Sex isn’t always straightforward, but it is a natural urge, whatever your orientation, whatever turns you on. This applies across the spectrum, from physical attraction to feeling sexy in your own skin.
The word ‘homosexual’ comes from the Greek ‘homo’ meaning ‘same’ and not the Latin ‘homo’ meaning ‘man’, and it is used to describe people who are attracted to members of the same sex.
YMCA
In 1978, the Village People celebrated the Young Men’s Christian Association with their cheesy hit anthem ‘YMCA’ where ‘you can have a good time… and hang out with all the boys’. From its arrival in the 19th century,’theY’provided one of the few places for gay men to meet sexual partners. It was actually set up in London in 1844 and in North America shortly after to take young single men’s minds off immorality and, ironically, female temptation, promoting wholesome sex education instead. By the 20th century, rumours of unmasculine and licentious behaviour began to spread and upstanding members of the community, such as doctors and lawyers, were pinpointed in homosexual scandals. However, as one of the few places for gay men to meet, its popularity as a cruising outlet remained strong. In the 1960s, heterosexuality was championed via advertising campaigns and women were also allowed to become members, but by this time the gay community had begun to find its place in society and could go elsewhere. Nowadays,’theY’ is still honoured for its part in gay history and the song continues to be enjoyed across the sexuality spectrum.
‘Heterosexuality is not normal, it’s just common.’ Dorothy Parker
‘Were kisses all the joys in bed, one woman would another wed.’
From’Sonnets to Sundry Notes of Music IV’ by William Shakespeare
DECRIMINALIZATION
 |
In 1967, coming out of the closet in the UK was made easier with the decriminalization of homosexual acts, which had been banned since 1885. However, this new freedom only applied within the privacy of the home and the age of consent was fixed at 21. Many gay acts were still viewed by the law under the label of’gross indecency’and the number of arrests continued to rise. In 2000, the age of consent was set at 16 for both homosexuals and heterosexuals. In 2003, the act stated that buggery, cottaging, cruising and sex between more than two men were no longer crimes, while the term ‘gross indecency’ was removed in an effort to treat all types of sexual orientation equally.
‘We were talking about the kissing in the movie. Clearly, it’s pretty
challenging material, but Ang said two men herding sheep was far
more sexual than two men having sex on screen.’
Jake Gyllenhaal on Brokeback Mountain (2006)
 |
 |
Quickies