I crave companionship

Hi I am gay and I live in a very homophobic town. I halve come out to two of my best friend and my brother. But I can't bring myself to come out publicly. The problem I am having is that I crave companionship (not sex) someone to hold and laugh with but there are no gay guys my age in this town. I have thought about using apps and things but they are all sex based and that's not what I'm after. So if you have any help please send it my way. Thanks.