I was inspired from seeing William Friedkin’s Cruising (1980). A detective (Al Pacino) goes undercover into New York City’s world of S&M to catch a serial killer who has been murdering gay men. This Hollywood movie sparked much controversy at the time. Its release was on eve of the HIV pandemic and post Stonewall, a time where gay clubs were being raided all over North America until late 1970s. Ghettos of gay people from around the country were mobilized in major cities, visibility to mainstream society and a sense of community was finally formed.

by Brian Tuck

I remember seeing an episode of Sex In The City where the ladies were discussing bisexuality, remarking how it’s a phase and on the way “to gay”.  In the show, Charlotte says that bisexuals should "pick a side", which in many cases sums up what some people actually think about those who bat for both teams.  Although I have heard this being said, I'm more interested in how the gay community is discriminatory towards our bi brethren and how we share some of these sentiments. It seems like everyone has on opinion on this and well - so do I.

The “cool straight guy”: your best gal pal’s boyfriend, an awesome colleague or some guy you thought was hitting on you, but turns out he’s just…(drum roll)….nice? Who knew! Some guys just think for themselves and are clearly more open-minded than ever before.  Straight guys increasingly feel less threatened because they realize there was never a reason to be threatened in the first place.

Growing up, it’s the leering lurker stigma that fuels people’s ignorance or fear every gay man is out to get them. In the past decade, however, it’s increasingly more popular to be gay friendly due in part to gay themed TV shows, music videos or exposure from his girlfriends who drag him to the gay clubs every week.  He even gets extra points with the ladies because he is comfortable with her homo entourage, smart man.

Brian Tuck

How Open Is Your Big Open City?

You couldn't count it if you tried, we just don't see gay and lesbian couples performing public displays of affection as much as straight people do everyday. Does that mean we are devoid of the capacity to show affection? Obviously not. Although, many of us live in progressive cities with visible gay populations, but let's think outside the perimeter of your city's gay district for a moment

When we do hold our partner's hand in public, it is either interpreted as a political statement or showing off because we know people may stare. Well, that's because some are staring. Not necessarily in a bad way, people are probably more surprised at the rarity of gay public displays of affection. To some others, our identities are shams; we are rebellious and rogue citizens out to make people squirm at our gutsy little show.

Brian Tuck

Our Decade's Invisible Integration Movement.

The It Gets Better Project, started by Dan Savage has raised so much awareness. Whether we were aware or not, this has been happening for who knows how long, yet recent media attention on the subject have sparked a global response against gay teen bullying and teen suicides.

The messages are inevitably critical and have provoked an overdue outcry for awareness. The support amongst members of LGBTQ communities mobilizing to show solidarity is incredible on so many levels than suicide prevention alone. Numerous celebrities, corporations and government officials have also jumped on the "It Gets Better" train by making their own videos. The more the merrier, I say, there's room for everyone. It's suddenly trendy to be accepting and not homophobic, all aboard, I say!