Everyone deserves a love story, but let’s face it: dating within the LGBTQ community isn’t cakewalk. This is especially true for those just coming to terms with their sexuality and are unsure where to start. There are a few options to kick off the quest for love, from LGBTQ-friendly bars to online forums and dating apps. Still, the experience can be quite nerve-wracking without some kind of guide. In the spirit of Pride Month this June, here are five practical tips from people’s experiences to help kindle the chance for romance:
Know Your Comfort Level
The LGBTQ community is vast with many levels of coming out. Simple gestures such as holding hands or hugging in public may already be an issue for some, while others may avoid dating in certain places for fear of being seen by family or friends. If you are similarly on the shy side, you may feel more comfortable dating someone equally reserved. It’s understandable that courage can take time, and there’s no shame coming out step by step.
Consider Safe Spaces

Build Rapport

Set Realistic Expectations
It’s not wrong to have standards when dating, but remember that no one is perfect. Don’t let a stringent checklist or ideal preference stop you from enjoying the company of new people. It’s also important not to be too self-conscious, so be yourself and laugh a little. Who knows, your date might just find you attractive and you click from the get go. There are a few red flags, of course, like if your date is rude to the wait staff or has terrible hygiene. Otherwise, be confident and have fun.
Drop a Message
Even if a first date isn’t successful, it’s polite to say something after. Most people today, including members of the LGBTQ community, resort to ghosting—suddenly disappearing from contact without explanation—hoping to get their message across, but imagine being in that other person’s shoes. Rejection is tough, and it gets tougher if you don’t know why. Always follow the golden rule. Send the other person a message saying thanks for hanging out with you, and that you think you don’t match or didn’t feel a romantic connection. On the other hand, if you liked your date, be sure to say that you enjoyed the evening and are interested in seeing him or her again. Don’t sound too pushy, though. Your date is also evaluating you, so give the other person a chance to accept or deny the offer of a second meeting.
LGBTQ dating in the real world isn’t something openly televised or given exposure on media. Fortunately, some shows like First Dates feature everyday people, men and women across the rainbow spectrum, going on blind dates—real-life scenarios perfect for a few lessons on dating. Want more tips on how to go about dating in the LGBTQ world? See how aspiring couples take a shot at love on First Dates, Tuesdays at 8:50PM, first and exclusive on Blue Ant Entertainment.
Blue Ant Entertainment is available on SKYcable channels 53 (SD) and 196 (HD), SKYdirect channel 35, Destiny Cable channel 53, and Cablelink channels 37 (SD) and 313 (HD).
For more updates, follow Blue Ant Entertainment at www.facebook.com/BlueAntEntertainment/, @BlueAntEnt on Twitter, and @BlueAntEntertainment on Instagram.
Blue Ant Entertainment
Blue Ant Entertainment is a general entertainment channel with the best mix of reality, drama, comedy, and daily programmes. Featuring hit series and late-night television, airing day-and-date with the U.S. and U.K. markets, including: competition series The X Factor UK; dailies Entertainment Tonight, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and The Late Late Show with James Corden. The channel also ‘LIVE’ broadcasts some biggest award shows in the world, including The Golden Globe Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, American Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
No comments:
Post a Comment