FAQ

These questions reflect some of the things people most often ask us about who we are, what we do, and why we exist.

1. Why was HGM founded?

HumanGayMale was founded in response to the growing dominance of the concept of gender identity erasing or superseding the reality of biological sex. and the threat this poses to the clear, sex-based understanding of homosexuality. At the same time, many gay men have felt pushed out of existing institutions and silenced for speaking plainly about sex and sexual orientation. You can read more on our About Us page.

 

2. What does the HGM logo mean

The logo represents six men – reflecting research about how most men once had at least six close friends, a number that has steadily declined over recent decades. For gay men, this loss of close connection can be felt especially acutely. The logo represents friendship, solidarity, and the importance of rebuilding real human connection between men.

 

3. Are you a charity?

No. HumanGayMale is a UK registered not-for-profit company limited by guarantee with an asset lock, which ensures that all funds are used to support our mission.

We have no plans to register as a charity because, for an organisation of our size, operating as a not-for-profit company allows us to carry out our work effectively without the additional regulatory restrictions that come with Charity Commission registration. The asset lock in our Articles of Association means that any money we raise or income we receive must be spent on our stated objectives. In practice, this means we operate in much the same way as a registered charity, with a clear public-benefit purpose and strong safeguards around the use of funds.

 

4. Who runs HGM?

We are volunteer-led, with local organisers, project teams and a leadership group. We’ll be adding more details and profiles about the team to our About Us page in due course.

 

5. How is HGM funded?

At the moment we rely on small donations, but we plan to create paid membership options (while always retaining a free baseline membership category), sell merchandise, and apply for grants and other sources of funding.

 

6. Why don’t you include bisexual men?

This was a question we considered carefully when establishing HumanGayMale. We spoke to a wide range of gay men and reflected on the intended purpose and scope of the organisation before deciding to focus specifically on gay men. While bisexual men may share some experiences with gay men, they also have distinct needs and experiences, and other existing organisations already include them. Bisexual men are free to create or support organisations that reflect their own priorities, just as we have done for gay men.

 

7. Why don’t you use the umbrella term “LGBTQ+”?

Because lesbians, gay men and bisexual people are defined by sexual orientation, while transgender and queer identities are based on concepts of gender identity. These are not just different issues — they are antithetical. In practice, they pull in opposite directions: homosexuality depends on sex being real and meaningful, while the concept of gender identity considers sex as subjective or overridable. For that reason, LGB issues must be addressed separately from TQ+ issues in policy, campaigning, and institutional settings. There are even distinct needs and priorities for gay men that are better address separately from those for lesbians. Clarity here is essential if gay men’s rights and community life are to be defended effectively.

 

8. But aren’t you really just transphobic?

No. HumanGayMale supports the right of adults who identify as trans to live free from discrimination, harassment and mistreatment, the same as anyone else. Our focus is on protecting the sex-based rights, health and community life of gay men. We simply maintain that same-sex attraction, male-only spaces and safeguarding for boys must remain grounded in the reality of biological sex.

 

9. Do you deny that trans people exist?

No. People who identify as trans obviously exist. But they are not the opposite sex. Our position is that biological sex is real and relevant, and homosexuality is same-sex attraction. This is fully compatible with respecting that trans-identifying adults have the same rights as everyone else, also based on the reality of their biological sex.

 

10. Are you saying children can’t be trans?

A child cannot meaningfully “be trans” in the way the term is understood for adults. Identifying as trans as an adult requires mature understanding of sex, identity, consequences and medical implications — capacities children simply do not have. Children can experience gender dysphoria, discomfort with their bodies, and distress from stereotypes or homophobia. However, these do not mean a child is “born in the wrong body,” a concept unsupported by evidence. Research shows that most children with gender-related distress – especially boys who may grow up to be gay – desist after puberty.

 

11. Do gay men owe our rights to the transwomen who started the riots at Stonewall?

No. The idea that transwomen started or led the uprising at Stonewall is a modern myth. Contemporary eyewitness accounts show the riot was started and led by gay men and some lesbians. The individuals often cited in modern retellings were not present at the start of the riots, and were gay men who performed in drag, not transwomen. 

 

12. Are you right wing?

HGM is not aligned with any political party or position on the traditional left-right political spectrum. We engage in policy discussions only where relevant to protecting gay men’s rights, wellbeing or community life.