Queer and single? Rayceen Pendarvis wants to fix you up.
Rayceen Pendarvis hosts a different type of LGBTQ singles mixer for those tired of online dating.
Leave it to Rayceen Pendarvis to devise a new type of mixer that serves as an alternative to speed dating. “Rayceen, Fix Me Up!” is part of a series of get-to-know-you events for singles, and Pendarvis, host of “The Ask Rayceen Show,” came up with the idea after having conversations about how best to help others meet potential mates.
“Some people are not in tune with apps or dating sites,” says Pendarvis. “They actually want to sit and meet with people one-on-one. But how do we make that experience inviting, engaging, and fun? I’m using my years of wisdom and experience to bring people together.”
At a “Rayceen, Fix Me Up!” event, the larger-than-life emcee asks participants to take part in various icebreaker games. In “Who Am I?,” for instance, players take on the identity of a celebrity, and would-be matches have only five questions to narrow down which celebrity they are before they can begin deeper conversations as their true selves.
Open to people of all genders and identities, the event boasts some measure of success, as Pendarvis has gotten feedback from past participants whose initial connection blossomed into a successful relationship. Of course, not all pairings are successful, but Pendarvis promises that the mixers are still worthwhile.
“Even if you don’t meet that particular someone, you’ll meet a new friend or colleague or something who you click with and have a wonderful, engaging experience in a safe, encouraging, and loving space.”
The next “Rayceen, Fix Me Up!” event is Thursday, March 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Shaw Library, 1630 7th St. NW. Light refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public, but pre-registration is encouraged. Visit teamrayceen.eventbrite.com.
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