How to make a gay friend
Home / gay topics / How to make a gay friend
Meeting on Bumble BFF instantly makes this easier. Some tips to get you started:
- Do it monthly. Even those of us with accepting parents or supportive straight friends can’t always turn to them for advice on queer dating or sexuality, for help with trans-related questions about navigating a hostile world, or even just for things like outfit guidance.
- Human Rights Campaign – A leading LGBTQ human rights organization offering in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities. That’s especially true if you live in a small town without much of an LGBTQ community. Are you seeing the femmes that cross your path rocking leather accessories or that extra helping of glitter?) Don’t rely on mixed-up gender cues to do all the work for you, but when you see people that might be Your People, make the effort to say hello and keep saying hello.
Not sure where to start? Attend LGBTQ+ support groups
If you're struggling with your identity or just need someone to talk to, attending LGBTQ+ support groups will connect you with others who understand what you're going through.
Queers Built This is a project about queer inventiveness and DIY culture then, now, and tomorrow.
I’ll never forget being 15 years old and walking into my first ever meeting for lesbian, gay, bi, queer, and trans youth at BAGLY in Boston.
Our users begged us to create a friendship-finding app—and we listened. Just remember to be open to learning and growing along the way.
How to Make New Friends
As humans, we naturally seek companionship, but knowing how to make friends isn’t easy. I’ve often used them while traveling to find local advice on where to eat or go out, and to find (largely platonic) company to do those things with as a not-especially-cute, somewhat-older queer trans person.
Remember: so many LGBT2Q folks are looking for connection, just like you, and many of them will be legit excited that you introduced yourself, or asked for their number, or followed them on Insta, or sent that text or suggested that coffee. Around Pride there are always plenty of fun parties and events to join, from small local gatherings to massive parades.
These classes provide a relaxed, hands-on environment where you can meet other gay men while learning new recipes and techniques.
8: LGBTQ+ tech meetups
LGBTQ+ tech meetups can be an excellent way for gay men in the tech industry or those interested in technology to connect with like-minded individuals.
These events often combine networking, learning, and socializing in a welcoming environment.
The tech makes it easier to break the ice and form connections based on shared interests.
Attend talks, workshops, or hackathons - coding competitions where programmers collaborate to create software or solve problems - specifically geared towards LGBTQ+ tech professionals.
9: Gay-friendly religious or spiritual groups
For those who are religious or spiritual, finding an LGBTQ+-affirming congregation or group can provide a sense of community and friendship opportunities.
10: Gay travel groups
Going on trips with LGBTQ+-focused travel companies or joining gay meetups can help you form friendships through shared adventures.
Remember, the key is to put yourself out there consistently and be open to new connections.
(Are you clocking that Big Freedia or Prancing Elites T-shirt as much as a Madonna one? What do you think of this crop top to go with?”) The close queer friends we make become a chosen family, with a shared culture and identity, forming the bonds that are essential to our wellness and growth.
But as gay bars and bookstores are closing left and right, many of us have turned to apps to fill that gap, meaning we spend more time than ever alone in our rooms.
So, get ready for some awesome tips on how to make gay friends. For womxn and trans, genderqueer, intersex, two spirit, and non-binary people for meeting lovers and friends”)
- Feeld (a polyamory-focused app with a couple dozen sexual orientations and gender identities available)
15. Or you could strike up a conversation with the gym staff as a way to connect with fellow fitness enthusiasts.
Join LGBTQ+ groups on social media
One of the easiest ways to connect with other LGBTQ+ individuals is to join communities online. If you have fabulous hair, style, or accessories and someone says “I love your look!” or “What a great color story,” it’s extremely likely they’re saying HELLO I AM ALSO QUEER AND/OR TRANS AND I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO YOU.
Note: don’t be fooled if someone doesn’t “look gay.” What even is that?