Is the only way you can meet other LGBT people is to go to clubs?

I'm only 16 right now and I've searched around the net alot.. It feels like the only way to meet other gay people in real life is to go to gay clubs. Internet dating just feels so risky letting people know all of your information and stuff like that. I'm just not really the type of person that drinks alcohol at all and goes to clubs.. I don't know if i'll change when I get into college but my parents are pretty much against me going to any clubs. How do you guys meet up with other LGBT people in your community?

Is the only way you can meet other LGBT people is to go to clubs?
Search for you local PFLAG chapter I guess you can probably go to a youth group meeting. Or see if your school has a gay/straight alliance. Myspace, etc. Tons of other options.
Reply:Or dearie,


Check out any LGBT publication. They are normally bursting with sports teams, support groups, drop-in centers, youth centers, game nights and other non-alcoholic ways to meet other LGBT people.
Reply:Without being out it isn't easy. BTW -- you can go to clubs without drinking. I've never been drunk in my life, but Jonathan and I go dancing a few times a year.





There is facebook and myspace. There are gay community centers in many cities (not just NYC), there are GLSEN groups, gay/straight alliances, and LGBT clubs all over the place. There are also publications like XY (linked below) that may help.





A special note btw -- and I speak with some authority. I raised two boys from their early teens (both straight). Ultimately, this is YOUR body. You can't not to go to clubs because your parents are against them. You must do things that you want and not do things that you do not want. Even if your parents only want what is best for you -- which may be true -- you must live for you. That is going to include going dancing and doing other things that they wouldn't approve of, sooner or later. It is going to include having a b/f and a relationship (which I'm not clear they would be comfortable with either). So recognize that in time you have to be yourself, not an extension of them -- and try to make that transition without ACTUALLY doing something damaging, like drugs, or self destructive like drinking and driving.





Remember, you are GREAT.





Kindest thoughts,





Reyn


believeinyou24@yahoo.com
Reply:I second your question... if that makes sense, but I feel in the same boat as you, I am in college however, and in a small town so there are no gay clubs, just parties and I don't drink either. I did however join the GSA (Gay Strait Alliance) but all they wana do is party and get drunk too... but good luck with that.
Reply:If you get involved in sports I'm sure you'll meet lots of gay people that way. I've met a lot of my gay friends that way. But I guess it depends on what sports you get involved in and what area you live in.
Reply:well if you live in New York their is a LGBT center on 14st.

local dentist