Gay men

Gay men are male homosexuals. This means they are men who are romantically and emotionally attracted to other men. Historically, different terms were used to describe this, such as inverts and uranians, but today the word “gay” is commonly used.

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, and 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.

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" don’t fit men from ancient times because people back then didn’t have one word for this idea. Others see similarities between ancient 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 dates back to very old times. During much of Christian history, many religious leaders and groups 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" began to be 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), where 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 or sexual feelings for each other. Many gay men were arrested, and some were sent to prisons or concentration camps, where they suffered greatly.

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 in hospitals. 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, people who are gay men face unfair laws and treatment. In Africa, for example, there are 34 countries where being gay is against the law. In some places like Mauritania, northern Nigeria, Somalia, and Somaliland, the law says being gay can lead to very serious consequences. South Africa, however, treats gay men and women fairly under its laws 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 some places. In Eastern Europe, especially in Chechnya, gay men have faced serious dangers and unfair treatment. In parts of Southwest Asia and North Africa, laws can be very strict, with some countries having the harshest punishments for being gay. Even in countries where being gay is not against the law, many people still face unfair treatment and fear because of their sexuality.

Art and culture

See also: LGBT culture

Since the early 20th century, many influential fashion designers have been part of the gay community. Designers like Cristóbal Balenciaga and Christian Dior helped shape fashion, while 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 themes 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, entertaining 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 forms of popular entertainment, gay men are often shown in stereotypical ways, such as being flashy or funny. They are rarely the main characters in big movies and often play supporting roles or are shown in negative ways. However, since the 1990s, TV shows like Queer as Folk, Queer Eye, and Modern Family have helped people accept gay men more as everyday individuals.

Historically, movies and news programs often showed gay men in negative or unfair ways. Some old films used hints about a person’s sexuality to make them seem bad. News reports sometimes treated being gay like a problem or something wrong. Over time, more shows began to include gay characters in better ways, though there is still more work to do for fair and balanced representation.

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. Some regions have much higher rates of a serious health condition compared to others.

There are also important issues affecting the mental health of gay men. They may feel constant 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 several groups or "subcultures", including Twinks, Bears, Otters, Queens, Jocks, and Gaymers. These groups have become part of a wider gay culture around the world. In places like India, where gay culture is newer, some gay men are blending local traditions with ideas from around the world to build their own unique culture.

Gay young people often face challenges such as feeling different, bullying, and not having family support. However, having supportive parents and friends can greatly help them feel better and stay healthy. Schools that include everyone and offer support groups can also make a big difference. Even with these challenges, many gay young people develop strong skills to handle stress and grow into confident adults.

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

Education

In the United States, gay men often feel less safe at school compared to others. However, they are more likely to earn advanced degrees and tend to have better grades in high school than their peers.