Gay men

Main article: LGBT
Further information: Homosexuality, History of homosexuality

What does “gay men” mean?

Gay men are male homosexuals. This means they are men who are romantically and emotionally attracted to other men.

Why is this important?

Many gay men still face unfair treatment in large parts of the world, especially in parts of Asia and Africa. Even in places like the Western world, some gay men experience challenges every day. However, things are changing.

Who are some well-known gay men?

Some gay men have achieved great success. For example, Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, and leaders like Edgars Rinkēvičs, President of Latvia since 2023, and Scott Bessent, the United States Secretary of the Treasury since 2025, are openly gay.

How do we talk about it?

The word gay is recommended by LGBTQ groups and style guides to describe people who are exclusively attracted to others of the same sex. The term lesbian refers to women who are attracted to other women, while gay men are men attracted to other men. Understanding and respecting these identities is important for creating a fair and kind world for everyone.

Male homosexuality in world history

Main articles: LGBTQ history, Timeline of LGBT history, and History of male homosexuality

Some scholars think the words "homosexual" and "gay" might not fit men from long ago because people back then didn’t have one word for this idea. Others see similarities between men from ancient times and modern men who love other men.

In places influenced by Abrahamic religions, leaders and religious groups often spoke against relationships between men. This idea goes back a very long time. During much of Christian history, many religious leaders thought such relationships were wrong or sinful. Similar views existed in ancient Greece; for example, the philosopher Plato called male relationships “unnatural” and suggested they should not be allowed.

Many famous people from history, like Socrates, Lord Byron, Edward II, and Hadrian, are thought to have loved other men. Some scholars caution that using words like “gay” for them might be putting modern ideas on people who lived long ago, while others disagree.

Gay men in modern Western history

The word "gay" started being used to describe homosexual men in the early 20th century. One of the first times it appeared in a film was in Bringing Up Baby (1938). In the film, a character says, "Because I just went gay all of a sudden!" This was a playful way of talking about doing something unexpected.

During World War II and after, many gay men faced unfair treatment. In Nazi Germany, laws were passed that made it illegal for men to have romantic feelings for each other. Many gay men were arrested and sent to prisons or concentration camps.

The HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s was a very hard time for many gay men, especially in the United States. At first, people didn’t understand much about the disease, and many gay men were treated poorly. Over time, activists worked hard to get more help and support for those affected. The crisis showed how important it is to treat everyone with kindness and care.

Main article: Persecution of homosexuals in Nazi Germany

See also: HIV/AIDS in the United States

Legal status of gay men in modern society

In many parts of the world, gay men face unfair laws and treatment. In Africa, there are countries where being gay is against the law. South Africa treats gay men and women fairly and was one of the first countries to allow same-sex marriages.

In the Caribbean, some countries still have old laws that make being gay illegal, though this is changing. In Eastern Europe, especially in Chechnya, gay men have faced dangers and unfair treatment. In parts of Southwest Asia and North Africa, laws can be very strict for gay people. Even in countries where being gay is legal, many people still face unfair treatment.

Art and culture

See also: LGBT culture

Many famous fashion designers have been gay men since the early 1900s. Designers like Cristóbal Balenciaga and Christian Dior helped shape fashion. Others such as Yves Saint Laurent and Gianni Versace became well-known names in the industry.

Gay men have also made big contributions to art, literature, and dance. Writers such as James Baldwin explored important ideas in their work. Artists like David Hockney became leaders in their fields. Today, many gay artists continue to create influential work around the world.

Drag

Main article: Drag queen

Drag queens are performers who dress in outfits and styles that mimic traditional feminine looks. They often perform in clubs, bars, and special events. They entertain crowds with dancing, singing, and other acts. Drag has been an important part of gay culture for many years and continues to be popular today.

Camp

Main article: Camp (style)

Camp is a style that uses playful, exaggerated, and often humorous ways to express beauty and taste. It has been linked to gay culture but is also used more widely today. Some gay artists prefer not to use the term, while others still enjoy camp in their work and performances.

Representation in media

See also: Media portrayal of LGBT people

In many TV shows and movies, gay men are sometimes shown in ways that don't feel real. They might be shown as very funny or flashy, and they are not often the main characters. But since the 1990s, some TV shows like Queer as Folk, Queer Eye, and Modern Family have helped people see gay men as normal, everyday people.

Before that, movies and news programs sometimes showed gay men in unfair or negative ways. Some old films hinted at a person's sexuality to make them look bad. News reports sometimes made it seem like being gay was a problem. Now, more shows include gay characters in better ways, but there is still more work to do.

Health

Gay men in the United States are less likely to be overweight or obese compared to others.

Gay men can face challenges to their overall well-being. They may experience physical or emotional harm, especially if they show behaviors that differ from traditional gender roles. Many do not seek help for mental health concerns due to stigma or misunderstanding.

Globally, gay, bisexual, and other men who have relationships with men face challenges with their sexual health.

There are also important issues affecting the mental health of gay men. They may feel stress because of their identity, leading to anxiety or low mood. Family or social rejection, unfair treatment, and feeling isolated can make these issues worse.

Young gay men and members of the LGBTQ community often struggle with stable housing. In the United States, many are forced to leave home because their families do not accept their identity. This unstable housing can lead to many dangers.

Community and identity

Main article: Sexuality and gender identity-based cultures

In North America and Europe, gay men have different groups or "subcultures", such as Twinks, Bears, Otters, Queens, Jocks, and Gaymers. These groups are part of a larger gay culture found around the world. In places like India, where gay culture is newer, some gay men mix local traditions with ideas from other places to create their own unique culture.

Gay young people sometimes feel different, face bullying, or lack family support. But having supportive parents and friends can help them feel better and stay healthy. Schools that include everyone and offer support groups can also help a lot. Even with these challenges, many gay young people grow strong and become confident adults.

Older gay men are a group that isn’t studied very much. In some countries, like Mexico, special centers have been made to help older gay people stay connected and feel less lonely. Many older gay men have faced hard times, but they often find support in chosen families and friends.

Education

In the United States, gay men sometimes feel less safe at school than others. But they often do well in school. Many gay men earn advanced degrees and usually get good grades in high school.