subject: Gay-only Dating Sites Vs. Traditional Dating Sites With A Gay Section [print this page] The Internet has dramatically changed the way that singles approach dating, turning into a valuable resource for finding social communities and making connections with potential mates. Online dating sites have ended the days of scanning personal ads in the local newspaper, providing hopeful singles with an immense dating pool to dive into. While most mainstream dating sites welcome members of every sexual orientation, joining a site that is exclusively geared towards gay men can help you to avoid many of the hassles associated with online dating.
To remain viable, mainstream dating services have to spread their resources thin in an attempt to cater to all members. These major sites most definitely take an overly generalized approach to gay dating and don't take into account many of the nuances and subcultures of the LGBT community. A larger dating pool isn't particularly helpful if there are limited options for filtering out the possible matches from the masses of incompatible ones. This is especially true when using trial services that only allow partial viewing of user profiles, or restricted access to other site tools. Without a clear picture of the type of men registered on the site, you run the risk of wasting your time and may feel the need to blindly jump into a costly membership program.
In any dating network, specificity improves yours chances of finding a good match. Gay-only dating sites are created by individuals who understand the culture and are conscious of the qualities other gay men are looking for. Many websites go beyond the generalized categories such as "Men Seeking Men," and may even provide specialized networks for distinct sub-groups within the gay community. Unlike gay sections on traditional dating sites, services tailored to gay men help seekers reduce the time spent wading through pages of irrelevant responses, and instead, encourage purposeful networking, instantly connecting Bears with other Bears, etc.
The complicated nature of sexuality also plays a large part in the types of interactions that occur on traditional dating sites. While many gay men have established their identity, others may still be in the early stages or experimental phase of homosexuality. Mainstream dating sites attract more members than gay-only sites, including individuals who may be interested in testing the waters in an unbiased environment. Sexual exploration is by no means a crime, but if your goal is to meet men who are clear about their sexuality and comfortable with it, a gay dating site is a better place to start the search.
Gay-only online communities are equally beneficial to newbies in need of guidance and support. Outside of the big, thriving cities with popular gay-friendly areas like San Francisco's Castro District, Washington, DC's Dupont Circle and New York City's Soho, the local gay dating scene may be stagnant with limited opportunities to meet new people. Dating sites specifically designed for gay men are more likely to offer other helpful features to its members, such as event calendars and lists of nearby LGBT groups. Finding your place in the gay community is much easier if you don't have to go it alone, and joining a gay dating site can bring you one step closer to discovering a support network and a perfect match.
