an upfront approach works ( only when u know for SURE theyre gay). and usually those people have connections who have connections, so on so forth. putting yourself out there is TOUGH but standing and waiting for the cool gay person to hand you an invite to a club hasnt worked for most. consider looking online for clubs or local events if your town is large. perhaps youll find a flag on someones backpack and try introducing yourself. the biggest cure for loneliness is finding someone just as lonely, youre not the only one out there! i personally think the coolest gays are the library nerds. if theres a few books you know that have queer rep, maybe be seen reading those publically or see who checks them out. conversations are tough, but people are usually kind, just also nervous