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.