Gay Dating
by Laura Sharman

Someone once told me that the problem with gay dating is that there isn't always more fish in the sea. She was right; we have more of a garden pond to dip our toes in, especially if you're the 'only gay in the village'.

If you live in London or any other big town however, there is probably a thriving gay scene on your doorstep. Although hanging around GAY or the Candy Bar is probably the best way of meeting someone, lesbian and gay bars are not so much meat markets as full-on abattoirs. The more experienced out there can sniff out 'fresh meat' at ten paces and believe me, it ain't pretty!

So, besides venturing into the big bad world of gay clubbing, what other options are there for finding that illusive date?

Although there is still a stigma surrounding internet dating, for gay people it is seen as more acceptable. After all, unless we go around wearing rainbow badges pinned to our clothes, half the time we don't even know when a potential date is in the same room as us.

Websites such as www.gaydar.co.uk or www.gingerbeer.co.uk arrange regular meet-ups for members, and it's a great way of meeting new friends and widening your dating circle. There's also been a surge in more alternative ways of gay dating lately, such as speed dating and single nights at selected gay venues across London.

So, get your feet wet and dive into the pond! After all, that perfect fish could be waiting just around the corner!

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