Outclose: Make Gay Friends IRL

my first experience was fantastic. We women got together at a Fabulous WeHo café immediately we connected chatted and found a way to build bridges to each other. It was so great having a non-alcohol opportunity to connect where I could actually have great conversations

I had a paid Outclose membership and tried two different events before deciding to cancel my membership—with four months still remaining—because both experiences were so disappointing. The first event was brunch. About half of the group canceled. One of the people who did attend brought a friend they already knew, which completely changed the dynamic of what was supposed to be a group of people meeting one another. It was difficult to engage when two people arrived together and naturally already had an established conversation and relationship. There was also no option to split the bill, so I ended up contributing toward other people’s drinks rather than simply paying for what I ordered. I still decided to give Outclose another chance and attended a coffee meetup. That experience was worse. When I arrived, there wasn’t even a reserved table or seat for the group. I ordered a pastry while waiting and was then told I couldn’t sit at the table because of what I had ordered. No one offered to take an additional order for tea, and I wasn’t even offered a glass of water. I essentially had to beg a server to come over and serve me. I understand that Outclose cannot control every cancellation or every interaction with restaurant staff. But I paid for a membership because I expected the service to organize and facilitate a comfortable, functional environment for meeting other LGBTQ+ people. Across two events, the basic organization simply wasn’t there. I canceled my membership despite still having four months remaining. I’d rather lose the remaining time I already paid for than attend another event.

I have not met many people since moving to NYC about 4 years ago, but now I can meet 8 new people a week by going to two meals a week with Outclose. It is so easy, just fill out a survey, book your dinner and Outclose finds the people and the venue. You just show up and connect! I love this app and see myself using it indefinitely! It is a healthy way to meet people outside of going to the bars. You can find real people, real conversation, in nice places with great food. You have many chances to network, meet new friends or even possibly that next special person in your life. The opportunities are endless. My group saw another group of young guys that were having dinner that all met through Outclose. They all looked like they were having a great time as well. My only wish about Outclose is that I wish I had it or something like it in my early twenties. It would have been a great option for me, back then other than trying to meet people at the bar. Thank you Outclose for my first great dinner through the app and for many more dinners and brunches and connections in the future!!😊