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Is there more than one way to be gay?

By James Ledward
Feb 8, 2012 - 8:26:02 PM
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In their latest issue, FS Magazine looks at gay stereotypes.
 
When you come out as gay, no matter how easy you find it, you have already broken the cardinal rule of straight society: namely that you should shag girls and not boys. Having broken the big rule, you are now free to break all of the others and live your life as you choose, although you could be excused for thinking otherwise.
 
Convention dictates that all gay men are promiscuous, that we all love Kylie, Madonna and/or Lady Gaga, that we’re sparkling conversationalists, always equipped with a witty or bitchy put down and that we may be a little bit, well, camp.

The latest issue of FS argues, whilst each of these may be true for many members of the gay community, they are far from being intrinsic features of our sexuality.
 
Matthew Hodson of GMFA, who publish FS, comments:
“Being free from the conventions of straight society means that we have the freedom to create ourselves in whatever image is most appropriate for us, whether or not that conforms to any gay stereotype.”
 
Expectations that gay men need to conform to particular stereotypes can have a negative impact on gay men’s confidence, and can even lead them to adopt high risk behaviours. In the latest issue of FS, regular contributor, Simon Gage, gives 15 tips on how to be gay your own way, addressing such issues as appearance, numbers of sexual partners, and drinking and drug taking.
 
Matthew added:
“We give a lot of thought to the cover models featured in FS magazine. Quite often we get letters or comments asking us to feature a wider variety of models, in particular larger guys or older guys. At the same time, we can see from patterns of pick-up, and the numbers of men who look at FS online, that the more conventional, young smooth and muscular cover models, tend to get more attention. It’s really important to us though that FS magazine is for all gay men, not just a narrow conception of how gay men should be, so we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to critically examine gay stereotypes in the new issue, and to have someone who’s a bit more ‘woof!’ on the latest cover. We’re looking forward to hearing what people think.”
 
FS magazine is available for free in gay venues and GUM clinics across the UK or can be viewed at:
www.gmfa.org.uk/fsmag

FS magazine is also available to download on your iPhone, iPad or Android device for free.

View: www.gmfa.org.uk/fsapp
for more information.
 


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