There are so many mobile apps to accessorise your smartphones with but nothing beats going out and meeting people in real life. And I do mean it when I say to meet them one-on-one and chat about anything and everything under the sun. I have seen some confessions online about other gay youths asking about how to make friends beyond the mobile apps, which sometimes can seem a little too daunting or raunchy. 

As such, I decided to write down a short review of the top 5 social events you can attend as a young gay man looking to expand your social network, and if you are lucky, meet someone special. I have personally attended all these events and some others organised by other community groups but thought that these 5 were the ones that I enjoyed the most. 

#5 - Pink Dot 

Well, who doesn't know Pink Dot? Besides celebrating the freedom to love, you will also be free to show off your awesome pink attire and enjoy a picnic together with more than 20 000 other people who support and affirm who you are. Trust me, sharing food with other unknown strangers is fun and more often than not, you won't remain strangers for long. This is a must-go with your friends and who knows, you might even meet someone special there too. 

On the flip side however, it is most of the time hot and you will be literally melting under the sun, so get your umbrellas and fans ready. Also, it's becoming really crowded as more people have come forward (it's a good thing but we just need a bigger venue!) to show their support for the freedom to love. 

[Pink Dot is happening on 28th June 2014 this year at Hong Lim Park. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/pinkdotsg] 

#4 - Werq It! by The Purple Alliance

I love discussions and after participating in this event, my new friends gave me some insight into some of the commonly discussed topics about the gay community and I do recommend those of you who like to voice your thoughts and opinions to join this event.

And of course, new friends of a wide age range will be added to your contact list.

[Find out more about Meet Market here: http://www.oogachaga.com/meetmarket] 

Apparently, I was told that this is their "most popular" event and after attending, I can understand why. Who won't want free food, freebies, and loads of fun while at the same time make new friends?

I had the opportunity to participate in one of their Christmas Night's OUT and seriously, it was awesome! The facilitators running the programme were friendly and approachable, and there was so much going on that we didn't want to leave the venue (until they had to chase us out as they had to clean up). Every single one of you should try this event out! 

I think most importantly, this event was best for me personally because it catered to youths. We all could relate to each other quite well and it's not that I want to be ageist but sometimes, we just want to find a close group of friends who can understand best and usually those who can understand what we are going through or feeling best are those around our own age. 

[Find out more about Night's OUT here: http://sgrainbow.blogspot.sg/p/nights-out.html] 

This was written by an ex-participant of our events and he kindly offered to pen down his experiences and thoughts on the various community events he has attended. Tell us what you think about this list and share your experiences with us!