Do you struggle navigating

the Queer dating world???

Introducing:

LAVENDER DATING

We get it!

Whether you are online or in-person navigating the Queer dating world can be tricky!

We could all use support as we figure out how to date, what we want in a partner, and who is the best person for us!

Our services are for trans, cis and NB folks who may:

  • Lack of Confidence: If you struggle with self-esteem or feel unsure about your dating abilities, a coach or support group can help you build confidence and believe in your worth.


  • Difficulty Connecting: If you find it challenging to initiate or maintain conversations with potential partners, a coach or support group can provide strategies for effective communication and connection.


  • Unsuccessful Dating History: If you've had a string of unsuccessful relationships or experiences, a coach or support group can help you identify patterns and make necessary changes.


  • Clarity and Direction: If you're unsure about what you're looking for in a partner or relationship, a coach or support group can help you define your values and goals.


  • Overcoming Fear and Anxiety: If dating makes you anxious or fearful, a coach or support group can provide tools and techniques to manage these emotions and build resilience.


  • Specific Relationship Goals: If you have specific goals, such as finding a long-term partner or improving your communication skills, a coach or support group can help you create a personalized plan to achieve them.


  • Accountability and Support: A coach or support group can provide accountability and support as you navigate the dating world. They can offer encouragement, guidance, and feedback. some stuff

Meet Barbara Rowlandson

Dating Coach and Support Group Facilitator

Barbara Rowlandson is a dating coach and coming out expert based in Ontario, Canada. She came out as a lesbian at age 45 and after 21 years of marriage.

In the years since coming out, Barb leaned on her skills as a marketing and events professional as she navigated the world of LGBTQIA+ online dating.

A Humanist officiant since 2018, Barb works with couples preparing for marriage, helping them define values, focus on complementary qualities, and foster gratitude in their relationships.

Today, Barb works as a coming out coach with Lotus Group Coaching (working with groups and individuals) and is a Master of Counseling Psychology candidate at Yorkville University. She has worked with Anne-Marie Zanzal Coaching for the past three years. Along with coming out, Barbara is an expert on divorce support and catalyst recovery, and the producer of Coming Out & Beyond | LGBTQIA+ Stories.

Barb has a passion for helping others, is an average guitar player, an extraordinary gardener, and a loving mom to her adult daughters and Golden Retrievers.

Meet your dating coach Barbara Rowlandson

through her former clients:

Why trust

Lavender Coaching?

  • Expertise: Our coaches are experienced professionals who specialize in LGBTQIA+ relationships and dating. They have a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in this community.

  • Personalized Approach: We offer tailored coaching programs that address your individual needs and goals. Our coaches work closely with you to create a personalized plan that helps you achieve your desired outcomes.

  • Safety and Inclusivity: Lavender Dating prioritizes the safety and well-being of its members, ensuring a harassment-free and inclusive environment.

  • Supportive Community: Lavender Dating provides a safe and supportive community where you can connect with other women who are going through similar experiences. Our community fosters understanding, empathy, and encouragement.

  • Confidentiality: We prioritize your privacy and confidentiality. All information shared with our coaches is treated with the utmost respect

By choosing Lavender Dating, you're investing in yourself and your future. We are committed to helping you navigate the dating world with confidence and find love on your terms.

NEW

Lavender Dating #WLW Online Workshop:

Jan 25 & Feb 1, 2025

1-2:30 p.m. CST

via Zoom

$50

Maybe you're a woman who has come out later in life and finally ready to jump into the dating scene. Or, maybe you're a lesbian/queer woman who has emerged from a long-term relationship and would like to dip your toe back into the dating pool. For women interested in relationships with other women, putting yourself out there might seem new, intimidating, and a little bewildering – especially if you're new at this, or haven't dated in a long time.

Enter Lavender Dating – the coaching program designed by the folks at Anne-Marie Zanzal Coaching (https://annemariezanzal.com/) for women ready to meet and date other women!

Facilitated by later in life LGBTQIA+ coach Barbara Rowlandson, Lavender Dating's 2-part event covers the basics of what you need to consider BEFORE you go out there looking for love. Barbara Rowlandson has navigated the lesbian dating world and you can learn from her insights and experiences.


The course includes:

Defining your values is the cornerstone of building meaningful connections. For LGBTQIA+ women, this is particularly vital as many are navigating a newly discovered or openly embraced identity. Values help ground individuals in authenticity, ensuring that the relationships they pursue align with their core beliefs and what they deem essential in life—whether that's honesty, kindness, activism, or a shared passion for growth. Understanding your values also creates a clear sense of self, which can make the dating process less overwhelming and more intentional.

Finding Clarity on Wants and Needs in Relationships. Many LGBTQIA+ women entering the dating world may have spent years in relationships that didn’t fully meet their emotional or romantic needs due to societal expectations or internalized pressures. This clarity process is a chance to explore what they truly desire, whether that’s emotional intimacy, shared goals, or specific dynamics in a partnership. Articulating these needs early helps avoid settling for less and sets the stage for healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Writing a Compelling Dating App Profile. A well-crafted dating app profile is your digital first impression, and for LGBTQIA+ women, it’s an opportunity to express authenticity and stand out in a crowded space. A compelling profile balances vulnerability with confidence, highlights key interests, and gives potential matches a glimpse into what makes you unique. Tailoring your profile to reflect your identity and what you’re seeking in a partner helps attract people aligned with your values and desires.

The Ins and Outs of Online Dating. Online dating can be both exhilarating and daunting, especially for those new to the LGBTQIA+ dating scene. Understanding the platforms, from their unique communities to safety measures, ensures a smoother experience. This topic includes practical tips like recognizing red flags, maintaining boundaries, and navigating the challenges of virtual versus in-person connections. Knowing how to approach online dating reduces frustration and increases the likelihood of meaningful matches.

How to Keep the Conversation Going. Initiating and maintaining engaging conversations is a skill that fosters deeper connections. For LGBTQIA+ women, this is an opportunity to explore shared experiences and build rapport in ways that feel genuine. It’s about striking a balance between showing interest in the other person while revealing enough about yourself to create trust and curiosity. This skill is particularly helpful in overcoming initial awkwardness and moving toward authentic connection.

How to End a Connection. Ending connections with kindness and clarity is an essential skill in dating. LGBTQIA+ women, especially those new to dating, may find it difficult to let someone down without guilt or fear of hurting feelings. Learning how to communicate effectively and compassionately when a relationship isn’t working helps build confidence and mutual respect. This practice also reinforces personal boundaries and ensures you’re moving forward in ways that honor your emotional well-being.

And Much More. Beyond these core topics, the course could delve into subjects like managing emotional vulnerability, navigating potential rejection, understanding attachment styles, addressing internalized biases, and balancing personal growth with the search for a partner. Each of these areas provides tools for creating connections that are not just romantic but affirming and empowering for LGBTQIA+ women stepping into this new chapter of their lives.This event takes place over Zoom and will be recorded. Participants who cannot make one of the two dating sessions will have access to the recording. Please be prepared to write down notes. This event is open to women (cis or trans) or non-binary people who are comfortable in women's spaces.

JOIN THE WORKSHOP JANUARY 25TH AND FEBRUARY 1ST, 2025 AT 1:00 PM CST AND PREPARE TO ENTER/REENTER THE DATING SCENE. THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR WOMEN SEEKING ROMANTIC CONNECTIONS WITH WOMEN. OPEN TO CIS, TRANS, AND NON-BINARY PEOPLE COMFORTABLE IN WOMEN'S SPACES. FOR THE FULL WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION, SEE THE HOMEPAGE AT WWW.LAVENDERDATING.COM

SATURDAY JAN. 25, 1-2:30 CST & SATURDAY, FEB. 1, 1-2:30 CST. ONLINE EVENT (ZOOM).

Maybe you're a woman who has come out later in life and finally ready to jump into the dating scene. Or, maybe you're a lesbian/queer woman who has emerged from a long-term relationship and would like to dip your toe back into the dating pool. For women interested in relationships with other women, putting yourself out there might seem new, intimidating, and a little bewildering – especially if you're new at this, or haven't dated in a long time.

$50

CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations prior to January 18, 2025 are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made after this date are not eligible for a refund. I understand and consent to these terms for cancellations.

MONTHLY

Individual Coaching

Three Month Program

Three Payments of $400

$1100 Pay In Full Option

  • Six individual coaching sessions personalized and attuned to your own needs.

  • Rolling Admission

  • Guidance on clarity and what are you goals in dating.

  • How to craft a compelling dating profile with feedback and copywriting from Barbara.

  • Troubleshooting and safety education.

  • Dealing with boundary crossing and rejection

  • What concerns you the most? We will work on that!

Still Undecided? Talk to Barb or Anne-Marie

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join both programs?

Yes, you certainly can. There are benefits to both group and individual coaching. If this is something you're interested in, please contact us directly for pricing.

Will you offer another time and day option?

As the need arises we will add daytime and late afternoon groups to accommodate individuals in diverse time zones. Individual coaching sessions may be scheduled Monday-Friday, 9 am-6 pm EDT.

Does this just apply to online dating?

While online dating is an important topic we cover in group and individual sessions, it isn't the only aspect of dating we cover! We talk about finding community and dating in person, navigating first dates, and much more.

Which dating app is the best?

While we do have our favorites, we acknowledge that preference for dating apps is subjective. We are not sponsored by any dating app, so our opinions are not influenced one way or another. Check out our dating app guide below!

Which Dating App is for you?

Download our Free Dating App Guide!

Connect With Barbara On Social

Connect With Anne-Marie On Social