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It can be difficult to meet other gay people sometimes, especially if you are young and gay, and perhaps still questioning your sexuality or 'in the closet' (for want of a better expression). Maybe you've never met another gay person before. Maybe you have worrying thoughts that you 'wouldn't fit in' with other gay people or you think other gay people wouldn't like you? Perhaps you worry that all gay people are 'camp' or 'effeminate' and don't see yourself like that but still find yourself attracted to people of the same sex as you? Does that sound familiar? It does to us. Many of the young men and women who attend our youth groups for the first time had similar thoughts before they met other gay people, so perhaps it helps to know that these thoughts and worries are quite normal. It might also help to know that most gay people are just ordinary people, from all walks of life. The images we see in the media or on TV can sometimes distort our perception of what it really means to be gay. Perhaps this is worth bearing in mind... |
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LGB Youth Groups In the first instance, (if you are 25 or under) we would recommend you try to find out if there is a local LGB youth group near you or at the college/university you attend (Call Switchboard: 020 7837 7324) or check the listings in the back of gay times if you can lay your hands on a copy. Since you are reading this page, we assume you have an internet connection! The most comprehensive listings of youth groups in the UK can be found at either www.queeryouth.org.uk or www.gayyouthuk.org.uk. Meeting a new group of people can be a scary or nerve wracking experience for some and making contact with other people might not work out as you wanted the first time round, but keep trying until you meet people you feel comfortable with. If you live in London, why not email or give us a call (020 8348 1785) and try one of our youth groups? You can always leave if you find it's not for you. (Though, we are pleased to say this hardly ever happens!) |
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The
Gay Scene
The gay scene can be a great way to meet people. There's a lot on offer - shops, pubs, clubs, cafes and you'll find these places are a lot like straight bars and clubs. Different places cater for different types of people. You can have a good time being with gay and bisexual people. Find out about a place before going - look in the gay press, check the Internet or phone a switchboard to find out what you need to know. You could check out an area in the daytime if you're not used to it. Going to a bar or club on your own probably isn't a good idea. It's a lot more fun going with a group. And safer. Check out some of the pubs and clubs that OutZone members recommend here. Top
tips for surviving the gay scene:
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Protect
yourself AT ALL TIMES and NEVER
leave your drinks unattended. |
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Alternatives There's more to life that pubs and clubs. There's a range of groups and things to do depending on where you live. Find out about them from the gay press or your local switchboard. There are groups for various interests - cultural, religious, hobbies and sports (e.g., swimming, football, rugby, badminton). There are gay community organisations you can get involved with too if you want. Check out our Links and Listings section for some suggestions. |
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Return to support pages - Coming out & dealing with homophobia |
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