Meeting other gay men

There comes a time to stop talking and to get on with living your (new) life exactly how you want to. It's time to meet other gay and bisexual people and to explore your sexuality safely and confidently.

A common reaction to this statement, especially in rural areas is 'Fine - but where do I start?' Remember that being gay is about expressing yourself in the way you want to. Despite the stereotypes, there is no single way of being gay.

We are all as different as any other group of people. Going out with friends and meeting new ones at clubs or parties can be great. But the scene isn't for everybody and it's not everything there is to being gay.

Most towns and cities have gay social groups and gay men's health projects. These can be excellent places to meet new people and to find out what there is to do locally and most will arrange to meet first-time visitors beforehand. As with any group of people, there will be some you get on with and some you won't.

If you feel that you have little in common with the gay people you have met so far, you could try different ways of contacting more gay men, for example as pen pals, or through the many special-interest gay groups (like gay men's choirs or gay football supporters' networks) or also try an online adult dating service.