Meeting friends or potential partners can be hard for a gay man in a small town who's recently come out.Meeting gay men today is easier than it's ever been because the LGBTQ community is welcoming.If you want to meet gay men, you can visit local gay clubs, organizations, or festivals, ask your straight friends for referrals, and try online groups or dating.You'll have a lot of gay friends before you know it.
Step 1: There are gay bars and clubs in the area.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people usually meet in gay bars, lounges and clubs.Even if your town isn't large enough for a gay bar, you can still find gay nights and events in local bars.If no bars in your town currently hold a LGBTQ night, talk to your local bartender.
Step 2: You can attend local pride festivals.
Annual pride festivals, parades, or events can be found in some small towns.Reach out to the attendees or volunteers if your town has an annual festival.June is the most popular month for pride events.If you want to get involved in the queer community and meet gay men, volunteering at pride festivals is a great way to do that.
Step 3: You can get involved with LGBTQ organizations.
There are many queer organizations in towns.The Human Rights Campaign, PFLAG and the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association are popular queer organizations.
Step 4: You can start your own group.
You can make your own organization if your town doesn't have one.If you want to make a space for queer men in your town to mingle and spread awareness, you need to advertise for the group online and in person, involve any queer friends you already know, and set up frequent get togethers.It takes a long time to make a LGBTQ organization in a small town.If it takes time to find new members, focus on building your group one member at a time.
Step 5: Referred to by friends, family, and co-workers.
Ask your loved ones if they know any gay men in your town.If both of you are comfortable, they may give you their gay friend's contact information.If your loved ones don't know any gay men, they may be able to set you up with queer friends or mentors.
Step 6: You can look for groups online.
The best way to locate your town's gay community is online, if you don't know any other gay men.You can join any gay bars or clubs that appeal to you.For example, if you live in a small town in Southern Utah, you could search for "gay bars in Cedar City, UT."
Step 7: Social media can be used to connect with gay men.
There are many ways to meet gay guys on social media.Search "gay" and your city or local area into the social media's search bar to find openly gay users in your area.If you want to find gay men in Idaho, for example, you could search for "gay Rexburg Idaho."
Step 8: Join online groups.
Online groups are a great way to talk with other people.You can expand your search to any online support group for queer men, or limit it to groups for men in your town.You can find gay men in your town or province on Facebook.Another popular website is MeetUp.You can check the app for local groups.
Step 9: Join a dating app.
If you're interested in meeting gay men to date, you can join a dating site or download adating app.You may be able to connect with your town's queer community if you're not mutually attracted.There are a number of popular dating sites and apps for gay men.The romantic personal ads are listed in some online and print newspapers.Gay-friendly ads are an alternative to using dating apps.
Step 10: There is a gay online chat room.
You can chat with other gay men in chat rooms or forums and ask questions about the community.If you're looking for advice about meeting gay men in small towns, join a general LGBTQ chat room.If you're under the age of 24 years old, there is a safe place for you to go.You can find the website at www.trevorspace.org.
Step 11: If you can't find gay men in your town, try a long distance relationship.
A long distance relationship is a romantic relationship where both partners live far apart.Long distance relationships may be an option if you're interested in a gay relationship and have a hard time finding gay men.Long distance relationships are not right for every situation.If the relationship hurts more than it helps, take a break or end it.
Step 12: Start a long distance relationship.
You can join an online dating site or app if you want to go outside of your town.If you feel a spark, ask the users if they're open to long distance relationships.You can find someone you want to start an LDR with with time and persistence.You can connect with and eventually develop a long distance relationship with a member of an LGBTQ group.Gay men can use the app to meet up with other gay men.
Step 13: Rules for a long distance relationship.
Setting clear rules with your boyfriend can help keep your relationship strong while you're apart.Do you want your LDR boyfriend to meet every week, month or year?As our relationship grows, would you be willing to relocate?How long do we think the relationship will last?Can we see other people too?Do we want to close the distance eventually?
Step 14: You can find ways to connect with your LDR boyfriend.
You can't see your boyfriend in person as often so connecting with them through text is important.To keep the passion alive, send your boyfriend thoughtful texts, schedule webcam dates, and call frequently.Sending gifts through the mail is another way to show your affection.
Step 15: It is possible to schedule in-person dates.
Try to visit your boyfriend at least once a month or several months.When you're together, make up for lost time by showing each other around your hometowns, meeting friends and family, and enjoying one another's company.Some couples establish "end dates" for the distance, where both partners move closer to each other, as motivation to make it through difficult or lonely patches in the relationship.