Seeking feedback: A soulful match-making event for Tampa's queer community

Heyyy everyone – I've been reading this sub for years but this is my first time ever posting anything, so I appreciate anyone who reads this and offers their thoughts. ♥

I've spent a long time looking for, and thinking about, a specific type of dating event that I haven't found in Tampa or any other cities I've lived in, so I'm taking the steps to build and host it myself.

The event I'm planning is called Hue & Kindred: a one-night gathering for Tampa's queer community, ages 35-45, built around making real connections – romantic or platonic. The setup: every guest goes through a background check, and attendance is by application only. Once you're cleared, you're invited to complete a 75-question multiple choice questionnaire that places you into one of six personality profiles – and also matches you with five other specific guests whom you'll be encouraged to seek out and connect with that night.

The evening itself: appetizers from the start, a locally-sourced buffet dinner served about two hours in, two drink vouchers, a live DJ all night plus a short performance by local musical talent, a polaroid intro wall, conversation pits with prompts to get past small talk, a tarot card reader, photobooths, and thoughtful goodie bags to take home. And I'm thinking a nice cap for the first event would be 150 guests.

I would love any honest thoughts, initial feedback, kneejerk reactions, or any other engagement that you feel inclined to share. I'm super interested in hearing from the community about what sounds good, what sounds off or weird, and anything you'd want to know before considering attending an event like this.

If this intrigues or interests you, I've put together huekindred.com to drop your email for updates as everything comes together.

To anyone who's made it to the end, thank you so much for reading, and for making this sub a place I've enjoyed lurking in for so long. ♥