Just like the title says I'll be visiting NYC in a couple of weeks. Seeing as I come from the middle of nowhere, this will be my first exposure to gay scene in a populated city.

We have bars where I'm from but they're very laid-back, while there is a single gay bar, the stories I've heard about that place made me skeptical to visit. Seeing as I always wanted to visit a gay bar, NYC seems like a no-brainer to visit one. However, the more I look into it, it seems like they're more of a cover for sex parties.

While I'm not opposed to experience one at least once, my experiences from this little town of mine has made me a tiny bit self-conscious about my looks. I'm an early 20s average build with a bit of a belly going on.

Anyways, my question is, are there any gay spaces that aren't so "overwhelming" for a lack of a better word. Perhaps a space that has a little adventure, just to ease myself into the scene during my trip. Thanks in advance!