What Would Ho-Moses Do?

New research conducted by ManCentral.com reveals that men of Islamic and Christian faith are most likely to struggle with their sexuality.

Despite wider acceptance and understanding of homosexuality in the UK over the past 50 years, ‘coming out’ still remains as one of the biggest hurdles that gay and bisexual men face. Whilst friends and family are commonly cited as the source of fear, recent statistics reveal that religious beliefs are proving problematic for many gay men.

More than 5,000 members of the free gay dating website ManCentral.com were asked what they felt was the most problematic for them when coming to terms with their sexual orientation. 12% of openly gay men cited religion as their biggest obstacle, whilst a further 15% of closet men struggled with their religious beliefs.

Of all the religious denominations, Islam and Christianity were found to be the most troublesome for gay an bisexual men. 39% of gay Muslim men said that their religion was their biggest worry, whilst 22% of gay Catholics agreed. Intriguingly, 75% of gay Hindus feared their family rather than their religion, however, this may be a result of the importance of family within Hinduism.

In general, 49% of respondents believed that their family was the biggest obstacle when coming to terms with their sexuality. This was strongly true for 61% of men aged 18-24 however this fell gradually to 30% of men aged 51-60. Arguably, with age men become independent of their families and in turn are less likely to fear the repercussions. Conversely, fear of religion remained relatively constant across the age groups ranging between seven and twelve percent.

Furthermore, 4% of Atheist members, and 9% of Agnostic members claimed that their religion was problematic when coming to terms with their sexuality. Sadly, it would seem that for a portion of the gay and bisexual community, the only resolution to their turmoil is to abandon religion altogether.

Research:
ManCentral.com polled 5,679 members over a three day period. Detailed statistics & breakdowns available on request. Members who answered the surveys remained anonymous to ensure an honest and accurate response.

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Brains vs. Beauty, Which Wins?

When it comes to the dating game there is always a battle between brains and beauty, but 67% of gay men would choose a partner with personality over appearance and intelligence.

Wash-board abs, perfect smile, hair meticulously styled, impeccable sense of style, and not a stray hair in sight – but gay and bisexual men have learnt never to judge a book by it’s cover. Though the average gay man is often thought to be as deep as a puddle results from a new survey reveal that for the majority of gay and bisexual men personality is paramount when dating.

Free gay dating and chat website ManCentral.com asked its members what was most important to them when looking for a date or relationship. 67% of those surveyed said that personality was the most important attribute in a potential partner.

In contrast, only 28% relied solely on appearance, whilst intelligence would impress only 6% of those surveyed.

However, personal preferences were significantly affected by age. Those aged 18-24 were the most likely to value appearance above intelligence and personality. 34% of 18 to 24 year olds said appearance was the most important factor, far higher than the 28% average. The importance of appearance steadily declined until it reached just 11% for those aged 61 and above.

Similarly, those aged 61 and above were most likely to rate personality as the most important factor in a new partner. 77% of those aged 61 and above said that personality was the most important attribute, 10% higher than the average. This gradually declined to 61% of those aged 18-24.

Predictably, those looking for sex were the most likely to place emphasis on appearance, whilst those looking for friendship were most likely to look for a partner with personality. Strangely, intelligence was also most highly regarded by those looking for sex – presumably Darwin’s Theory of Evolution is some form of foreplay.

So if you’re struggling to find a date for Valentine’s Day, chances are you are as dull as dishwater.

Additional information:
Man Central surveys are extremely detailed, incorporating information about its respondents as detailed as facial hair and weight, allowing us to unearth the following strange facts:

• Closet men (34%) were more likely than out (24%) men to choose appearance over intelligence and personality.

• Gay men (69%) were more likely than Bi-curious men (57%) to choose personality over looks.

• Men with small tools were the most likely choose intelligence and personality rather than appearance.

• Men lacking in the looks department should venture into Bristol where only 12% of respondents thought appearance was most important. Whilst Harrow is a haven for those who fall short in the personality stakes where only a quarter of men would choose personality over all else.

Research:
ManCentral.com polled 2,879 members over a three day period. Detailed statistics & breakdowns available on request. Members who answered the surveys remained anonymous to ensure an honest and accurate response.

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If You Prick Us, Do We Not Bleed?
3 out of 4 Gay and Bisexual Men Would Donate Blood If They Were ‘Allowed’

According to The National Blood Service, last year they received 2.1 million donations from about 1.6 million donors. Although that sounds a lot, it reflects only 4% of the population, giving two or three times a year.

The NHS needs a constant supply of 7,000 units of blood each day for hospitals across the UK, this equates to at least 2.5 million donations every year, leading to a deficit of 400,000 units of blood each year.

Members of the free gay chat website ManCentral.com were asked if they would donate blood if they were not restricted by the policies of the National Blood Service. An overwhelming 77% of respondents said they would donate blood if they were permitted to do so. Of the 23% who said no, various reasons were provided such as a fear of needles, previous blood transfusions or other family medical conditions such as CJD.

According to the National Blood Service any man who has had sex with another man is unable to give blood due to the risk of transmitting viruses such as HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis during the 3 month 'window period' when tests can’t detect these viruses in the blood. However this ‘window period’ is the same for everyone regardless of gender and sexuality.

In 1999 heterosexual sex overtook homosexual sex as the most common route of transmission among new HIV cases overall; whilst in 2007, heterosexual transmission accounted for 55% of those diagnosed in the UK. Nevertheless in terms of transmission of the virus within the UK, men who have sex with men are still the group at highest risk of getting a new infection.

Interestingly, members of Man Central who admit to only sometimes practising safe sex were the least likely to agree to donate blood. This suggests that gay and bisexual men are intelligent enough to judge for themselves if they can safely donate blood.

Conservative estimates suggest that there are over 3 million Gay and Bisexual men within the UK. If the results from the research are taken as a reflection of the gay and bisexual population as a whole, gay and bisexual donors could potentially equate to 2.3 million donors compared to the 1.6 million donors of last year.

Whilst the need to protect public health by minimising the risk of transmission of HIV and other blood-borne viruses is undeniable, the life-long ban for gay and bisexual men is unnecessarily stringent and in turn detrimental to public health through the shortage of blood. As with promiscuous heterosexual donors, a 3 or even 6 month exclusion period could be applied to men who have had sex with men, after which time the threat of undetected viruses would be dramatically reduced if not removed.

Additional Statistics

• Those aged 31-35 are most likely to donate blood with 83% saying they would give blood if they could.

• Members looking for sex online were the most likely to avoid giving blood.

• 80% of Gay men said they would donate blood compared to 71% of Bisexual men.

• 78% of members who always practise safe sex would donate blood.

Research:
ManCentral.com polled 3,667 members over a three day period. Detailed statistics & breakdowns available on request. Members who answered the surveys remained anonymous to ensure an honest and accurate response.

For more information please visit:

http://www.blood.co.uk/can-i-give-blood/exclusion/

http://www.tht.org.uk/informationresources/policy/healthpolicy/blooddonations

http://www.tht.org.uk/informationresources/factsandstatistics/uk/heterosexual/

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The Condom, The Click and the Wardrobe

63% of Closet Men Browse The Web For Sex 

New research from ManCentral.com reveals gay men log on to get off.

Roll back the clock 5 years or so to when Hampstead Heath was a hotspot for illicit encounters with Joe Blogs or George Michael. Nowadays, gay men are more likely to cruise the web than browse the bushes in search of sex.

Members of the free gay cruising website ManCentral.com were asked ‘What is your main reason for using online dating?’ A staggering, 45% of respondents admitted to using the internet for sex. Similarly, only 21% claimed to be in search of a relationship, and even less (8%) were looking for dates.

Unsurprisingly, 63% of men who were not ‘out’ used the internet for sex, in contrast, only 35% of openly gay men were looking for sex. Similarly, bisexual men were the most likely (61%) to look for sex online. Arguably, the internet provides closet cases with the anonymity and convenience to satisfy their desire without the risk of being outed…or arrested.

But are men ditching the bars and clubs for the comfort of their sofa? Apparently not, 52% of regular drinkers, and 45% of social drinkers browse dating websites for sex.

Worryingly, 40% of men who admit to never practising safe sex use dating websites to find a sex. Similarly, 55% of those who ‘sometimes’ practice safe sex log on for sex. Nevertheless, 41% of those who always practice safe sex also join online dating websites for such encounters.

You’d be forgiven for thinking the research shows that single gay men just want sex; but you’d also be wrong. In fact, 70% of married men and 62% of those in a relationship look for sex online compared to only 40% of those who are single, the remaining 60% are online for dating, friendship or a relationship.

Additional information:

• Men who are between 5’3 and 5’6 are least likely to search for sex online.

• Men under 5’3 and over 6’ are most likely to be looking for a relationship - the practical implications of this 7 inch difference are baffling, yet humorous.
• Men who describe themselves as ‘large’ in the trouser department are the most likely (61%) to use websites for sex. In contrast, men who describe themselves as ‘small’ are the most likely to seek a long-term partner.
• Coventry and Middlesbrough are the best places to find a relationship. Whilst members on the south coast, particularly Portsmouth and Brighton, are most likely to search for sex.

Matthew Hodson, Head of Programmes at GMFA, the gay men’s health charity, provided us with his comments:

"The internet is now the most popular place for gay men to find sexual partners. It’s also where a lot of men go to find information on health issues, such as HIV and other STIs. Therefore, it’s important we provide accessible and accurate information online to ensure that men have the information they need to protect themselves and their partners. This is particularly the case for those who don’t identify as gay, as they often have greater information needs and are less likely to access information in gay venues or the gay press."

For more information on sexual health and safer sex, visit GMFA’s website at www.gmfa.org.uk/sex

ManCentral.com polled 3,236 members over a 24 hour period. Detailed statistics & breakdowns available on request. Members who answered the surveys remained anonymous to ensure an honest and accurate response.

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Women Gok Wan-t a Gay Friend

Survey reveals the new must-have for Young, Attractive, Liberal, Educated, High-earning socialites

A new survey carried out by Smooch.com reveals that nearly 2 out of 5 people think it is important to have a Gay friend.

With the end of the 'Noughties' rapidly approaching, the rise of the gay figures on our screens in the past decade has undoubtedly had an effect on society. It would appear that the success of programmes such as How to Look Good Naked and Will and Grace has prompted a rise in 'Gayjacents'.

The results show that it was most important to the younger age categories to have a gay friend. 18-24 year olds are twice as likely to rate gay friendships 'Very Important' than those aged 41-50. Similarly those aged 25-30 are almost twice as likely to want a gay friend than those aged 36-40. This is arguably a consequence of the increasing diversity in society compared to 15 or 20 years ago.

Unsurprisingly, having a gay friend was 5 time more important to women than it was to men. This trend is undoubtedly influenced by today's celebrity culture, whether it be Madonna, Kylie or Katie Price, it seems that female celebrities are setting the standard for women everywhere.

People with a high-range salary were most likely to describe gay friendships as 'Very Important' or 'Important', as were occasional smokers and those who enjoy the occasional tipple. This may be a consequence of the tireless gay social scene, or even the assimilation between gay culture and creative trend-setters.

Members of the free gay dating website ManCentral.com were asked the same question in reverse 'How important is it to have straight friends?' The majority of users (39%) said that is was 'Very Important', this was closely followed by 31% of users who believed it was 'Important'.  It appears that straight friends are highly important to gay and bisexual men, arguably as a means of acceptance and integration within today’s society

The survey from Smooch.com also found that:

• People who described themselves as 'Very Attractive' were most likely to place great importance on gay friendships. Arguably they are more image and fashion conscious and require their own personal Gok Wan on hand.

• 27% of bisexual users compared to 5% of heterosexual users said having gay friends was very important.
  

• Gay friends are mostly desired in Central London, and least desired in Glasgow and Nottingham.

• Students and Graduates were most likely to rate having gay friends as 'Very Important'

They say that behind every great man is a woman - we say behind every great woman is a gay!

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Who Will Be Filling Your Partner's Stockings This Christmas?

As the work Christmas party looms should you worry about your partner's fidelity

A series of studies carried out by the free dating website Smooch.com and free gay cruising website Mancentral.com highlights that when it comes to trusting cheats, some gender divisions will never change.

With the festive season rapidly approaching, our minds are flooded with endless questions and dilemmas, “What shall I buy Mum this year?”, “Will I get socks again?”, “Ball-balls or Tinsel” and so on. But whilst you browse the department stores in search of the perfect gift, humming along to the Mariah Carey classic All I Want For Christmas Is You, consider whether your partner is singing from the same hymn sheet.

Members of the free dating website Smooch.com were asked: Once a cheat, always a cheat? A staggering 64% of women surveyed 'definitely' agreed with the statement compared with only 45% of men.

Interestingly, the results showed that men were more likely to forgive and forget with 36% of men believing that people make mistakes, whilst less than a quarter of women were inclined to accept the notion of human error.

However ladies, before you return your partner to the manufacturer for repair, it appears that this attitude is fitted as standard on the male species regardless of age or sexuality. Results from Man Central paralleled that of Smooch as 40% of gay men 'definitely' believed once a cheat, always a cheat.

But what can you really take away from this research? Well, for the ladies, if you do fall foul of the Babycham this Christmas over a third of men will forgive you. As for the men...nearly two thirds of women won't just be roasting chestnuts by an open fire this holiday season.

Additional breakdowns revealed:

• People with a PhD (67%) are almost twice as likely to respond 'Definitely' than those with a Masters Degree (34%).

• Unsurprisingly, divorcees (59%) are less forgiving than those who are married (29%).

• People in a relationship (19%) are nearly 4 times as likely to choose 'It's only cheating if you get caught' than Single respondents (5%).

• The starsign Cancer is least forgiving with 64% choosing 'Definitely' whilst the most forgiving starsign is Gemini with 34% choosing 'People make mistakes'.

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A Tiger Never Changes His Spots?

A New Survey Reveals What Gay and Bisexual Men Really Think About Infidelity

Whilst the media whirlwind surrounding Tiger Woods’ series of encounters outside of his marriage transforms into a full-scale hurricane, a recent survey conducted by free gay chat website ManCentral.com highlights how gay men feel about cheaters.

In general, 41% of those surveyed believed that people make mistakes and were willing to forgive and forget. In contrast, 40% live by the age old mantra ‘Once a cheat, always a cheat’. Though the results indicate a relatively even divide between the two camps, there was marked difference in opinion between the ages.

Those aged 18-24 appear to be more liberal in their attitudes towards cheating with only 34% of them refusing to believe a leopard could change his spots. This stance gradually gains support through the age groups until it peaks at 54% of those aged 61 and above. The trend appears in reverse for those who accept that people make mistakes, with 46% of those aged 18-24 believing mistakes happen, compared to only 24% of those aged 61 and above.

So are the youngsters more promiscuous, or are the older generations clinging onto the fading utopian ideal of monogamy?

Strange as it may seem, 20% of gay couples argue that it is only cheating if you get caught whilst a further 22% of married gay men adopt the same view. It is worth noting that men who describe themselves as 'married' are largely married to women; consequently this may affect their perception of cheating if it is with someone outside of their dominant sexual preference.

Well, it would appear that Tiger may take comfort in the support from the gay community and sight the words of a few members of Man Central in his apology to his wife Elin Nordegren: One member suggests, “It depends on how you are defining [the word] ‘cheat’”. In an intriguing first for a survey on Man Central, one member offers his questionably professional opinion:

“A cheat is usually the result of an unhappy relationship […] Of course there are people who always cheat. This can be solved by personally therapy, and is generally related to upbringing. It’s a complicated issue, but one that can only be solved by philosophy and psychology.”

We’ll be sure to send Tiger our copy of Psychology and Philosophy for Dummies straight away.

Additional breakdowns revealed:

• 44% of gay men responded 'Definitely' compared to 32% of Bisexual and 28% of Curious men.
• Men in Aberdeen are more likely to forgive, with 83% citing mistakes happen.
• Cheats should steer clear of Edinburgh with only 13% willing to forgive and forget.
• 'Large' men (52%) are more than twice as likely to ditch a cheat than 'Very Slim' guys (21%). 

ManCentral.com polled 1,998 members over a 24 hour period. Detailed statistics & breakdowns available on request.

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Students can now get a GCSE in Homophobia?

St Joseph’s Catholic School in Newport has come under fire for teaching pupils that homosexual acts are 'morally wrong' and that sex between two men or two women is purely self gratification.

The details of the school's curriculum were discovered by Cain Otley, who runs the Gay Business Network in South Wales. Students have been provided with learning material with the heading “What is the Catholic Church’s attitude to homosexuality?”

The notes provided by the school explain that sex is seen in the Bible as a way of a man and a woman to become ‘one flesh’ to be 'fruitful and multiply'. In contrast, ‘Homosexual sex can never be open to the potential of new life and so sex simply becomes a selfish way of gratifying a person.’

Otley was enraged to read claims that AIDS is seen by some Protestant groups as the ‘gay plague’ and as God’s punishment on gay people and their immoral lifestyle, which they argue, is against God’s law.

Otley explains, “I was completely shocked and disgusted at what I saw. The information contained in the booklet could incite homophobic bullying and homophobia in general.”

The school have defended the teaching material which was distributed to the students of St Joseph's Catholic School which they suggest was designed to help pupils understand what is required by the Welsh Joint Education Committee exam specifications.

A spokesman for St Joseph's said “The information is purely factual as these are the points that students need to know for the examination.”

“In a Roman Catholic school the church’s teaching on sexuality has to be presented clearly and in lessons this is done in a sensitive way […] In lessons they will have discussed these points and put forward opposing views and these will also be included in their examination answers where they are required to give all sides of the argument.”

In response to the notes which claim that AIDS is the 'gay plague', she argued that pupils are taught that whilst AIDS is sometimes seen as the 'gay plague' the Catholic Church teaches that no illness is God's punishment.

Eastenders character Syed to be outed in New Year's special

For the soap fans out there we apologize for spoiling the surprise but it has been confirmed that Syed Masood, played by Marc Elliot, will be outed on the prime-time BBC soap in a dramatic New Year's special.

The soap has courted heavy criticism from the Muslim community for it's portrayal of the relationship between Syed and openly gay character Christian Clarke, played by John Partridge - And it looks like the outing will only add fuel to the fire.

Syed is set to marry on-screen fiancée Amira Shah but will be outed just hours before the ceremony. The news breaks when his affair with Christian Clarke is unveiled by Christian himself, after Syed turns down his offer to run away to Barcelona.

Later, Christian shocks Zainab by announcing that her son is gay.

In an interview with Inside Soap magazine Elliot who plays Syed reveals, "Christian calls Syed and reveals that he's told Zainab everything. So when she catches up with Syed, he's forced to admit everything Christian said is true. She can see it all in Syed's eyes. It's a massive shock for her."

It is yet to be seen whether Syed will continue to marry Amira, however it is thought that Zainab will try to persuade Syed to go ahead with the marriage.

1,998 members of ManCentral.com were asked:

Once a cheat, always a cheat?

The results from this survey are provided below

Overall
Definitely = 39.89%

People make mistakes = 40.89%

It's only cheating if you get caught = 10.66%

Don't Know = 8.56%

Definitely

Gay = 44.38%

Bisexual = 32.35%

Curious = 27.85%

People make mistakes

Gay = 39.67%

Bisexual = 41.41%

Curious = 49.37%

It's only cheating if you get caught

Gay = 8.59%

Bisexual = 15.08%

Curious = 13.29%

Don't Know

Gay = 7.37%

Bisexual = 11.26%

Curious = 9.49%

Age 18-24

Definitely = 34.03% 

People make mistakes = 46.29%
It's only cheating if you get caught = 10.81% 

Don't Know = 8.87%

Age 25-30
Definitely = 35.44%  

People make mistakes = 46.32%  

It's only cheating if you get caught = 9.12%  

Don't Know = 9.12%

Age 31-35
Definitely = 46.59%

People make mistakes = 36.93%

It's only cheating if you get caught = 9.09%  

Don't Know = 7.39%

Age 36-40

Definitely = 42.06%  

People make mistakes = 37.30%

It's only cheating if you get caught = 13.49%  

Don't Know = 7.14%

Age 41-50

Definitely = 44.92%

People make mistakes = 35.46%

It's only cheating if you get caught = 10.17%

Don't Know = 9.46%

Age 51-60

Definitely = 42.64%                  

People make mistakes = 39.59%                                             

It's only cheating if you get caught = 11.68%                                  

Don't Know = 6.09%

Age 61-105
Definitely = 53.66%                   

People make mistakes = 24.39%                                              

It's only cheating if you get caught = 7.32%                                     

Don't Know = 14.63%

Detailed stats and breakdowns available on request