Queer, LGBT+, and why Unite Gay Network says gay and bisexual men

Sep 1

2 min read

Unite Gay Network is for gay and bisexual men. We say those words on purpose. Queer, LGBT+, LGBTQIA+ and the rest are neighbouring language you will see at Pride, in clinics, and in the press. They are useful in mixed rooms. They are not a requirement that this Network become a general umbrella. Naming our audience is hospitality, not a slight on everyone else.

Gay and bisexual men is the brief

This Knowledge Center, the Locations Finder, and membership are built around men who want men: for culture, sex, love, health, and travel. Bisexual men are not an afterthought. What does Bisexual mean?. Gay men are not asked to water the word down. What does Gay mean?.

If that is you, you are not in the wrong building. Join.

Neighbouring words, used carefully

LGBT+ is a coalition term for politics, Pride, and some services. Queer is reclaimed by some people and rejected by others, especially men who were called it as a slur and do not want it back. We will not force it on you. What does Lesbian mean? and What does Transgender mean? are short explainers because you will meet the words, not because they are our pillars.

MSM is a clinic term. What does MSM mean?

Why we do not blur the audience

A space that is 'for everyone' often ends up run for whoever already has the microphone. Gay and bisexual men still need clinics that ask for a rectal swab, bars that are not a mixed brand activation, and articles about coming out later in life, chemsex, and mixed-orientation marriages. That is the work.

Courtesy toward neighbouring communities is expected. Turning this Network into a different project is not. If you want the general umbrella, it exists elsewhere. If you want this, it is here.

Disclaimer*

This article was originally published in English. While we have translated it to make the content more accessible to our international members, slight variations may exist between the translated and original versions. For the most accurate and authoritative wording, please refer to the English edition. We appreciate your understanding as we continue to improve our multilingual support.