Many gays and lesbians find it difficult to find places to meet others. Some use gay clubs or pubs, but can become disillusioned with the gay scene which they see as highly sexualised and too dominated by alcohol .
Some use the internet to meet people, particularly if they live in rural areas. It's also a safe place for those who've not come out to talk to others, although if you meet someone off the internet you should always be careful and tell someone who you're meeting and where.
Other advice includes to always meet in a public place and never in a private home and to get their telephone number. A few people find the websites and chatlines are limited because people only use them if they're looking for casual sex, which may not be suitable for younger gays and lesbians.
Well established websites like Department of Health, Terrence Higgins Trust, NHS Direct, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Society (LGB) and the Gay and Lesbian Switchboard are useful. (See 'Resources' section)
Many of these groups run clubs or support groups where you can meet people. As one person said 'you feel relief, you feel you are not alone and there are other people out there that have been through the same that can offer advice'.
The groups also have the advantage of giving you information about your sexuality or sexual health and provide a supportive environment where you can share experiences or ask questions, particularly about safer sex.
One man said that all his knowledge about sexually transmitted infections and the need for gay men to practice safe sex came from his participation in youth work in an inner city .
Safer sex information is largely appreciated by gays and lesbians because 'its sort of street language, rather than sort of posh, scientific terms', although some report that it could be clearer .
Most gay people feel there's a need to create an atmosphere where young gay people are able to develop their sexual identity and meet others in safety.
A negative reaction about sexuality from friends or school in the past can cause problems , and most think the legislation (known as Section 28) that prevents schools from discussing gay sex is a standing block because it prevents the issue of homosexuality from been discussed at schools and at an age when most feel support and guidance is most important .
Last reviewed April 2010.
Last updated April 2010.