Growing tired of being alone.

LegacyUser

Hi folks.
Before I start there are a small few things you need to know.

I am a 21 y/o and yes I am out, to about 50% of the people I actually want to tell. Parents and best friend dealt with and it went better than expected.

So here's the problem.
I come from a rural area in Kilkenny a few miles from the town
There's only one gay person that's out in the locality and he is looked down upon by a handful of people. I'm finding it next to impossible to find anyone in Kilkenny my own age (or in and around) that's isn't just looking for a quick shag. Plus it doesn't help that I am infact quite picky with my taste in men. I just can't put up with camp guys, there's generally allot of drama involved and any one that isn't camp seems to be much older.

So my question is, is there any where I can go and meet gay men for a chat and a laugh and take things from there. I've heard of different organisations but is there any where actually in Kilkenny?

Dr. Baltar

Not familiar with Kilkenny, but what's stopping you from moving to somewhere more Gay Friendly?

EDIT: Also, hasn't Kilkenny got a gay bar now? That may be somewhere to start looking for someone? If not, Waterford isn't too far from you and although the LGBT scene there is only new, it is larger than Kilkenny.

Best of Luck!

coolperson05

Hi all. First time posting here!

Waterford's scene is great now. Such a surprise considering the size! Mid week nights are great with karaoke and quiz nights when you can really chat and meet people.
And as far as I recall, the gay bar closed in Kilkenny? So perhaps the uptake there isn't as great. But Waterford is mad about it! :P

Dr. Baltar

coolperson05 wrote: »

Hi all. First time posting here!

Waterford's scene is great now. Such a surprise considering the size! Mid week nights are great with karaoke and quiz nights when you can really chat and meet people.
And as far as I recall, the gay bar closed in Kilkenny? So perhaps the uptake there isn't as great. But Waterford is mad about it! :P

I really do need to start supporting the scene in my hometown. It's funny: I would have no problem marching in a Pride March anywhere on this planet except in my hometown. The thought of the friends of friends knowing I'm not straight where I live is scarier than telling my extended family.

That being said, I have gone into Dignity in the Crystal City as "straight" and had some great nights!

Chuchoter

Belongto runs a group in Waterford and Tipperary if thats of any interest, 21 you're still well within the age bracket

40040D

This is funny I was just about to post a topic similar to this:D ! Ahh I'm in the same situation - fed up of being single though.:(

I'm from Carlow and tbh theres not much of a gay scene around here either, there is an LGBT soc in the I.T but you rarely hear any sort of events happening around the town.

A few years ago there was a pub/club called Cosmo Browns - pretty sure it was a gay friendly place but has since closed down.

It is unfortunate as there is quite a few gay men & women about Carlow, and I think a gay bar/club would go down well and possibly be very popular particularly among students.

Annasopra

I know that there are groups in Carlow and Kilkenny

I'm trying to get details at the moment.

Dr. Baltar

crayolastereo wrote: »

Belongto runs a group in Waterford and Tipperary if thats of any interest, 21 you're still well within the age bracket

Actually, on that note (now this could have it's own thread) does anyone here have first hand experience with Belongto? What is there purpose? For example, I'm a guy who wants to meet new LGBT people and can't exactly walk into a gay bar on my own (or won't).

Is Belongto the place for me?

Annasopra

Dr. Baltar wrote: »

Actually, on that note (now this could have it's own thread) does anyone here have first hand experience with Belongto? What is there purpose? For example, I'm a guy who wants to meet new LGBT people and can't exactly walk into a gay bar on my own (or won't).

Is Belongto the place for me?

what age are you? its a youth group

Dr. Baltar

Johnnymcg wrote: »

what age are you? its a youth group

I'm 20, which is a factor why I wouldn't be too pushed going. I never saw the need anyhow because I was in college. But now that I am not... I don't really know where else to go to get involved with the LGBT community again.

LegacyUser

Dr. Baltar wrote: »

I'm 20, which is a factor why I wouldn't be too pushed going. I never saw the need anyhow because I was in college. But now that I am not... I don't really know where else to go to get involved with the LGBT community again.

I've been to the Sunday group a few times but I stopped going to that as it woul mostly be 15/16 year olds. However, last semester I started going to the over 18s group which would be aimed more at our age group (I'm 19 btw). Its on every second Wednesday and the group usually all go to the pub after. There are usually 8-14 people there. However, I stopped going at the end of the last semester due to exams etc, but I plan on starting to go back this semester. What college are you in? Did you join the LGBT soc there?
I came very close to joining the one in UCD but chickened out in case someone saw me

rainbow kirby

gaylad12345 wrote: »

I came very close to joining the one in UCD but chickened out in case someone saw me

Don't be afraid to join it, they are very active (at least 2 coffee mornings and a night out every week, in general). There should be a Re-Fresher's afternoon at the start of semester 2, or else check their Facebook page.

LegacyUser

rainbow kirby wrote: »

Don't be afraid to join it, they are very active (at least 2 coffee mornings and a night out every week, in general). There should be a Re-Fresher's afternoon at the start of semester 2, or else check their Facebook page.

Thanks for that info. I might just go to one of the coffee mornins and join there. Hopefully I won't chicken out again this semester though. You can do that can't you, join at a coffee morning?

rainbow kirby

gaylad12345 wrote: »

You can do that can't you, join at a coffee morning?

You can indeed. Just say it to someone there and they'll point you in the right direction.

LegacyUser

Thanks Rainbow Kirby, that takes away the worry of being seen by someone I know.

Aard

Dr. Baltar wrote: »

... I don't really know where else to go to get involved with the LGBT community again.

What about volunteering somewhere? I know that Marriage Equality are always looking for volunteers, not sure about Glen or Noise. It could be a way to meet people, and at least you'd have something in common from the start, something I found difficult with Belong To.

Annasopra

Dr. Baltar wrote: »

I'm 20, which is a factor why I wouldn't be too pushed going. I never saw the need anyhow because I was in college. But now that I am not... I don't really know where else to go to get involved with the LGBT community again.

There are loads of different types of groups you could join - DIGS, sports groups, interest groups - I could list about 20 right now - Juggling, book club, rugby, soccer, swimming, acting, skiing, hiking, outdoor, social groups, activist groups,