LGBTQ+ Healthcare Professionals: Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience The journey of LGBTQ+ healthcare professionals has often been marked by adversity. Max Austin, a healthcare worker with over 30 years of experience, recounts his experie…
Are You a Good Boy? Growing up gay often means grappling with shame and societal rejection, experiences that can leave a lasting impact. For many gay men, this manifests as the “Best Little Boy in the World” archetype, a coping mechanis…
Cue the Grindr Notification Dating apps have become an integral part of modern gay dating culture, offering both convenience and complexity. For many gay men, these platforms are synonymous with finding connections—whether romantic or casual.…
Girl, Please: Stop People Pleasing For many gay men, learning to set boundaries to protect our emotional and physical health can be challenging. From an early age, many of us were taught to prioritize the feelings and opinions of others over our ow…
“You Can Be Gay, Fat, and Happy. It Works.” Body image has long been a sensitive subject for many gay men, influenced by both societal expectations and the unique standards within the LGBTQ+ community. The ideal body type in the gay com…
Aren’t You Tired of Playing It Straight? Code-switching is a term that might sound familiar but isn’t always fully understood in its broader implications. At its core, code-switching involves altering how we present ourselves in differe…
Unlike Madonna, I Won’t Let You Keep Pushing My Love Over the Borderline Boundaries are a crucial yet often misunderstood aspect of emotional well-being, especially for gay men navigating relationships and community dynamics. While the term "…
Do You Even Lift, Bruh? Body image is a multifaceted topic, particularly within gay culture, where societal pressures and community norms often intertwine. One of the most visible manifestations of this is gym culture, which holds a unique place in…
Strengthening the LGBTQ+ Community Through Empowerment The LGBTQ+ community thrives on themes of mutual respect, allyship, and resiliency, creating a foundation for individuals to navigate life's challenges while embracing their authentic selves. W…
Queer Grief Perseveres, But So Do We Grief is a universal experience, yet the way we process and carry it is deeply personal. However, for the LGBTQ+ community, grief often takes on layers of complexity that extend beyond the typical mourning proce…
My Five Stages of Grief? Denial, Denial, Denial, Cry, Self-Pity. Grief is often associated with loss, but it’s a concept that many people struggle to fully understand. It’s more than just a fleeting emotion—it’s a complex, d…
Protect LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth LGBTQ+ homelessness, particularly among youth, remains a pressing yet often overlooked issue. Across the United States, LGBTQ+ individuals, especially young people, are disproportionately affected by housing insecurity…
The Double-Edged Sword of Social Drinking in LGBTQ+ Culture Social drinking has long been intertwined with LGBTQ+ culture, tracing back to the era when gay bars served as vital safe havens for queer individuals seeking connection and community in a…
“If I Have the Choice Between Disappointing You and Myself, I'm Probably Gonna Pick You.” Many gay men pour a tremendous amount of effort into looking “attractive.” We hit the gym religiously, splurge on stylish clothes, per…
Survival of the Fiercest? In the world of dating, particularly within the gay community, it’s common to find oneself comparing to others, especially potential partners. Thoughts like “Is he more muscular?” or “Does he seem m…
Men May Let You Down, But Succulents Never Disappoint In recent years, a growing trend on social media has sparked conversations around the rise of the "plant daddy" and "plant gay" identities. Whether it's a Millennial phenomenon, a queer cultural…
Am I Crying or Laughing? We’re all too familiar with the “sassy gay best friend” trope—a character armed with campy humor and sharp wit, always ready with a quick comeback. While entertaining, these stereotypes have bled int…
Because Putting a Condom on a Banana Doesn’t Cut It Growing up gay comes with its own set of unique experiences, setting us apart from our straight peers in ways that extend far beyond the obvious. For many of us, these differences impact our…
It’s Giving Anxious Anxiety is a universal experience that affects everyone, regardless of sexual orientation. It's natural to feel anxious in certain situations—whether you're preparing for a big presentation at work or anticipating a …
Be Nice, But Not Too Nice As we begin a new year, many of us embrace the idea of a fresh start. For some, this includes wading back into the dating pool, eager for love and connection. However, without addressing unresolved issues from the past, we…
And That, My Friend, is What They Call Closure As each year draws to a close, it's natural to feel a whirlwind of emotions. We often look back on the highs and lows, reflecting on how much has changed. For some, the end of the year brings a sense o…
If Being Anxious Was a Form of Exercise, I’d Be Jacked Body image pressure is a prevalent source of anxiety for many gay men. The "perfect" body—often imagined as tall, muscular, and traditionally masculine—has become the standard…
As Nina Sayers Says in Black Swan, “I Just Want to be Perfect.” Perfectionism is a complex personality trait that manifests across various aspects of our lives, including career success, body image, and personal achievements. At its cor…
Just Because I Don’t Fit Into the Gay Party Scene Doesn't Mean I Have to Settle for Mediocre Heteros Finding a sense of community within the LGBTQ+ world is essential, especially for those of us who have experienced gay loneliness. Yet, some …
