Responses
I can't speak for gay men, but basically the entire population of lesbians in the city I'm from (capital) have messed around with eachother/dated but somehow most are just friends. Don't ask me how, because I am also guilty as charged. It's more common in queer communities because the circles are so small, but it's still messy and fucked up.
1 the friend was always the best option, the end game sucks
2 these "this is what friends do" stories always makes me angry, cuz what do mean you think the normal behavior for friends is to fuck and "help each other". I know that there are ppl like this, you can (even worth zero social awareness) think it'd be a bit off