THEGAYUK

Category: News

  • BIG PENIS 101: When is a cock too big?

    Have you ever wondered if there is such a thing as a penis too big for a gay man? It’s a question that has long been debated in the gay community, with some claiming that there is no such thing as a “big penis” and others believing that there are limits to how large a penis can be before it becomes uncomfortable. In this blog post, we will discuss the topic of a “big penis” and whether or not there is such a thing as a penis too big for a gay man. We will explore the opinions of both sides and provide insights on the topic.

    The answer may surprise you

    When it comes to the size of a penis, not all gay men agree on what is too big. In fact, some gay men even joke about how large penises can be a blessing in disguise. The extra girth and length of a large penis can make it easier for a man to reach new heights of pleasure with his partner. However, it’s important to remember that penis size doesn’t necessarily equate to sexual pleasure, so having an overly large penis may not be the most beneficial thing for a gay man’s sex life.

    The pros and cons of a large penis

    Are there pros and cons of having a big penis?
    Are there pros and cons of having a big penis?

    When it comes to sex between gay men, the size of a man’s penis can be a source of pleasure and angst. For those who enjoy bottoming, a larger penis can feel better for anal stimulation and prostate play. On the other hand, a larger penis may be more likely to cause an anal fissure or other discomfort. Obviously, there’s the visual aspect, especially when you’re on your knees and a giant phallus is waving in your face, but let’s not forget that big things can become a choking hazard or even can cause significant damage to your throat as one man learned in 2018.

    The pros of a large penis include increased stimulation for bottoms during sex. A larger penis can fill up a person more and make it easier to find and stimulate the prostate. This can result in more intense orgasms and longer-lasting pleasure.

    On the other hand, there are some drawbacks associated with larger penises. The size may make it more difficult to penetrate, which can cause pain and discomfort. The tightness can also put too much pressure on the anus and a bad session or overdoing it could result in an anal fissure.

    In some cases, it may also cause one partner to feel uncomfortable or insecure due to the size difference.

    Men with large johnsons can also find themselves viewed solely as sexual objects – and risk becoming fetishised or objectified. Pretty insulting when your cock is just one (proportionally speaking) small part of you.

    Ultimately, it’s important to communicate with your partner about size preferences. Experimenting with different positions and using plenty of lube can help to make sex more enjoyable for both partners regardless of size. Finding the right balance between comfort and pleasure is key for having enjoyable sex regardless of penis size.

    Tips for dealing with a large penis

    If you have a large penis, there are some techniques and tools you can use to make sex more comfortable for both you and your partner. Here are some of our tips:

    1. Use Lube – Lubricant is essential for anal sex and other kinds of penetrative sex. It helps reduce friction and makes it much easier to penetrate without causing pain or discomfort.
    2. Try Different Positions – Some positions are better for people with large penises than others. The missionary position is usually a good choice as the receiver can control the depth of penetration. Other popular positions that work well with a larger penis include doggy style, spooning, and side-by-side.
    3. Use a Dildo or Butt Plug – If you’re not quite ready to penetrate your partner with your own penis, you can use a dildo or butt plug as an alternative. These sex toys come in a variety of sizes and can help you get used to the feeling of something larger.
    4. Take it Slow – Rushing into anal sex or any kind of penetration can be painful or uncomfortable. Take your time and start with some foreplay or other kinds of pleasure before trying to penetrate your partner.
    5. Use Poppers – Poppers are a type of drug that relaxes muscles and increases blood flow, making anal sex more pleasurable for both partners. Just make sure to use them safely and according to the instructions on the bottle.
      Dealing with a large penis doesn’t have to be intimidating or uncomfortable. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can make sure both you and your partner enjoy the experience.

    The psychology behind why some men prefer large cocks

    When it comes to gay men and big penises, there is more than meets the eye. For some, a larger penis can represent an increased sense of power and dominance, while the size may symbolize acceptance and belonging for others. But what does this mean when it comes to sex?

    Our Sexpert Patrick Devon told us, “For many gay men, the thought of having their anus stretched open by a large penis can be both thrilling and intimidating. This sensation of “gaping” their anus is sometimes is something a lot of bottoms strive for, because it’s seen as a challenge… One they want to excel in!

    “While it can be uncomfortable and even painful at times, some gay men find that being dominated and having their ass “wrecked” by a larger penis can be incredibly pleasurable. In some cases, the size of the penis can even become a point of pride among partners, with some people referring to this phenomenon as “size queens.

    “And then there’s cock worship. That feeling of taking in something bigger than ourselves… it can be quite a religious moment for many men when they kneel at the church of cock. Sometimes men want to be dominated, made to feel that they are only there to please. It kind of makes sense when you think about it. In society, (now I know this is a generalisation) men are conditioned to be strong, in control and in charge, but what if when you get home you just want to feel a little more subordinate, a little more controlled? Well taking the big penis orally or anally, is definitely one way of giving in to something bigger than you”.

    Devon finishes by saying, “Ultimately, it’s important to remember that everyone is different, and not all gay men are necessarily attracted to big penises. Everyone has their own preferences, but understanding why some people might have an affinity for large penises can help us to understand our own desires better.”

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  • Even Prince Harry appreciates the Naked Rugby Players

    Even Prince Harry appreciates the Naked Rugby Players

    The world-famous Naked Rugby Players are back hoping to raise even more money for cancer awareness and inclusive rugby.

    The Naked Rugby Players’ calendar one of the Top 5 Charity calendars in the UK is returning again for 2023 with nearly 50 naked guys. Now in its 5th year, the  Naked Rugby Players’ calendar returns with 13 brand-new daring and cheeky photographs as well as a set of festive Christmas cards.

    Five inclusive rugby clubs from around the UK stripped off earlier this year to raise awareness for both Inclusive Rugby and the importance for guys to check their tackle for lumps and bumps, in partnership with the Balls To Cancer charity. So far, the calendar has helped raise over £15,000 for good causes – and this year they want to smash their previous targets!

    From Glasgow to Northampton, Newcastle to Bristol to Nottingham 45 rugged players bravely stripped off in a bid to spread awareness on male cancer and the importance of Inclusive Rugby.

    Speaking about the 2023 calendar, Creative Director Jake Hook said, “It’s always a pleasure to get out in the open with rugby teams across the UK and this year we’ve managed to shoot the calendar in a variety of daring and exciting locations. I love how the players, always start a little shy, but within minutes of taking off their clothes, like magic, all their inhibitions have disappeared – sometimes it’s hard to get them to even put their clothes back on!

    “As always we’re privileged to team up with the incredible Balls To Cancer charity, who provide much-needed awareness, support and resources for people living with cancer and their families.”

    Fans of the calendar include Royalty, Prince Harry who greatly “appreciated” getting his copy and RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Baga Chipz who said, the calendar made her feel “Much Betta”.

    200,000 men are diagnosed with cancer every year. 80,000 of those will die from their cancer. One in two men will suffer cancer in the UK during their lifetimes. Cancers which are detected early, such as testicular cancer, are beatable – but only if the message gets through that men should check their equipment regularly, which is why the Calendar features a cheeky monthly reminder. 

    As with all Naked Rugby Players’ calendars, a proportion of money raised through the sale of the calendar is donated to Balls To Cancer Charity and to the Inclusive Rugby clubs involved. 

    BUY YOUR COPY TODAY

  • 6 Trans people reveal what they’d tell their younger selves.

    6 Trans people reveal what they’d tell their younger selves.

    A powerful video, originally released in 2016, is just as powerful today as it was back then. Six trans people talk about the fears that they faced when they were younger.

    The six trans icons each took the opportunity to reveal what they would tell their younger selves if they had the chance.

    transgender stars give an insight into the advice they'd just to their younger selves
    transgender stars give an insight into the advice they’d just to their younger selves

    Speaking to GayStarNews back in 2016 filmmaker Jake Graf said,

    ‘We wanted to make this video to give hope to other people struggling with their identity, gender or even sexuality’

    ‘Just be yourself, there is light at the end of the tunnel!’

    The people involved in the video are models Laith Ashley and Keiran Moloney, British Army officer Hannah Winterbourne, blogger Evie Andrew, Munroe Bergdorf and Jake himself.

  • Today is Intersex Remembrance Day and here’s why that matters

    Today is Intersex Remembrance Day and here’s why that matters

    Every 8th of November is Intersex Remembrance Day. Here’s why it exists and why it matters.

    Every year, Intersex Remembrance Day, which is also known as Intersex Solidarity Day strives to inform and educate people about intersex people, their human rights issues, and the discrimination they face in daily life, including the decision for many to “normalise” their own sex in their own time and if they want to. It takes place on the 8th of November, the same day as the birthday of Herculine Barbin, a French intersex person whose memoirs were later published by Michel Foucault.

    Many find the decision to determine their own sex is taken away from them at birth when parents and doctors make the determination upon the discovery that they are intersex.

    These surgeries can often lead to infertility, pain, and mental suffering.

    Is Intersex Remembrance day the same as Intersex Awareness Day?

    The Intersex Flag
    Photo by Katie Rainbow 🏳️‍🌈 on Pexels.com: The official Intersex Flag

    Essentially these two days are similar. Intersex Awareness Day takes place on the 26th of October and is mainly observed in English-speaking countries such as North America, Australia, the UK, and South Africa. Intersex Remembrance Day is mainly observed in Europe.

    What is Intersex?

    According to Intersexday.org, intersex people are “born with sex characteristics that don’t meet medical and social norms for female or male bodies”.

    It is thought that up to 1.7 percent of babies are intersex. Some are born with obvious intersex traits, whilst in others, it is not apparent until they reach puberty. Some may never exhibit variations in their chromosomes.

    What’s it like to be Intersex?

    The first Intersex Remembrance Day

    The first remembrance day seems to have begun on November 8, 2005, as Intersex Solidarity Day, following an invitation issued by Joëlle-Circé Laramée, then Canadian spokeswoman for Organisation Intersex International. The Organisation invited organisations and groups and individuals to show solidarity by marking: the life of Herculine Barbin, or discussing intersex genital mutilation.

    Need resources?

    InterAct
    IntersexDay.Org

  • Texas rules that employee’s insurance does not need to cover PrEP, because, of course, Religion

    The judge ruled that providing the anti-HIV drugs via the healthcare system was unlawful after siding with Conservative lawyers who challenged the measure on religious grounds.

    The legal challenge was mounted in 2020 by eight Texan individuals and two Texan businesses. It was argued that the free PrEP requirement, as well as free coverage requirements for contraceptives and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, requires business owners to pay for services that “encourage homosexual behavior, prostitution, sexual promiscuity and intravenous drug use” despite their religious beliefs.

    Perry N. Halkitis, Dean of the Rutgers School of Public Health, slammed the Texas ruling that the U.S. Affordable Care Act’s requirement that private insurance plans cover HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) at no cost to patients as unconstitutional as “egregious lack of separation between church and state.”

    Speaking about the ruling, Dr Halkitis said,

    “The use of antivirals in the form of pre-exposure prophylaxis, which has been approved since 2012, has been a game changer in our fight against HIV and AIDS as the application of PrEP allows individuals to have one more tool to prevent them from acquiring HIV. The result has been dramatic decreases in the HIV infection rate in the United States.

    By decreasing the incidence of HIV, the number of people who require lifelong treatment also goes down, which puts less of a burden on our society economically and in terms of the health of populations. The ruling by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor is extremely shortsighted. It is reminiscent of decisions in the 1990s to prevent the distribution of condoms in schools.

    Without covering PrEP, highly at-risk populations — mostly gay and bisexual men and Black women — will continue to become infected with HIV, perpetuating this ongoing epidemic in our society. The decision of the judge is ultimately one that will spread further disease and cause harm to the people of Texas. In the end, this will lead to an increase in the number of infections in people living with HIV in Texas and across the United States, creating a larger number of individuals who require lifelong treatment and creating burdens on their lives and creating burdens on our economy.

    This misinformed or misguided decision based solely on the individual’s religious beliefs is another example of the egregious lack of separation between church and state which is undermining the health of all of us.”

  • The Naked Rugby Player calendar is apparently going ahead again for 2023

    The Naked Rugby Player calendar is apparently going ahead again for 2023

    Those burly rugger boys will be back again for another calendar – and we’re so here for that!

    According to a tweet from The Naked Rugby Players, photoshoots are being arranged as we speak and they’re teaming up with cancer charity Balls To Cancer once again.

    Very excited… we’re getting all our shoots booked in for the 2023 calendar! Who’s ready for more!!!

    Organisers have remained tight lighted about which teams will be featured, but we’ve been told to expect more from a Scottish Team and more from the reigning champions, the Northampton Outlaws, who have apparently appeared in every calendar since The Naked Rugby Players’ calendar launched back in 2018.

  • 6 awesome UK trans prides that are taking place in 2022 you have to know about

    6 awesome UK trans prides that are taking place in 2022 you have to know about

    Specific transgender pride events are on the rise in the UK for our transgender siblings to show off their pride and be centred within their own events.

    Here are the top six transgender pride you have to know about that are happening in 2022 right here in the UK.

    Less than a decade ago there was no specific transgender pride events in the UK, now in 2022, there are over half a dozen, from Northern Ireland to Brighton. Our partner site, The Pride Shop has been keeping track of transgender prides in the UK.

    Here are some of the transgender prides that are happening in July and beyond.

    Where are the biggest trans pride events in the UK?

    First on the list is Brighton’s Trans Pride which takes place on the 16th of July 2022, this is probably the most famous of the transgender prides in the UK and one of the longest-running. Brighton’s transgender pride has been running since 2013. It is a grass-roots, community-led organisation staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers

    From one of the oldest events to one of the newest, Cornwall Pride in Newquay this year was dedicated to transgender people. It took place on the 14th of May 2022.

    When is trans pride in the UK
    Trans prides happen all across the UK. They usually take place between March and July.

    Trans Pride London is set to take place this year on the 9th of July, a week after Pride In London.

    Trans Pride Southwest is an annual event which takes place in Bristol. Places are still being put together for its 2022 event. Its first event took place in 2019. During the pandemic, it ran a number of online and limited in-person events.

    If you live in Northern Ireland you’ll be happy to know that there is usually Trans Pride in Belfast, however, a date is yet to be announced. Its first pride was marched in 2018. Unfortunately due to Covid-19, the last two events had to be cancelled. it is hoped that an event will take place in 2022.

    There is a transgender pride in Scotland, however, it’s already had its march. In May a pride event took place in Paisley. Each year the Pride takes place in a different city in Scotland, in 2018 it was in Edinburgh, in 2019 it was in Dundee.

    So why does Trans Pride exist in the UK?

    As Brighton’s trans pride puts it, “Our aim is to inspire all trans, intersex, gender variant and queer people to help make a real difference by celebrating trans lives and gender diversity. We aim to educate and eliminate discrimination by promoting equality and diversity through visibility, while also celebrating our unique history,”

  • London’s longest-running men’s leather and fetish club set to close

    London’s longest-running men’s leather and fetish club set to close

    The Backstreet was London‘s longest-running leather and fetish bar/club. It had been running for over 37 years. In a statement released on social media, the management team announced that the club was to close in July 2022

    The announcement said,

    “After an incredible 37 years, The Backstreet will be closing its doors for the last time on 17th July. John and all the staff would like to say how grateful we are for all the support our customers have given us throughout the years. The club could never have carried as long as it has without your loyalty. From all of us to all you of thank you.

    The club which is set in London’s Mile End was established in 1985 when London’s gay scene was booming. Since 2000 THEGAYUK has been tracking London’s gay scene closures of which there have been over 110 LGBT+ venues closed. The Backstreet becomes the latest venue to close. During its time it hosted fetish social nights, life drawing classes, smoking and naked events.

    Fans of the Backstreet shared their sadness at the news, with one fan suggesting that The Backstreet was one of the only social clubs in London to be truly accessible, saying, “You’re the one social club and play space all on one level, which made it the most accessible venue I’ve been to in the UK. Such a shame you’ve decided to close, rather than sell the business on!”

    Another remarked how the fetish scene had been effectively “cleansed” writing, “Consider the scene fetishised cleansed, remember the battle to save Xxl from closing, even the judge, in that case, said there was homophobic play going from the foreign investors, we’ve allowed ourselves to be marginalised, pushed aside.”

    While another added, “It is very sad news indeed. it is 30 years ago (since) I started going to the Backstreet. I was a young man still in my late teens. The UK has become sterile regarding fetish. Most good events are outside of the UK now. Depressing news.”

    Another added how marginalised the leather and fetish community had become within the LGBT+ community writing, “This is a tragedy! Leather men have been pushed out of the London scene over the past 20 years. The anvil. Gone. The Colehearne. Gone. The London Apprentice. Gone. And now the BACKSTREET! Very sad news that will affect my life.”

  • Bristol Pride 2022 returns with 2 WEEK festival

    Bristol Pride 2022 returns with 2 WEEK festival

    Bristol Pride Festival 2022 announced

    LGBT+ charity announces programme of events taking place over 2 weeks in June & July and a return to The Downs

    Today, 3rd February the organisers of the award winning Bristol Pride Festival have confirmed that the annual event will return again this year in its original format after 2021 saw the event, like many others, have to adapt to restrictions in place at the time.

    The popular festival’s return will span two weeks from Saturday 25th June – Sunday 10th July.

    During the two weeks, the festival’s exciting programme of events will take place in venues across Bristol bringing the city alive with Pride as the charity also helps to support one of the hardest hit sectors, especially venues that are serving the LGBT+ community.

    Pride Day will take place on Saturday 9th July and after a two year absence, will return to The Downs. The event will feature multiple stages and will attract some of the biggest names in live music and entertainment, plus showcasing new and emerging talent including performances from local artists and community groups.The line-up will be released over the coming months. Pride Day will also see a welcome return of the Pride Big Top, Youth Area, Family Zone and Community Area.

    The LGBT+ community and its allies have spent so much time apart, organisers are thrilled to be able to put on events that will showcase the community and allow people to come together, to be proud, to protest and celebrate.

    When is Bristol Pride in 2022?
    shauking / Pixabay

    Eve Russell, Festival Director, Bristol Pride said:

    “We are so excited to be working on delivering this year’s festival in person again and to be able to bring everyone back together to celebrate. The Pride Parade March will also make a physical return this year, louder and prouder than ever as we mark the 50th anniversary of the first pride march in the UK. The march is an integral part of what pride is and after two years of quiet streets, we’re excited to be filling the city with colour. It is a chance to be visible and, importantly, it serves as a reminder that the LGBT+ community continues to fight for equality.”

    Other events to look out for across the two weeks of the festival include the return of Pride Night official after-parties plus the ever popular Dog Show, Comedy Night, a spectacular Circus Night, Theatre Night and Queer Vision Film Festival. Further details of the planned programme will be announced over the coming months.

    Organisers are encouraging attendees to purchase a Supporter Wristband. Priced from £7, they enable future events like Pride Day to remain accessible to those, who for socio-economic reasons, may not be able to afford to attend an exclusively ticketed event. Wristbands are on sale now and include various offers including free bus travel on Pride Day, within the Bristol Zone, with First Bus and discounts at onsite bars.

    Advance purchase of wristbands will speed up entry to the festival site, and the provision of contact details will allow organisers to advise of any changes to the entry policy due to covid restrictions.

    Daryn Carter MBE, Director of Programming and Partnerships, said:

    “The whole team are so excited to be working on our 2022 festival which will see our biggest ever line up as we return to The Downs for Pride Day. As well as the incredible events we are known for delivering across the two weeks of Pride, we have also been working behind the scenes over the last few months to commission exciting new works to showcase during the Festival.

    I know that after being disconnected for so long it’s going to be very special to have everyone back together and share the love and support of our incredible community through our events and as we all take to the streets for the Parade March.”

    For more information about Bristol Pride, how you can support the Festival, and all the latest news and events visit bristolpride.co.uk and sign up to the mailing list.

    For more pride dates, visit ThePrideShop UK PRIDE 2022 CALENDAR: Pride dates for 2022

  • Where can I find a list of Prides in the UK for 2022?

    It’s one of the big questions on the LGBT+ community’s lips – after two years of delays and cancellations due to COVID will Pride 2022 happen in the UK?


    Well, we’re not fortune tellers and we don’t have a magic ball that can see into the future, but we do that various prides are starting to announce their dates for Pride 2022 and it’s all looking quite positive that the UK will have a pride season.

    Will the UK have Pride in 2022? Where Can i find a full list of Pride dates?

    One of the best places to find up-to-date Pride listings is on our partner site, the LGBT+ owned and operated The Pride Shop, who are keeping a watchful eye on all the Prides that are confirmed for the UK this year. Their Pride 2022 calendar has now been launched and dates are starting to be announced.

    Looking forward to Pride 2022!

    A spokesperson for The Pride Shop said, “We’re looking forward, with fingers crossed, that our amazing LGBT+ community and allies will get to celebrate Pride in the UK in 2022. The last two years have been very difficult for many people, but a summer of celebration, love, rememberance and colourful Pride marches in our town centres will be most welcome.

    “To help our community keep up-to-date on the latest Pride date announcements will be updating our Pride 2022 Calendar regularly.”

  • LGBT+ Rainbow Flag: What does the legendary flag mean and do the colours matter?

    LGBT+ Rainbow Flag: What does the legendary flag mean and do the colours matter?

    Ah Pride Month and suddenly there’s a sea of rainbow flags… everywhere. It seems that every corporate entity remembers that LGBT+ consumers exist and start waving rainbow flags, more often than not, making no effort to actually support LGBT+ charities, causes or prides.

    Up until 2020, the standard, 6-stripe rainbow flag was the widely recognised worldwide symbol of the LGBT+ community. In 2020 it was co-opted by the Tory government to represent the NHS – during the COVID pandemic, despite the NHS, already having its own colour – a sort of cobalt blue.

    Now, there are numerous flags which people can choose to wave, the original Gilbert Baker 8-stripe flag, the standard 6 stripes, the 8 stripes “Philly flag, which was introduced in 2017, and the 11 stripes “progress flag”, which includes colours for the transgender community and a black and brown stripe for the QTIPOC (Queer Trans and Intersex people of colour) community and memorialising those who have died as a result of hate crime and from the HIV/AIDS crisis that rocked the gay community in the 80s and 90s.

    Which LGBT+ rainbow flag is the best flag to fly?

    Which LGBT+ Rainbow Flag is the best flag to fly for Pride Month?
    (C) ihaij / Pixabay

    Of course, this is a hotly debated subject in some circles of the LGBT+ community. Some feel that the only way to go is with the original 8-stripe Gilbert Baker flag, while others feel that the new “progress” flag is the way to go because it recognises and centres people of colour and the transgender community, who have often been sidelined in LGBT+ history. Some however feel that even though it’s seen as progressive it can actually be more exclusionary than Gilbert Baker’s original design, which was created to replace the Nazi’s Pink Triangle, which at the time was the only other recognised symbol for the gay community.

    Speaking about the design of the original rainbow flag, Gilbert Baker said, “There was no other international symbol for [the LGBT+ community] than the pink triangle which the Nazis used to identify homosexuals in concentration camps…. Even though the pink triangle was and still is a very powerful symbol, it was very much forced upon us”.

    Each of the flags represents something slightly different and whichever you decide to fly is the right choice for you.

    Do the colours of the LGBT+ Rainbow Flag mean anything?

    What do the colours in the Rainbow Flag mean?

    Yes, they do. When the flag was first unveiled, the artist Gilbert Baker created the flag with each colour representing a different area of life. Over the years the meanings of these colours have faded. The iconic symbol for the LGBT community made its debut in San Franciso in 1978. It was displayed at the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day parade in 1978.

    It has since gone on to be recognised worldwide as the symbol for LGBT spaces, venues and pride.

    Pink: Sexuality

    Red: Life

    Orange: Healing

    Yellow: Sunlight

    Green: Nature

    Cyan: Art

    Blue: Serenity/ Harmony

    Purple: Spirit

    Where can I buy the Rainbow Flag?

    There are tonnes of places to buy the Rainbow flag, but we’d also suggest buying it from a store that actually supports the LGBT+ community and for extra marks buy directly from LGBT+-run and operated shops rather than auction sites or huge internet-based corporations. Stores like The Pride Shop have their very own Pride Fund which actively seeks to support local prides through a donation from each sale and the Gay Pride Shop which supports LGBT+ charities from some of their profits.