DC Fray’s same-sex speed dating events get rid of the swipes and put people face-to-face
The organization is offering an alternative to swiping, ghosting, and inaccurate profile pictures
“DC Fray started out as a social sports company,” says senior marketing manager Tanisha Kanani. “Over the years, we realized that there was so much more we could do with the company. So we began developing other events.”
While DC Fray is largely known for its sports leagues, including dodgeball, kickball, and flag football, expanded offerings now include ski trips, late night glow snow tubing, underwear runs, and even speed dating.
“People are tired of swiping right or left on apps and getting into the dating world, and then when you meet that person you’ve been talking to, they don’t match the picture on their profile,” says event manager Sandrika Berthias. “Or you talk, text, get ghosted. It can be a nightmare. People are looking to go back to basics and meet someone face-to-face.”
The speed dating involves a mingling period before participants rotate through their four-minute conversations, allowing them to meet about 7-10 people in total. Registration fees are $25 per person, and DC Fray typically holds speed dating on Wednesdays from 7-10 p.m., with nights for men seeking men and women seeking women alternating every other month. (Events for opposite-sex couples are held monthly.) The next two men’s events are Jan. 9 and Mar. 6, and the next women’s event is Feb. 6.
“What’s different about our events is that we help people with a set of questions they can use to break the ice, because not everyone is as easy-going with small talk,” says Berthias. “So we give them support they can use.
“Also, we don’t have a specific dress code. Most people come in business casual, as the event is after work on a Wednesday, but some people come in sneakers and pants. But if you want to look good in front of your potential date, do dress up.”
DC Fray’s Men Seeking Men Speed Dating is on Wednesday, Jan. 9 from 7-10 p.m. at Grand Central, 2447 18th St. NW. To register, or for more information about DC Fray’s sports leagues or regularly-occurring events, visit dcfray.com.
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