I read this question often here, but I never had issues making new friends! Im open about being trans and made a lot of friends in nursing school while I was socially transitioned and before HRT and now Im open with the girls at work and made a lot of friends. I go out to queer board game nights, I danced at the gay bar and met people, I volunteer and meet people, I dunno you have to go out and actually meet people - also its not a one and done, it tends to be 3 times you meet before you can start being friends.

I also dont turn down a lot. I had a somewhat acquaintance ask me to help her blow up balloons for her son's birthday, and I didnt like the idea of doing that for 4 to 6 hours but I did. We drank wine, talked about our dismal dating lives and whatever else, and watched trashy reality TV so it wasnt so bad. One guy asked me sing at his catholic church's choir so I did, and thats how I met people who invited me to play in a college brass band so I did that, and etc. But I say yes to a lot of invites, I never know if people asking "how do I make friends" have issues with literally meeting people or if they turn down a lot of stuff because it sounds boring or not a great fit. It does help that I have my core group of friends Ive know for 10+ years but I make new ones everywhere I go