Feelling Lonely and Struggling to Make Friends

I feel very lonely. For background, I'm 21, Trans fem in university, I had a really bad drinking problem and mental health issues for a few years, but in March I'll be 2 years off the drink and I'm the happiest I've ever been and I'm so comfortable in my own skin. But since I stopped drinking I've not been able to socialise, and its been incredibly lonely. I haven't had a close friend in over a year now. I'm still in contact with some people I used to go out with but we only talk every few months.

Most people I know only really socialize by going out drinking or in big groups, but I have really bad social anxiety, especially in groups and I really dont wanna go out drinking.

My whole life all of my friends ive met through other friends, and now I dont have any, I just feel like I can't find anyone like me.

Over the last 2 years I've done loads of work on myself, I'm the happiest and most me I've ever been in my life, ive found hobbies and interests and a real sense of self. I feel ready to get myself out there more, I just have no idea how to start.