I am a Professor Emeritus of Psychology and a life-long duplicate bridge nut. Currently a Ruby Life Master with the ACBL. Also a sci-fi fan. You sound like someone I'd like to meet. (Hetero but very much a feminist even though male)

If you get involved in a club (and there are a lot of them) all you need to do is round up a partner. Even then, all clubs have a partnership chairman that will help with that.

So do you still play duplicate? Its a life-long passion for me and I direct the Stevens Point DBC