The new social networking site for gay, bisexual and questioning men in Sarasota has neared the 1,000 mark, according to founder Stephen Warne. StepOutSarasota.com launched in the middle of 2009 to provide a way for men in the Sarasota area to connect and organize.
“Throughout our network, members are expressing their hopes, aspirations and well wishes for our community here on the Suncoast,” Warne said. “But they are also expressing their many frustrations and concerns. That’s why I created SOS. I’m very glad to see members offering advice and solutions to problems.”
The Facebook-style web site requires members to register before they can use it and set up a profile. Upon doing so, members can find friends, facilitate groups or discuss initiatives.
“It is my hope that our members begin working more closely together, and that SOS becomes a catalyst for positive change in our area, within the LGBTQ community, and in the community at large,” Warne said.
Several statements on the SOS home page make it clear that the site is not intended as a “hook up site” for gay men. It is a tool for resources and collaboration. However, it does say photo sharing is okay as long as it is done privately.
The free site has been well worth the hard work involved, according to Warne.
“When I started this social network, my goal was simple,” Warne said. “I wanted to connect people and bring together the community in a meaningful way. Within two weeks my efforts [were] rewarded many times over. SOS went from an idea to an obsession within less than a month.”
Since moving to Sarasota in 2007, Warne has become involved in many aspects of the community. His SOS creation, he said, is an effort to provide locals with an easily accessible network to find other local gay and bisexual men for companionship.
“Social networking starts locally, but most of our experiences with social networking web sites are national trends and international press hype,” Warne said. “SOS can act as a primary network or as an addition to a current network.”
Warne said that several “apps” are open-source, which means anyone can add their own features without suffering compatibility issues.
