THEGAYUK

Category: Answers

  • BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Bisexual

    BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Bisexual

    What does bisexual mean?

    Bisexuality is a sexual orientation in which those who define themselves as such have a sexual attraction to both the female and male sexes, which can be distinct from the social construction of man and woman, which can be included in the bisexual spectrum.

    More recently there has been a move to be more inclusive with the coining of bisexual+ or bi+ which can include gender expressions as well as biological sex, which can come close to pansexuality, in which those who identify as such, do not limit their sexual attraction to gender, biological sex or gender expression.

    Bisexual people can be cis-gender, transgender and non-binary/genderfluid.

    We asked people who identify as bisexual what bisexuality meant to them.

    @star_brow:

    Being attracted, sexually and/or romantically, to more than one gender.

    Giovanni:

    A subtle, nuanced freedom that finds joy and promotes openness

    As with any definition of sexuality, what bisexuality means to one person who defines as bisexual may be entirely different to someone else’s definition.

    Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.

    Check out more definitions in our Big Gay Glossary

  • BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Aromantic

    BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Aromantic

    What does aromantic mean?

    A person who identifies as aromantic doesn’t typically feel romantic feelings towards anyone. However, they may experience sexual feelings.

    Aromanticism is different from asexual people, who do not feel sexual attraction but may feel romantic feelings.

    Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.

    Check out more definitions in our Big Gay Glossary

  • BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Asexual

    BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Asexual

    What does asexual mean?

    Asexuality is a term used to describe someone who doesn’t feel sexual attraction or desires. However, an asexual person can feel romantic feelings towards others.

    Sometimes referred to as the Ace Community.

    Asexuality is distinct from, and shouldn’t be confused with those who are celibate or being abstinent. This group of people may still have a sexual attraction but are choosing not to act on their urges.

    We asked people who identified as asexual, what it means to them.

    James:

    “It’s the lack of sexual attraction. The clear difference between aesthetic and romantic attraction is important. Asexuals don’t lack the capability of love. We just don’t need to press naked bodies against each other to express our love.

    “Asexuality is a broad spectrum. Some are sex repulsed, others have sex because they enjoy the feeling. Similar to enjoying good food without being hungry. For others, it’s stress relief. It’s disconnected from one’s libido.”

    Lisa:

    For me its lack of sexual attraction (Asexual) and also lack of romantic attraction (Aromantic). I do experience attraction in other ways – aesthetic for example and I do like hugs. I’m able to form very deep friendships but feel nothing in a sexual or romantic way.

    Broadest definition is the lack of experiencing sexual attraction. But the term was made to be appropriated, owned, developed and discarded according to one’s own needs. There is no one asexual experience or type of asexual person

    Marion:

    A lack of sexual attraction

    Alex:

    It’s when Sexuality is not directed to anyone or anything. <- that’s for asexuality, not for the asexual spectrum.

    As with any definition of sexuality, what asexuality means to one person who defines as asexual may be entirely different to someone else’s definition.

    Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.

    Check out more definitions in our Big Gay Glossary

  • BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Allosexual

    BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Allosexual

    What is an Allosexual?

    An allosexual is someone who experiences sexual attraction. Often used within the asexual community to describe individuals with typical sexual attraction. Some in the asexual community, sometimes referred to as the “ace community” may also use the term “non-asexual”.

    Allosexuals can be heterosexual, homosexual or bisexual.

    Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.

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  • BIG GAY GLOSSARY | AIDS or HIV DENIALISM

    BIG GAY GLOSSARY | AIDS or HIV DENIALISM

    What is AIDS or HIV Denialism?

    There is a small but vocal section of society that believes that HIV or AIDS doesn’t exist or believes that it is all a conspiracy. Some accept that HIV exists but that it does not cause AIDS.

    There are also some who also reject the use of ARV (antiretroviral therapy) to treat HIV, instead, promoting a raft of unproven treatments such as a daily regime of vitamins, or massages and yoga.

    Whilst holistic remedies may have some benefits it is always advised that people living with HIV should talk with their doctors before embarking on any treatment.

    Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.

    What is AIDS or HIV Denialism?

    Check out more definitions in our Big Gay Glossary

  • BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Ally

    BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Ally

    What does Ally mean?

    Allies are those people who don’t identify as any part of the LGBT+ community but support the fight for equal rights for those who are in that community.

    The efforts of allies along with people within the LGBT+ community have forged near legal equality for LGBT+ people in the UK.

    Allies can be friends, family, celebrities and politicians.

    Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.

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  • BIG GAY GLOSSARY | PrEP

    BIG GAY GLOSSARY | PrEP

    What is PrEP?

    Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, it is a drug treatment protocol using a prescription medicine called Truvada and has been shown in a recent trial to be highly effective in preventing HIV in gay and bisexual men, when taken daily and used in combination with other infection prevention measures.

    In the UK PrEP is available for those at risk of contracting HIV. Each of the devolved nations has a different policy on commissioning. In England, PrEP has been trialled to investigate its effectiveness in bringing new HIV infections to zero. The initial trial onboarded 10,000 volunteers, it was later increased to 20,000 patients, the trial was called IMPACT. In Scotland, it is available to anyone who is in the at-risk group. 

    Truvada contains two medicines (tenofovir and emtricitabine) and is already routinely used in combination with other medicines to treat existing HIV infection.

    The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Truvada’s use by people at very high risk of HIV infection. Despite trials of Truvada in a number of cities, the NHS is not currently planning to make PrEP available on prescription in the UK, leading to anger and frustration among campaigners.

    Truvada is available from a small number of private clinics in the UK and is expensive. People should only ever take medicines prescribed by a UK-registered GP and dispensed by a UK-registered pharmacy.

    Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.

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  • BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Queer

    BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Queer

    What does queer mean?

    What does queer mean?

    Queer is a term which up until recently was a derogatory and aggressive term used to describe mainly homosexual men in the 19th century by heterosexual people. Many still find the term triggering and deeply offensive. The dictionary definition of the word means strange or odd.

    However, some people in the LGBT+ community have reclaimed the term and ascribe the word to describe their own identity. Some people and organisation have even started to use the word as an umbrella term for the entire LGBT+ community.

    Care should be taken by those not in the LGBT+ community in using the word. A recent poll undertaken by THEGAYUK, found that the majority of people did not find the word appropriate as an umbrella term.

    Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.

    Check out more definitions in our Big Gay Glossary

  • BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Undetectable

    BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Undetectable

    What does Undetectable mean?

    What does Undetectable mean?

    Undetectable is a term used in the HIV community and describes whether HIV is detectable in someone’s bloodstream. People who are “undetectable” cannot pass on HIV to sexual partners. Undectable happens when someone’s viral load or the amount of the virus in the bloodstream is so low it becomes undetectable. It doesn’t mean, however, that HIV is not present.

    An undetectable load can be achieved when a person diagnosed with HIV is following medical advice from their doctors and managing their illness properly – mainly through the use of medication. It can take up to six months for someone’s viral load to become undetectable.

     

    Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.

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  • BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Deadnaming

    BIG GAY GLOSSARY | Deadnaming

    What is Deadnaming?

    Deadnaming is when a person refers to someone by a previous name, it could be done with malice or by accident. It mostly affects transgender people who have changed their name during their transition.

    For instance, if a trans woman’s birth name was Martin, but she changed it to Sarah during her transition, calling her Martin or referring to her as Martin would be deadnaming her.

    It is very similar to misgendering but focuses more on someone’s name rather than gender pronouns.

    Can you expand this definition? Use the comments below and your answer could be used to expand or define this glossary entry.

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  • What Channel is RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars on?

    The brand new series of RuPaul’s Drag Race, All Stars 3 has started in the UK – and is available to watch on a broadcast channel, rather than a streaming service.

    What Channel is RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars on?

    The brand new series of All Stars has started airing in the UK, but what channel can you find it on? Here’s a RuCap of what went on.

    The new series of All Stars is on the Comedy Central channel, which can be found on:

    Sky Channel 112 / 127 / 205

    Virgin Media 132 / 133 181

    Freewire 148

    TalkTalkTV 307

    BT 307 / 370

    Plusnet 307 /370

    The show is broadcast on Saturday nights at 10 PM on Comedy Central.