In some cases, the threat of anti-gay or anti-trans violence or loss of livelihood cautions against being out in the real world, but the Internet and social-media services like Facebook provide genuine alternatives now.

Perhaps you've noticed that gay friendships can sometimes be a little complex. Not only do some of the best LGBT friendships start as sexual liaisons, it's also quite true that some of the happiest gay and lesbian romances are birthed in friendship. That's why it's important to know how to make, maintain, repair, and sometimes end friendships, whether you are single or coupled, still in school or midcareer, new in town, or with kids at home.

Whatever your own situation is, this section of the site can help you in your quest to build and strengthen your network: hereís how to find new friends, survive the inevitable changes in friendships, and even how to nurture those sometimes difficult family relationships.