New Gay Couple in Riverview - Where to meet friends? (Tampa: home, movies)

[leepoffaith]

I recently moved to Riverview with my boyfriend Kendall and we are looking to make new friends. We moved from Milwaukee and had a lot of friends there from college and work. We moved down here for a change of pace and the weather, but are having a hard time making friends! I now work from home so finding friends at work isn't as easy and we both aren't huge bar or club people. Anyone have any suggestions? We aren't looking for only gay friends, I'm just hoping to meet some people with common interests that would enjoy hanging out. I'm 25 and my boyfriend is 29. Any suggestions or help would be appreciated!! Thanks

~Lee

[kwflconch]

Tampa isn't really a gay friendly city.

[tampaguy03]

I have a few gay friends, and believe that the city of Tampa is gay friendly. Check out the Gaybor section of Ybor City, there is a store there called MC Film on 8th and 15th, the owners know LOTS about the area. There is a great restaurant down there called Streetcar Charlies(good food), and several bars that cater to the gay clientele....the Gyabor district of Ybor City has over 100 members, worth a look.
AS far as meeting people in general, what do you guys like to do? There are sites like meetup, you can volunteer, and there is about any activity you can think of that can be done in the Bay area(Except something involving snow or ice)....

[Big "L"]

Originally Posted by kwflconch

Tampa isn't really a gay friendly city.

Couldn't agree more save for your grammatical error.

[Bungalow]

There are a lot of gay couples in Tampa Bay. The Tampa Bay Bears is a great gay club for social functions. Basically hairy men (bears) and admirers of bears. Very nice group of guys. Check it out at TampaBayBears.com. Georgies Alibi is a fun place to hang out in St Pete. A gay bar and food is also served. Tuesday nights is 2 for 1. The weekend is very busy at night and a good place to meet people. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence has Gay Bingo the first Saturday(I believe) of every month next door to Georgie's Alibi. It's a lot of fun. Craigslist is a good source for meeting people that may have some similar interests. In June, is St Pete Pride on Central Avenue in St Pete (the largest Gay Pride Parade in Florida. The Saturday morning market(unitl June 1st) is in downtown St Pete. It is very popular and a also a good place to meet people. Feel free to email me for more info. Moderator cut: email

[SLCPUNK]

Originally Posted by kwflconch

Tampa isn't really a gay friendly city.

Tampa is very gay friendly. I wouldn't say Brandon or Riverview is though.

Try meeting some friends on craigslist. They have a "just friends" section I'm pretty sure.

[San72]

I'm just hoping to meet some people with common interests that would enjoy hanging out. I'm 25 and my boyfriend is 29. Any suggestions or help would be appreciated!!

Hi,

What are your interests?
There are meet ups ( Meet up.com) where you can sign up for, there might be something at your interest. Check out their site.

Good luck!

[leepoffaith]

Thank you for your suggestions everyone! I'm going to take a look at all the websites that were suggested and let you know what I think.

[lexipapa]

Hi Lee
My name is Doug and my partners name is Joe. We moved to the Brandon Riverview area in Sept 08. Joe is a native to Florida and I'm from the Johnson City Tennessee area where we met 12 years ago.
We are in our mid 40's. We enjoy movies, eating out, etc. Like you and your boyfriend we are not into the bar seen.

[seain dublin]

Well I am straight and married but coming from Southern CA to FL I would hardly say this is an open minded area.

You have a local population that resents people from out of state never mind someone with a different sexual orientation.

I have heard slang words used for gays and other minorities used openly here that you wouldn't dare say out loud in other parts of the country.

I am not saying everyone is that way, but to say Tampa and the surrounding area is progressive and open minded would be lying.

Anytime TBO runs a story on gay marriage or gay issues many hateful comments are posted. More con than pro.

Tampa public schools here were still segregated up until the early 70s. This is not an open minded area.