts industry since childhood.

He expressed the love and sense of collaboration he had felt from the queer community he grew up with has left a positive lasting impression.

“It’s such a shame that there are some people who don’t have the shared experience of community. I want to share the gift of bringing people together. With every collaboration
formed at the coffee morning, it feeds back into queer art and boosts this community.”

Mr Atkinson believes it is vital that queer creatives, who may not have had the same experience he did, are able to meet, grow friendships and share ideas, especially for those in the early stages of their career.

For more information on the gallery and steps on how to become a member, visit: https://shorturl.at/tQhA7