What are people's opinions about how first-timers should have sex given our hookup culture?

I'm well beyond the point where sex is intimidating or a mystery to me and the first time I had sex with was someone I had been dating for months... so I have no notion if hook-ups are a good way to have that first experience.But I am curious about how others have managed to navigate having sex for the first time and if they waited until they were okay with their sexual orientation and what they think is the best way for a a first-timer to have sex.I'm mostly asking the question because I think sharing this knowledge is important?Should people come out first? Should they have other gay friends first before having sex?Where does sex come in in the coming out process?I can imagine that sex could very well be a turning point in the coming out process in accepting one's self because it can represent a really positive reason to accept one's self. That said, it does seem a bit risky. A hook up seems more likely to be a bad first experience than an established relationship. I also think that first-timers picture sex as that ideal romantic experience (which it can be but it takes time to establish a connection with a partner).