There are as many ways to find a man as it is to skin a cat. You have the streets, the MRT, saunas, the malls, clubs and of course the Internet.

For most of us living in this generation, the Internet is the easiest way to find whatever it is we are looking for: chat, friendship, one night stands, group sex, and relationships. One can go to the classic mIRC and go to the gay-oriented chatrooms or browse through different online social networking sites. Online social networking is an internet phenomenon which, for some people, has replaced real world “socializing.”

There are thousands (millions?) of social networking sites online that cater to different markets, one of which is the gay and lesbian community. These networking sites have diverse setups and functionalities. Some people have found their “success” stories from these sites, while others, well, others are still striving!

Here’s a quick list of my favorite gay networking sites [part 2 of this post soon]:

1 Guys4men
Guys4men is an ad-free site which offers their services for free (primarily, or you can sign up for a supporter status at a price). It has a clean and simple interface which does not take forever to load. Users can browse profiles, upload G-rated, Private, and X-Rated pictures, build a network (which isn’t used that much), send messages to other users, post and exchange messages on their forums, or use their G-rated and XXX Webcam Chatrooms, and many more!

Rating: 5 Rainbows

2 Downelink
DowneLink offers an array of features, such as social networking, weblogs, internal emails, a bulletin, forums, DowneLife and a chat. Social networks allow people to stay connected through a collection of friends. The weblogs offer a chance for the users to record their thoughts and ideas. Bulletins provide a space for users to have public discussions, exchange ideas and voice their opinion. Whether it is meeting new people, keeping in touch with old friends, searching for the best cafes or discussing your views on life, DowneLink is your online gay community for communication and resources.[source: downelink site]

Downelink is one of the first few networking sites that had Pinoys signing up. Some few years ago, it was the “it” network and the buzz word among gay crowds. The Missed Connections section is great, however, people have misused it to great leaps. Instead of posting real “missed” connections, people are now posting ads looking for hookups and the like. Recently, Downelink has done some site renovation and it now offers great services.

3 Manjam
Manjam is a unique social network for dating, work and travel. Promote yourself, your talents and lifestyle through a network of like-minded people. There are personal profile listings with text and video comments enabled for members. Free users can access rental listing details, IM, video and audio messaging.

4 Gay.com
Need I say more? It’s GAY and it’s a dotcom!

5 Connexion.Org
Connexion is a social network with a twist. It not only allows you to meet new people and explore the connections among your friends. Connexion contains a full range of searching and messaging systems. And according to the site, “It is the place to meet people.”

---

I haven’t had that much of a success in any of these sites, but looking at other people’s profiles, exchanging messages, chatting, and drooling over hot pictures sure makes my idle time enjoyable! More sites to be featured soon (Yes, I’m a member of more than 10 social networking sites! wahahahhaha)!See samples of profiles after the cutGuys4Men

Downelink

Manjam

Gay.Com

Connexion