The landscape of dating continues to change, affecting everything from how people date to talking openly on social media about “red flags,” and concerns for safety. As part of the change, Lamont White, CEO and founder of Better Way to Meet, is helping gay men find themselves and a significant other in the dating scene. With only a handful of resources for dating in the LGBTQ+ community, Lamont shares, “we don’t get to see for ourselves or hear conversations that are supportive to who we are as individuals.” As a professional matchmaker, dating coach, and couple’s counselor, he hopes to provide a better way to meet, for gay men.

Growing up, Lamont thought he would become a preacher. Now, years later, he speaks about the connection between an early passion to his present career, “I’m helping people not just find love, but to become their most authentic self.” With a background in public health and as a therapist working with gay men, including being a certified matchmaker, over 10 years ago Lamont would venture into creating a platform that has helped match hundreds of single guys and even helped a few guys get married.

But how does he do it? Lamont has created a safe space for men to start having conversations about what they are looking for, but also what they are bringing to a relationship. A reoccurring concern that he is met with from daters is, “they prefer other guys to perform,” and his response is, “where is the work you are putting towards the relationship?” For Lamont, there is a lot of self-love and building character in his counseling. In that work, he helps people become intentional about dating. Sharing that the best tip to start is building a list of core values (from spirituality, fitness, honesty, etc.) and creating a list of the type of relationship you are looking for. “People don’t have a roadmap…and then they get frustrated,” Lamont shares, of how having a list – a small one preferred – can help people decide on meaningful relationships.

Through his sessions ranging from gay virtual speed dating, VIP matchmaking, and even an Instagram series entitled “Shoot Your Shot” Wednesday, Lamont continues to be of resource for gay men, while also creating spaces for safe interaction. Looking at the next 10 years for Better Way to Meet, Lamont finds himself leaning into his background as a therapist. “Each month, we’re changing the platform from just dating to serious worldly issues impacting the community,” he says, about conversations on domestic violence in gay dating, HIV and dating, and transgender people finding love. More than ever, he feels a platform for gay men is important, “it is a space we get to have conversations about ourselves to grow.”

@TheGayDatingCoach

BetterWayToMeet.com