Welcome to the Gay Men’s Resource Guide @ UIS. This is a guide to help gay men at UIS find the resources they may need and to find support on this campus. The Gay Men’s Resource Guide is a living document which means that we are open to suggestions for other resources we might have missed. If you would like to leave a resource suggestion, please email us at gss@uis.edu

Gay is a term used to describe a person emotionally, physically, and/or sexually attracted to males/men. It is also a term used in some cultural settings to represent males who are attracted to males in a romantic, erotic and/or emotional sense. Not all men who engage in “homosexual behavior” identify as gay, and as such this label should be used with caution. Or, this term may refer to the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole, or as an individual identity label for anyone who does not identify as heterosexual.

Gay and bisexual men may have a set of circumstances that is different than others in the queer community. Some of these will be about safer sex, coming out, body image, finding a safe date online, and navigating issues around perceived and real masculinity and gender roles. The following links and resources are intended as a helpful place to begin.

Masculinity

If you've ever felt that someone you like won't respond to you, a friend group won't accept you, or that what you have to say is less important because you don't fit the "perfect body" mold - you're not alone. Even though (many of) the "perfect body" guys seem happy and untouchable, they often live with pain and insecurities that leave them feeling constantly empty. Their value system is based entirely on image, which is an exhausting and depressing way to live. Trust that they are the ones missing out - not you.

Coming Out

  • LGBT Youth Resources: An extensive list of resources and web page from the Centers from Disease Control.

Body Image

LGBTQ Youth Groups and Resources

  • Weekly LGBTea hosted by Gender & Sexuality Student Services: Join us on campus or online. Location: Student Lounge/Student Life Building, room 22 or online. Weekly dialogues about queer topics serving all gender and sexual minorities including LGBTQIA+ and the two-spirit student community as well as their cisgender & heterosexual allies.
  • Weekly Fluidity discussion groups hosted by Gender & Sexuality Student Services: Fluidity provides a safe and confidential talk space for those exploring their sexual and/or gender identity with peers. Shades provides a safe and confidential talk space about the intersections of race, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
  • See our list of local organizations.

Online and National Organizations

  • Q Chat Space: A community for LGBTQ+ teens to chat with like-minded peers in live chats designed for you and by you, facilitated by folks who care.
  • Gay, Lesbian, & Straight Education Network Student Action: GLSEN advises on, advocates for, and researches comprehensive policies designed to protect LGBTQ students as well as students of marginalized identities.
  • Genders & Sexuality Alliance Network: Student-run organizations that unite LGBTQ+ and allied youth to build community and organize around issues impacting them in their schools and communities.
  • It Gets Better Project: A nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe.
  • Center for Disease Control’s LGBTQ Youth Resources.

Reading Lists Geared Toward Gay Male Identities

Dating Online

Safer Sex

Femmephobia

The hatred of all people who are perceived as femme, feminine, effeminate, and/or twink regardless of their gender. A direct result of femmephobia is the oppression of anybody whose gender presentation is in any way classified as being on the female-end of the gender binary due to their fashion sense, behavior, or mannerisms. 

FAQs

Have a question to add or ask? Please write us at gss@uis.edu.

Where do I go to meet other gay or bisexual men at UIS or Springfield? What support services are available?

Various LGBTQIA+ events hosted by GSSS. Local area LGBTQ youth attend the Phoenix Center youth group. There are also some local organizations. Visit our local organizations page.

What academic opportunities are there at UIS?

Women and Gender Studies at UIS would be a great program for anyone who would be interested in studying subjects related to sexual orientation, gender, or feminism.