I'm The Only Gay In The Village

54% of Gay And Bisexual Men Reject The 'Gay' Label

Modern society seems intent on labelling and defining everything and everyone. Whether it be chavs and emos, metrosexuals and fag-hags, scene queens and bears there seems to be a term to describe everyone. However, a new study reveals that 54% of gay and bisexual men don't like to be labelled as 'Gay' at all.

Free gay chat website, ManCentral.com surveyed over 3,500 members to find out how they chose to identify themselves in terms of their sexuality. 20% of the members opted for the rather clinical term of 'homosexual', whilst 15% preferred to consider themselves as a man who happened to have sex with men. A further 18% rejected any form of label, reporting that they did not define themselves by their sexuality. Nevertheless, 1% embraced the labelling culture by identifying themselves as twinks, bears, scene-queens and so forth.

The identifying terms 'Gay' and 'Bisexual' are most widely accepted by younger men, with 51% of 18-24 year olds identifying with these labels. However, this steadily decreased to just 41% of those aged 51-60. The reverse trend appears with the label 'man who has sex with men'. Men aged 61 and above were the most likely (17%) to describe themselves as 'men who have sex with men' whilst those aged 18-24 were the least likely to identify with this term.

Interestingly, though the younger respondents were the most likely to label themselves as Gay or Bisexual, they were also the most likely (20%) to refuse any label at all.

Arguably, labels are often attached to a stereotype, but it appears that if the shoe fits - we'll wear it:

• Bi-curious men were almost 3 times more likely than gay men to define themselves as a man who has sex with men.

• Closet men were the most likely (22%) to describe themselves as men who have sex with men, however they were also the most likely (51%) to opt for the label of gay or bisexual.

• Very slim lads were the most likely (8%) to describe themselves as Twinks. While hairy men were the most likely (3%) to be described as bears.

• Ginger guys are the most likely (3%) to describe themselves as twinks, bears and scene-queens – surely any label is better than the playground jibes of carrot top and ginger pubes.

Whilst the majority of members chose to define themselves with a label other than gay or bisexual, 46% openly accepted the common place terms. Nevertheless, there are currently no plans to open the “Man Who Has Sex With Men Bar” in Soho, nor are there rumours of adding more letters to the LGBT acronym.

Research:

ManCentral.com polled 3,628 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.

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.

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 survey ed 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.