Safe hookups for a newbie.

I'm getting out of a previous straight relationship and I've always felt attracted to the same sex. Now that I have no strings, I want to explore a part of me that I haven't had the chance to explore, but I'm unsure of the safest way to go about it. Are sites like Grindr or Squirt safe, as in the types of guys who don't wish to do harm. I've heard scary stories about craigslist and I worry that my first experience will be my last. Also, I'm in my 40's and I want to meet guys within my age.