How do I meet gay people in my area or online?

I am gay, but not I haven’t “come out” to anyone yet. I’m in University in a small-mid size city, so I sometimes go to Pride events, but they aren’t the right atmosphere/setting to actually talk to and meet people. I am extremely shy, so I most likely will have to take the friends first route. I don’t really want to make a profile on a dating site. The reason is that I’m in the closet, so I’m not comfortable having my name in the open on a gay website. I’m also only 18 years old so bars are not an option yet. I would like to find a partner and meet people so I can come out to my parents. I don’t want to tell anyone until I have a reason too (like a S.O). I’m ready to come out but I need that feeling of community to push me. I want to meet people like me so I can receive advice. Some lesbian websites where I can socialize without a thorough profile would be appreciated.