Even if your loved ones don’t know any single gay men, they may be able to set you up with queer friends or mentors.
Talk to local bartenders about organizing their own LGBTQ night if no bars in your town currently hold one.
Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Family Equality Council Parents, Family & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) The GLBT National Help Center Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD)
Making an LGBTQ organization in a small town is a slow, steady process. Focus on building your group one member at a time, and don’t get discouraged if it takes time to find new members.
The most popular time for towns to hold pride-related events is June, or LGBTQ history month. Volunteering at pride festivals is another great way to get involved in the queer community and meet gay men.
If you live in a small town in Southern Utah, for example, you could search “gay scene in Southern Utah” or “gay bars in Cedar City, UT. "
If you have an Instagram and you’re looking for gay men in Idaho, for example, you could search “gay Rexburg Idaho”
Search for LGBTQ Facebook groups in your town or province to connect with and meet local gay men. [11] X Research source MeetUp is another popular website for making friends with common interests. Check the app for local LGBTQ groups. [12] X Research source
Popular dating sites or apps for gay men include OkCupid, Grindr, Jack’d, Tinder, GROWLr, Hornet, Scruff, Surge, and Chappy. [15] X Research source Some online and print newspapers also list romantic personal ads. You can post your own ad or respond to gay-friendly ads as an alternative to using dating apps. [16] X Research source The vast majority of gay people you’ll meet online are normal and harmless, but there are some exceptions. If you meet someone you met online, try to have your first in-person interaction in a public area. If not, be sure to let a friend know the address where you’re going—remember that your safety is important.
If you’re under 24 years old, TrevorSpace is a safe, welcoming forum and chatroom for LGBTQ youth. You can find TrevorSpace at https://www. trevorspace. org/.
Long distance relationships take work and communication, and they’re not right for every situation. Don’t be afraid to take a break or end the relationship if it hurts more than it helps you. [19] X Research source
You may also connect with and eventually develop a long-distance relationship with a member from an LGBTQ group, forum, or chat room. Scruff Venture is a popular dating app for meeting gay men in faraway cities or while traveling. [21] X Research source
How often should we meet every week, month, or year? Would you be willing to relocate as our relationship grows? How long do we expect the relationship to last? Are we exclusive or can we see other people, too? Do we eventually want to close the distance and, if so, when?
Sending gifts through the mail is another way to give your long-distance relationship a personal touch.
Some couples also 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. [24] X Research source
