How to Meet LGBTQ+ Friends Online

Published: October 3, 2021
Updated: June 21, 2022
illustration of group of different lgbt members

Are you looking to make new friends within the LGBTQ+ community? You’ve come to the right place! Finding new people to make friends with can be a challenge, especially since the pandemic started.

In this article, we’ll share with you the places both offline and online you can find friends or lovers from the queer community, the do’s and don’ts of new friendships, and even some ideas of activities you can do with a new friend!

illustration of LGBTQ+ people in front of a big rainbow pride heart

Table of contents [ Show Hide ]

Best LGBTQ+ friendly places to find queer friends online

If you’re looking to make friends from the LGBTQ+ community online, what are the best websites and apps to use? The internet is expansive, and there’s no doubt that we may miss some options on this list, but we’ll share a few to give you some ideas on where you can find new friends!

Our recommendations for LGBTQ Dating Sites and Apps

These are our top picks for LGBTQ dating sites and apps. Check them out today!

Most Popular Choice
How to Meet LGBTQ+ Friends Online
9.9
  • Millions of people trust in eharmony
  • Very supportive of the LGBTQI+ community
  • Matching algorithm proven to work
How to Meet LGBTQ+ Friends Online
9.6
  • Advance search tools
  • Connect with your perfect match
  • No hidden charges
  • Prompt reply
How to Meet LGBTQ+ Friends Online
9.4
  • Easy interface
  • Discreet
  • Genuine users
How to Meet LGBTQ+ Friends Online
9.1
Meet and hook-up with neighbors. Search and view specific profiles in your area. Male profiles needed.
  • Free and easy registration.
  • Largest verified database in the US.
  • Thousands sign up every day.
  • Male profiles needed.
  • Guaranteed matches.
How to Meet LGBTQ+ Friends Online
8.7
Dating.com believes that dating isn’t about data, algorithms, how many friends you have in common, or whether you want a boy or a girl or no kids at all. Dating.com believes that dating is a chance — a chance to meet someone new, a chance for them to introduce you to people, places and things that you never knew that you’d love.  
  • 100 million active users
  • 100% verified accounts
  • Right now 60% of sales for Monthly plan
  • Easy start with the "Let's Mingle" feature
 
How to Meet LGBTQ+ Friends Online
8.4
Meet Kinksters is an open-minded dating app where you can match based on romance and compatibility in the bedroom. Join our community of like-minded singles who know what they need, both in and out of the bedroom.
  • Match based on both taste and romantic compatibility
  • Stop wasting time on vanilla dating sites
  • No swiping here: Find who and what you're looking for
  • Show your face only when you're ready
  • Be yourself with dozens of genders and kink identities
How to Meet LGBTQ+ Friends Online
8.0
  • Covers the entire United States, offering a vast pool of singles from diverse backgrounds and regions.
  • User-friendly interface that simplifies the process of finding matches and sending messages.
  • Sophisticated algorithms to ensure users are matched with those who share similar interests and values.
How to Meet LGBTQ+ Friends Online
7.5
  • Receive curated matches in just 15 minutes
  • Send and receive pictures in private chats
  • A high-security chat with two-factor authentication
How to Meet LGBTQ+ Friends Online
7.1
Christian Filipina is perfect for people who are looking for a serious relationship.
  • 24 hrs customer service
  • One on one Romance Consultations.
  • 100% real users.
How to Meet LGBTQ+ Friends Online
6.7
  • Large database of verified & attractive Asian and European singles
  • Efficient communication and instant messaging 
  • Top-level safety and professional support
 
How to Meet LGBTQ+ Friends Online
6.5
  • Meet real asian, european, and latino singles
  • Real-time communication with efficient tools
  • Professional dating services

How do I start a conversation on a friendship dating app?

If you’re looking for friends on a dating app, it’s likely that you won’t be able to message the other person until they “match” with you first. If that’s the case and it seems like the other person isn’t sending the first message, a great way to start a conversation is to relate to something on their profile.

You can mention any similar hobbies that the two of you share. For example, if their profile states that they like to watch movies, you can try asking what their favourite movie is. Comment on or ask questions about anything that stands out about their profile.

Because everyone is their own individual person, it’s difficult to say exactly what you should say when meeting someone for the first time. The best advice is of course to be friendly, be yourself, and have fun while talking about your mutual interests!

vector art of two girls hugging

Tips for your profile if you’re looking for LGBTQ+ friends online

Especially if you’re trying to use dating apps to look for friends, you should include at the top of your profile that you’re looking for friends to help deter anyone that is focused on looking for a relationship and to avoid any miscommunication.

Depending on what website or app you’re using and the options you have for your profile, you may be able to include any hobbies or interests you may have. It’s helpful if you’re able to somehow display most of your interests as it can help attract like-minded people.

It’s also a great idea to add your sexual orientation, gender identity, and pronouns to your profile as it not only helps other people refer to you properly, but you could also find a tighter-knit community with people that have the same identity as you.

The do’s and don’ts of friendship dating

​​​​When you’re trying to meet gay or other queer people and make new friends, there are some things that are quite obvious to do and not do. The biggest example of the things you should do is to be friendly, treat people how you would like to be treated, and don’t harass people to hang out all the time, especially if they have mentioned that they have a busy schedule.

Some things to do:

What not to do:

vector art of several hands holding up pride flags in the air and confetti flying around

Places and activities to find friends from the queer community offline

It may be more difficult to find offline queer community activities if you live in a small town, but there are several different places to find people from the LGBTQ+ community.

First friendship date ideas for queer people

What you do for the first activity as new friends depends on your mutual interests, but we’ll give you a list below of some things you can do!

By no means is this a complete list, and if your friendship is strictly online, it can be difficult to do a variety of activities. However, there are ways to mutually watch movies together online, or play multiplayer games. The best advice is to use your creativity!