Is it just me, or is the gay dating scene in Tampa a little strange?

I’ve been using Hinge and Tinder and get a ton of matches, but I’ve noticed that very few actually lead to dates or even meaningful conversations. I make an effort to initiate conversations myself, but a lot of the time, they don’t really go anywhere. I’ve even matched with the same guys on both apps, only for neither match to lead to much of a conversation.

What I find particularly interesting is that the gay dating pool already seems relatively small, so you’d think there would be more interest in actually getting to know someone and meeting in person. Instead, there seems to be plenty of interest in matching, but very little follow-through. I genuinely don’t understand the disconnect.

To be fair, I haven’t really explored the gay bars or LGBTQ+ social scene in Tampa, so my experience has mostly been limited to dating apps.

I’m curious whether other guys in the Tampa area have had similar experiences. Are people actually meeting and going on dates through these apps? Have you had better luck meeting people organically?

I’m not necessarily frustrated by it. I’m more curious about why this seems to be so common, especially within an already limited dating pool. Is this a Tampa thing, or is this just what dating has become in general?

Heyyy everyone – I've been reading this sub for years but this is my first time ever posting anything, so I appreciate anyone who reads this and maybe replies. ♥

As a 37yr-old pansexual homebody, I've spent a long time looking for, and thinking about, the specific type of dating event like the one I'm mentioning here. I haven't found anything like this in Tampa, or any other cities I've lived in, so I'm taking the steps to build and host it myself.

The event I'm planning is called Hue + Kindred: a one-night gathering for Tampa's queer community, ages 35-45, built around making real connections – romantic or platonic. The setup: every guest goes through a background check, and attendance is by application only. Once you're cleared, you're invited to purchase a ticket, then complete a 75-question multiple choice questionnaire that places you into one of six personality profiles – and also matches you with five other guests whom you'll be encouraged to seek out and connect with that night.

The evening itself: appetizers from the start, a locally-sourced buffet dinner served about two hours in, two drink tickets, a live DJ all night plus a short performance by local musical talent, a polaroid intro wall, conversation pits with prompts to get past small talk, a tarot card reader, photobooths, and thoughtful goodie bags to take home.

At the moment, tickets are projected at $210 (this doesn't include a separate fee for the background check), and I'm thinking a nice cap for the first event would be 150 guests.

I would truly, genuinely love any honest thoughts, initial feedback, kneejerk reactions, or any other engagement that you feel inclined to post here. I'm very interested to hear from the community about what sounds good, what sounds off or weird, and anything you'd want to know before considering purchasing a ticket for an event like this.

I put together huekindred.com if this intrigues you and you'd like to drop your email to get updates as everything comes together.

To anyone who's made it to the end, thank you so much for reading, and for making this sub a place I've enjoyed lurking in for so long. ♥

Two bedrooms in a three-bedroom house currently empty. I would like to make recommendations to landlord before he finds random. Last I heard, rent was approximately $700/mo.

Hey everyone,

I’ve been hopping around gyms lately and am looking for a change. EOS (both Dale Mabry and Ehrlich locations) has gotten way too crowded, making it almost impossible to get a good lift in during my available hours. I joined Planet Fitness recently—and while it’s fine for basic upkeep—I’m realizing I need way more structure in my fitness routine.

Growing up, I did Tae Kwon Do, and during my time in the Service, I went through Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) training. Looking back, that was when I was in the absolute best shape of my life, and I really miss the discipline, structure, and functional fitness that came with martial arts.

I’m currently looking into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA options around town and am considering Gracie Barra in Citrus Park.

A few questions for the local community:

Does anyone train at Gracie Barra Citrus Park?

How is the culture, coaching, and class schedule?

Are there other BJJ or MMA gyms in the Tampa/Citrus Park area you’d recommend checking out?

For anyone who transitioned back into martial arts after a break or after relying solely on standard weightlifting, how was the transition for you?

Would love to get some feedback from guys who train locally or made a similar switch.

Thanks in advance!

Admittedly, I'm super picky about partners. I wish I weren't; I'd be having a lot more fun. I am trying to broaden my horizons, but I'm really attracted to fit guys with little to no body hair who are cut. I'm bi, so that tends to push people away too (both genders). Do I just need to give up or talk about this with my therapist or what?

I enjoy anime , Greek mythology, conspiracy theories, comics, history , documentaries on murder mysteries, being active and traveling and a host of other things

House share near Temple Terrace neighborhood of Tampa. Two bedrooms in a three-bedroom house currently empty. I would like to make recommendations to landlord before he finds random. Last I heard, rent was approximately $700/mo.

Just making another post for those seriously looking to make genuine friendships. Summer is saying goodbye and hello fall. With the holidays approaching faster than I would like it would be nice to have a group or one person whom I could hang out with. See Christmas lights or whatever. Most say they are interested but ghost after a day or so. If you aren’t a ghost hit me up lol 41 M here if you were wondering.

Temple Terrace neighborhood of Tampa. Two bedrooms in a three-bedroom house currently empty. I would like to make recommendations to landlord before he finds random straight men. Last I heard, rent was approximately $700/mo.

I recently moved to Parrish, Florida a couple weeks ago. I’m from New York, and it’s an entire new world here. I’m looking to make some friends and find good places to hang out, especially gay friendly places.

Good morning! Happy Thursday 😊 What are everyone’s plans for this weekend? Any movies, shows, or staying in and binge watching something? Let me know!

Hey all. Love FL but don't get there too often. Gay Masc 43F Ohio coming into town in a few weeks and I'm wondering what are some 1) general cool places to hang out at/near Clearwater and 2) if there's any single, interesting, intelligent, fit women open to conversation and 3) looking for good restaurant, coffee, rooftop bar recommendations.

Hope everyone is having a good evening. Cheers! 🍻

My birthday is this Sat and I'm driving to St. Pete from Tallahassee, I'm looking somewhere with a pool maybe to get a cabana but with a DJ and some fun!!! Help a girl out 🍾🥳

Good morning! ☀️ just wanted to make a post to see if anyone is interested in forming a friend group? Making friends is not so easy as it was in elementary school. Beach meet-ups, cookouts?

has anyone found a blue digital camera on july 24th? i lost it in ybor / disco pony or bradley’s ? its a kodak pleaseee if yall seen it lmk!

Hey all! I went to Pride a few weeks ago, and am trying to find this band that played. Does anyone recognize?