Just a quick thanks

manic mailman

Hi all,

Long time lurker, first time poster.

Going to keep this short and sweet (a man of few words, etc). Just wanted to give a shout out the many people on this forum who have given out some superb advice and (continue to) provide great support to those who come looking for it.

Without this forum I doubt I'd have had the courage to accept who I am as soon as I have. Coming to terms with my sexuality has been a real struggle for me due to numerous reasons. Still not the full way there by any stretch of the imagination but I feel the need to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to this forum, present or past.

Hopefully in time I'll have something more substantive to contribute!

Thanks again

ongarboy

Great to hear this type of feedback. It goes to show how the Internet and online communities such as this has many positive benefits. I remember in University back in the early 90s (when Internet was virtually non existent) being too scared to pick up a copy of GCN (in it's old newspaper format) from the Student Union office for fear someone may see me. I had absolutely no other outlet or means to information or people who were like me. It made for a very isolating experience. How I would have loved something like the Boards LGBT forum back then to know that I wasn't the only gay in the village.

The benefit that the Internet and forums like these and the anonymity it affords should you need it in the early stages of accepting yourself cannot be understated. I'm sure there are many others out there who will never post here but who continue to view these threads also somehow benefit.

mnlad

congrats mate im on the same road as yourself and also owe alot of my acceptance to the LGBT forum and the great bunch of people on here

manic mailman

One quick (semi) related question.

I've had a look around online regarding "where to start" so to speak about heading out and meeting new people, etc. I've seen the likes of BelongTo being mentioned for anyone 13 -23ish age range (is that accurate?) and if you're confident enough to brave a few bars and see where the night takes you, etc.

Any suggestions?

Thanks yoll

Aurongroove

the LGBT site 'Gaire' set up regular meet ups, and there's one happening this September, along with other activities.

they have a forum there too and members profiles.

floggg

It depends on where you ate but if you are in Dublin or nearby there are a load of groups you could try - Wet and Wild (various outdoor activities), Dublin Devils (soccer team) Warriors (Rugby team) Frontrunners (athletics) Gloria (choir) etc.

I imagine any of them would be a good, relaxed way to meet people outside of the pub/club scene