It is even possible to find a girlfriend when your in the closet ? I find it really hard to meet people. Some of my friends know im lesbian but it hasn't really changed anything.
you don't necessarily have to come out on a grand scale to find a girlfriend. you just have to technically go to where the gays gather in your area wherever that may be.
I've wondered that too... My area doesn't really have a gathering... Closest 'gatherings' are Portland or Seattle.... Both very far.
I think it's good if your best friends know about it, cause then you can go "girl-hunting" with them, or at least not hide it for them. But I don't really know, I'm neither out to my family, or having a girlfriend so my opinion is not based on experience, haha.
I helped a friend come out as a Lesbian and she got into a hurry and let someone set her up with someone just to have sex, not a date or friendship to start and the woman gave her Herpes HSV2. Please take your time.
I don't think you need to come out to get started. Are there any free web based UK Lesbian Dating sites?