Getting on the dating scene.. When you're gay?

[ReginaGeorge]

Sorry if you'd rather this go in the 'Relationships and Dating' forum, I thought it could go either way, but that I'd get better answers here. :rolleyes:

So, how do you get on the dating/relationship scene when you're gay? I've never been a part of that, even when I thought I was straight, so now I feel like it's going to be even harder.

I know a few bisexual girls, and I'm interested in one, but I've never met her, and none of the others are interested in me, and I still have one foot in the closet. :rolleyes:

Any tips? How do you do it?

[TigerBoy]

It seems a lot of LGBT people use online dating. As long as you follow the usual advice about meeting people from the internet this seems to get rid of a lot of the risk.

I've talked to a few people here and suggested they look into organisations like PFLaG (http://www.pflagaustralia.org.au/) and get local 'chapter' details and see if they can advise you on safe ways to date near you.

Online dating tips we got handed out at school a while back:
'Don't give out personal details such as your name, phone number, address or a personal description to people you chat to on the Internet'.

'If you decide to make a date, never give personal details such as your address or surname. It is possible for address details to be obtained through your telephone number, so again be very guarded about giving out this information.'

'Always arrange to meet in a busy public place.'

'Take a friend along, at least at the beginning, to meet your date and ask the friend to meet up with you again at a pre-arranged time. Work out a signal with your friend to indicate whether you would prefer that he or she stay with you'.

'If you're not with a friend, tell someone where you are going, who with (include the person's name, phone number and address) and when you'll be back.'

'Initially, don't go home with your date, invite them back to your home or accept a lift.'

'Trust your instincts. If you feel uneasy about someone, there may be a reason. Don't tell yourself you're being silly. If you don't feel comfortable, don't give them personal details about yourself and don't arrange a second date'.

From The Suzy Lamplugh Trust
The National Charity for Personal Safety

[DarkWingedAngel]

I think a lot of the LGBT teens tend to use dating sites. I know with me most of my past bf's don't even live closer then a 300 mile drive away. Thing with sites is you gotta watch out for the wrong people, always meet someone in a crowded space, but read the rules of the site and abide by them(they are there for a reason). now im not sure if I can post some ties but just look around for them. also sometimes some country's have youth groups that LGBT youth can go to. But remember to have fun and be safe if you take the approach of using dating sites.