Gay.Net, an online service that has been in development for over two years and is accessible through the World Wide Web, is offering free service for registered, adult college students through 1997.

Gay.Net, which normally costs $9.95 a month, offers college-oriented information. Some issues discussed on Gay.Net include sections on coming out, spring break trips, careers, school, home for the holidays, politics, dating, movies, sex, TV and music.

This service also offers news, web casts of gay events and community features.

Newsweek Magazine called Gay.Net, “The most ambitious gay service on the web.”

“You could spend half the night surfing and only find half of what’s there,”the magazine said.

Gay.Net lets members chat, view photos of other members, participate in live broadcasts, e-mail, launch private chats and find out who else is online.

Gay.Net also offers travel information by Damron Publications, as well as gay databases that allow members to search for gay and gay-friendly businesses.

“I remember what it was like being gay during college. While campuses are now more progressive, they still can be very isolating, particularly for students who may not have access to an openly gay community,” Andy Cramer, chief executive officer of Gay.Net, said.

“Gay.Net is a great place for gay students to meet each other in a safe, anonymous online space,” Cramer said.

Students may preview Gay.Net at http://www.gay.net/college.