Tag Archives: gay culture

The True Definition of Gay

Have you ever fancied someone of the same-sex? Ever just wanted to jump someone’s bones that have the same body parts as you?

If so, these might be signs that you are gay…

It’s nothing to worry about; it’s not ‘wrong’, or ‘bad’, like others may have persuaded you that it is. Gay is defined as being sexually or emotionally attracted to someone of the same sex as you. Gay can be used as a noun or an adjective. Gay is typically used for men who are attracted to other men, but can be used across the widespread platform of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender). As the term gay was used more and more often, it became acceptable to use it as an antonym for the straight sexual orientation.

Throughout time, homosexuality was once considered as a mental illness, but by 1973 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders made it evident that it is not even close to being a relevant mental illness. The APA has also crossed off homosexuality as a mental disorder.

Being ‘gay’ doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. There is nothing wrong with being gay. Some are born gay, just like being a straight man it is another way of expressing ones sexuality. Being gay, having gay relations is just as natural as opposite-sex couples doing the same exact thing. Sexual desires and fantasies come from within, and cannot be forced on someone. There are some discoveries of biological differences between gay and straight men and women.

Sexual orientation is already determined by the time humans are born. Science has begun to prove that sexual orientation is influenced heavily by the hypothalamus section of our brains. There are no real evidences behind why someone is gay, and there are still several debates and researches coming up every day with new findings.

Most people have felt gay urges throughout some point in their life. Whether it was in teenage years, a college experience, or a couple years into their marriage, it has most likely occurred. Not all gay tendencies last forever. Some who experience gay related feelings early on may quickly dissolve with time. However if feelings last for a long period of time, then it is quite certain that he/she is in fact gay.  It is up to each individual to decide how they will cope with their feelings and what actions they will take to handle them. If someone is gay, and has a supportive family and friends, then he has a better advantage than most to live a happy, healthy life.

Prejudice against gays is still definitely around; however it is slowly and steadily decreasing, so gays get a better chance to enjoy their lives. While communities are becoming more accepting and sensitive, people don’t have to be ashamed of who they truly are on the inside, anymore.

There is no way to stop someone from being gay, if he has instincts that are having him be turned on by a guy, there is nothing he can do to change those feelings. There are different methods nowadays that help men and women meet their ideal partners, deal with their feelings, and talk about their fantasies and secrets that no one else knows about. There are websites, telephone hotlines, and therapies.

While there is still a lot of progression for equal justice for people in the gay community, gays are finally becoming more comfortable being themselves, and not hiding their interests from family and friends. All anyone can do is promote justice and hope for better times for all gay people.

LGBT History Month

So it’s February, which means one thing, its LGBT History Month.

This fantastic calendar event is here to celebrate the lives and achievements of the LGBT community; celebrating its diversity and the society as a whole. It is an opportunity to celebrate LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) lives and culture by exploring our own and others’ histories in an LGBT context.

It is also an opportunity for learning, discussion and debate around the continued fight for LGBT liberation.

Every year a range of arts, cultural and educational events take place across the country. LGBT History Month is for everyone; individuals, community groups, organisations, service providers, LGBT and non-LGBT people.

Sites to visit
  • http://www.lgbthistory.org.uk/
  • http://lgbthistorymonth.org.uk/
  • http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/themes/same-sex_desire_and_gender.aspx
  • https://www.uea.ac.uk/literature/engagement/lgbt-history-month

How LGBT History Month can change attitudes

What’s the campaign called? 

LGBT History Month is an event first marked in Scotland a mere nine years ago to coincide with the abolition of Section 28, which prohibited local authorities and schools from discussing lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) lives. LGBT History Month is managed and promoted by LGBT Youth Scotland, the largest youth and community-based organisation for LGBT young people in Scotland.

Why should we care?

LGBT lives and culture should not be simply tolerated but, in fact, celebrated and incorporated into our daily lives. And as Scotland opens its doors to the world in 2014 through high-profile events such as the Commonwealth Games and Homecoming Scotland, the importance of working together takes on an even greater significance.

Who else cares?

More people than ever care about LGBT rights. Since its launch LGBT History Month has grown in size and scale to become an annual cultural celebration of LGBT creativity, and with more than 60 events planned for 2014, this year promises to deliver an exciting, ambitious and accessible programme of events for everyone. Debate and discussion can’t take place in isolation, and the fact that so many mainstream organisations across Scotland are committed to planning and delivering events throughout the month needs to be acknowledged and applauded. Next month, for example, Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council (ELREC), Midlothian Council and LGBT Youth Scotland invite you to an evening of celebration and dance at the National Mining Museum; South Lanarkshire council will fly the rainbow flag from no fewer than four locations across the local authority area; and Forth Valley college play host to artwork from the three local LGBT youth groups, to name but a few.

Who are you targeting? 

Put simply, everyone. The success of LGBT History Month in Scotland is down to the fact that it’s remained true to its values: History Month provides a platform for showcasing the very best of LGBT culture at not only a national level but also locally and regionally, in community groups and through youth organisations. In doing so, its reach has extended far beyond LGBT-specific groups into mainstream organisations, including the British Transport Police, local authorities and the NHS, further and higher education, universities, colleges, schools, and the third sector.

What would a better world look like?

Our mission is to “empower lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people and the wider LGBT community so that they are embraced as full members of the Scottish family at home, school and in every community”.

What can we do?

To find out more about how you can get involved in LGBT History Month, or to see what events and activities are happening locally in your area, visit us at www.lgbthistory.org.uk. Alternatively, why not take part in our #lgbtsmallsteps campaign, which encourages individuals and organisations to celebrate the small, personal ways people have marked the month?