Orgasm Without Erection

You can get just as much pleasure from a soft penis as you can from an erect one. While flaccid, your penis still has sensitive nerve endings that can be stimulated by rolling the shaft of the penis gently between your fingers, resulting in orgasm.

More penis information:

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Gareth Thomas

Welsh Rugby player Gareth "Alfie" Thomas is the most capped rugby player and the first Welshman to win 100 international caps in rugby union. Thomas came out on December 19, 2009 to the praise and surprise of gay rights activists because he came out while still playing the game.

"What I choose to do when I close the door at home has nothing to do with what I have achieved in rugby," he said. "I'd love for it, in 10 years' time, not to even be an issue in sport, and for people to say: 'So what?'," Thomas said.

Thomas, born on July 25, 1974, previously played fullback, wing or center for the Cardiff Blues before joining the Crusaders in the European Super League.

In a series of media interviews since his announcement, Gareth Thomas talks about life after coming out.

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I Like Older Gay Men

Dear Mona,

I have a dilemma that is keeping me stuck in neutral. I am predominantly attracted to older men sexually, but I have in my mind's eye a future with someone closer to my age. I feel these attitudes are very much at odds. I can not see myself not being fired up sexually with a partner. I don't want to be looking outside of my relationship for hot sex. I want it to be part of my relationship...I am afraid that I carry some shame into this situation. maybe it is lack of courage to be with an older man (I am 37 in Colorado). maybe I don't want to find out the root of my attraction - that whole daddy/father thing... That is very spooky to me. I would love some advice. Thanks.

Dear Sweet Tooth,

Being attracted to older men is not problematic, as long as you are of legal age–which you are. There is no need to to get hung up on what others may think. Don't fall into the trap of chasing the fountain of youth. Some gay men feel that younger is better, but reality dictates that attractions come in all shapes, sizes and ages. Ultimately, a happier you takes precedence over the need to conform.

Sometimes, in life you have to take chances. The relationship experience may be worth the potential sacrifice. If you still can not see yourself in a serious relationship with an older man, it may simply be a fetish. If this is the case, you can remain faithful to someone closer to your own age by indulging in porn that satisfies your desire for older men. If you find yourself growing close to a significantly older man, just enjoy it and let yourself be happy in the relationship.

Yours in love,
Mona

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Top 10 Questions About Gay Sex

Dear Mona,

About 8 months ago my partner and I began having sexual encounters with other men, with the agreement that we did it together. Then his sexual energy for me started to change. Now, he has no desire to have sex with me alone. However, if there is a third person involved, his sexual drive is strong. He says he's working through some relationship issues. Other than sex, we agree that our relationship is strong. What should I do?

Dear Third Wheel,

Nothing good comes in threes- tires, shoes or relationships. Threesomes always sound like a good idea when our partnered sex lives dwindle, but few of us actually address the real reason for the sexual lag. Instead we venture off into the bed of a temporary solution and ultimately the catalyst for a break up.

The mere fact that you decided to have an open relationship with terms says that either one or both of you wasn't completely satisfied... read more

Related:

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Dr. Raynard S. Kington

Raynard S. Kington, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D., the deputy director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is the 13th president of Grinnell College, a liberal arts college in Iowa. In 2006, Dr. Kingstoin was elected to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, where he currently serves as the chair of the Section on Administration of Health Services, Education and Research. He's also served as associate director of NIH for Behavioral and Social Sciences Research and acting director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

At the age of 16, Dr. Kington entered a combined undergraduate-medical school program at the University of Michigan that allowed him to earn his B.S. when he was 19 and his M.D. when he was just 21 years old. He subsequently completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Michael Reese Medical Center in Chicago.

Dr. Kingston is openly gay and the father of two.

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Top Myths About Bi Men

The nature of bisexuality is easily misunderstood by both gays and straight people. The thought of a person that is attracted to both men and women can be confusing, especially within cultural models that classify sexuality as either one or the other. The middle voids the entire concept of sexuality as being fluid, instead of learned or defined. Plus, some use their misunderstanding of the concept of bisexuality to label themselves bi, when in fact they are in the process of accepting another form of sexuality. These things can lead to misconceptions about the validity of bisexuality and, in turn, the devaluation of bisexual people.

Below are myths commonly associated with bisexual men and women: Myth: Bisexuality Is Only A Phase
Many bisexual people feel limited by the thought of being attracted to only a man or a woman. Their attractions, both physical and emotional, to the individual take precedence over the need to partner with just men or women. Discovering one's bisexuality happens by the same process as coming out in any other form of sexuality. Bisexual experiences may happen for people that are discovering their sexuality, even though they are not bisexual. So, it is common to view the experiences of actual bisexual people as just a phase.
Myth: Bisexual People Are Just Confused
Bisexual people embody the true nature of fluid sexuality. This is not to say that they "sway" back and forth," but that there are varying degrees of bisexuality. Some bisexual people "lean straight," as it's called, meaning they prefer a member of the opposite sex, but same-sex partners are an option. Others "lean gay," or the exact opposite. Their preferences are no more a choice than those of straight, gay or asexual people.
Myth: Bisexuals Are Promiscuous
Twice the options, twice the fun, some may think—a thought which often places bisexuality as a synonym to promiscuity. However, the process to find a partner for dating, sex, or a relationship is the same for bisexual individuals as it is for others. The number of viable partners does not make one any more or less promiscuous. Each individual, bisexual or not, conducts their dating life based on their person standard, whatever they may be.

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Turn a Straight Guy Gay

Dear Mona,

I am a 16 year old gay High School student and I am deeply crushing on this guy in my section in marching band. There are some signs he is gay. I see him checking me out when he thinks I'm not looking. I would love to know the best way to turn him gay, or at least get him to like me. Can you help me with this? I just love him ever so much!

Dear Drummer Boy,

I'm an ex band geek so I'll spare you the band jokes and jump right into one of the hottest Broadway musicals, Wicked, based on the favorite tale, Wizard of Oz.

Did you know the Wicked Witch of the West wasn't always evil? Elphaba (the birth name of the previously mentioned witch) had every intention of using her magic powers to make the world a better place- finding love for her sister (correctly guessed as the Wicked Witch of the East) and saving her love crush from a tragic end. The result of her screw up was the Tin Man and the Scarecrow. Later frustrated that her attempts at creating her own fantasy miserably failed, Elphaba vowed a life of evil. Of course, there is way more to the story, but the moral here is that you can save yourself a lot of grief by letting the natural course of things unfold. By trying to save your crush from a devastating straight fate you may end up losing your own self-esteem.

Many gay men try to use their powers of queer persuasion to create the ideal love fantasy. They become preoccupied with the quest of turning the seemingly impossible into the utterly tragic.

We all wish we could wave a wand and turn our crush into lust, but even if it were possible, would you want it that way? Let's shift the focus from the impossible (which is turning him gay) to the practical (finding out if he is gay through friendship).

There are no definite signs that disclose a person's sexuality. So, the best plan of attack here is to gain his trust as a friend. You say he looks in your direction, then strike up a conversation. Talk about that cool new Astroturf on the football field or how ridiculous piccolos look marching with those tiny instruments. Any excuse to start a friendship. Once you get to know him, you'll soon discover whether you desire a deeper friendship or not. You don't have to come out to him right away, but you should eventually disclose your intentions.

Of course, you love him so and want him now, but have a little patience. If he shares your feelings, he'll return the sentiment. If he's gay, you'll eventually know when he's ready for you to know. Until then keep your wand in your pants and stay in line.

Yours in love,
Mona

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Should You Top or Bottom?

Dear Ramon,

Is it better to give or receive anal sex?

Dear Multi-tasker,

Giving or receiving, topping or bottoming, catching or pitching (or whatever you want to call it) is a matter personal preference. Try both roles and keep an open mind. You don't have to pick one or the other, many gay men like both (this is called being versatile). I will admit that receiving anal sex can take time to get used to and is sometimes an "acquired taste," but a little practice and experience helps tremendously. Just be sure to practice safe sex!

Read these helpful tips:

Yours in love,
Ramon

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How To Flirt

Flirting is more of an art than a science, and the techniques have definitely been upgraded from the traditional gay cruise. Anonymous nods aren't enough these days. Guys want the effort along with the interest. Here's how to flirt and get a guy's attention...

...when he's across the room: Make contact. Position yourself in front or near him, preferably where you can make eye contact. Not all guys like to be touched by strangers, so try and connect with his eyes first.
Keep your glance. Once you've locked eyes, keep your glance for at least a few seconds. Remember, you're flirting not starring him down, so keep it playful.
Drop the eyes. After you've locked eyes with him, gently move your glance elsewhere. Then, shift your eyes back to him, making contact again. Give a soft smile.
Make a move. At this point he knows you're interested. If he's into you he'll either repeatedly connect with your glances, smile back or both. Time to make a move and seal the deal. This is often the hardest part for most guys.
Seal the deal. He'll eventually tire of playing peek-a-boo, so don't miss your window to say hello.

There are two ways you can seal the deal:

(a) Use the "heat seeking" technique where you walk right up to him, introduce yourself and keep the conversation going, or

(b) try the "hit and run" move, where you write your number down on a piece of paper, give it to him, tell him to go out with you, then walk away. I was eating dinner with friends once when a guy came up to the table, set a piece of paper in front of me and said, "You. Me. Dinner this weekend." I sat there stunned and he just walked away. Did I call? You bet, if only for the intrigue.

Maintain your cool. The thing I love about the '70s is that the dudes were laid back and cool. "Smooth" is what my dad called it. They were able to be direct, get a point across and accomplish their love agendas all in a few seamless gestures. Perfect your inner roller girl cool by practicing these flirting techniques. Be smooth with your glances, your lookback, your approach and your follow up.
Follow up. The hard part is over. He's intrigued, now all you have to do is follow up. If you say you're going to call, call. Keep your cool and wait at least a day before blowing his phone up. ...when he's walking toward you:
When a guy is walking toward you, use the steps above to flirt with him. But, instead of dropping your eyes, keep his glance until you pass him. Once this happens, do what I call the "double look back": Slow your walking pace and look back over your shoulder.Hold your look to see if he also glances back. If he does, you've got him.For those who want a little more assurance that he's interested, keep walking then glance again. If he responds with yet another lookback, then he's ready to talk.Slowly turn around and either stop or walk towards him.Once you are face to face, start your small talk.Offense and "smooth cool" wins the game of flirting. You only have a few seconds to capture his attention and keep it, so make the most of it and don't forget to be smooth.

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Gay and Bisexual Male Love Stories and Dating Advice

How can I tell if a guy is gay or not?Dear Zaida, How can I tell if a guy is gay or not? I am 17 and it is impossible for me to find guys my own age. I have strong feelings towards some guys, but some of them I really think are gay and some I just wish were.  How can I know for sure? And how should I go about it?

Dear Johnny Quest,

An easy out is to cruise in locations where the community is predominately gay (gay bars, gay community social events, gay chat rooms, etc.). However, in most social settings, there is no quick & easy way to determine who is gay and who is not. Some of us have 'gay-dar', but no matter how perceptive you are, there is no stereotypical prototype for the gay male (despite what homophobes may tell you).

The real question at hand is how to determine who is attracted to you. The best approach is to be friendly. Most people smile back if you smile at them, and if they don't, they're usually not worth your time. You can find a topic of common interest and build a conversation with it. If you ask him casual social and non-sexual questions, you may find clues to his sexuality. After you've warmed up to each other and feel that the conversation is flowing naturally you can give a suggestive clue and see how he responds. If, for example, you are discussing movies, you can say, "Vin Deisel (or insert your fav actor) was hot in that movie. If he responds as if he's uncomfortable, you can discuss another aspect of the film. If his eyes light up, you have something to work with. I would suggest avoiding directly sexual questions on your first encounter. Even if he is gay, too strong of a come on can be a turn off. Unless of course, we are talking about a very sexual setting. For example, if it's 4:00 AM at the gay bar after the hot body contest, then by all means you can be more aggressive.

Body language also speaks volumes. One indication of interest is how comfortable he is getting close to you while talking. For example, if he leans in towards you as he talks or casually rests his hand on your leg while talking, he's probably flirting. A lot be can be said for eye contact, as well. If he pulls the classic glance at the crotch with a lingering smile as the eyes move up the body, then he's definitely giving you signals. Most importantly, keep yourself open to meeting new people and getting involved in gay-friendly activities.

-Zaida

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Chris Colfer

Actor/singer Chris Colfer, born May 27, 1990 in Clovis, California, plays soft-spoken and incisive Kurt Hummel on FOX's hit show Glee.

For Colfer, his character on Glee is more reality than fiction. He was out during his real high school years; and, according to an Access Hollywood interview, had accepting parents. Colfer is also open about being bullied while in school—an issue often talked about on Glee. Slushy anyone?

Custom Creation
It may come as a surprise that the role of Kurt Hammel was created for Colfer. He originally auditioned for Artie (Kevin McHale), but the producers were so impressed with Colfer's performance that they wrote in the part of Kurt.

Active Participant
According to Colfer's bio on the Glee website, he was "very active during high school" and grew up performing in community and regional theatre. At age 14, he assistant-directed a theatrical benefit for Valley Children's Hospital. He was also president of the writer's club, editor of the school literary magazine and a speech and debate champion.

Colfer lives in Los Angeles.

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Mature/Older Gay Men

Do our gay lives come with an expiration date? Generation gaps will always exist, especially as gay men come out at younger ages. But, does that leave older and mature gay men on the sidelines?

It's no longer a shock to hear of an openly gay 13-year-old or about two 16-year-olds in a gay relationship. Even tours around gay bars reveal floods of younger gay men seeking love and sex from their peers. Rarely, however, do we discuss our lives after the club lights come on and the dancing shoes are laid to rest. This signals the end for some, but to others lifestyle adjustments are a part of maturing.

So, if gays don;t find lifelong partners in their youth, is the love dance truly over? The pressures of heterosexual norms do not lessen when one seeks same-sex companionship. Fears of loneliness become precursors to perceptions that gay men "age out" of the scene (if you can call it such), after which they become undesirable with futures void of companionship. Some say this fear of aging also bring about a perpetual search for a gay "fountain of youth."

According to the Affirmations Lesbian and Gay Community Center:
Nearly 20% of gay seniors have no one to care for them should they become ill, versus 2% for heterosexual seniors.2/3 of gay seniors live alone versus 1/3 of heterosexual seniors.Looking Toward The Future
Despite the gloom of these statistics, gay life does not come with an expiration date, nor is there one model (as with heterocentric views) to be followed. Gay youth is just that: Youth. Likewise, maturing is a part of life as well. It's up to the individual, regardless of sexual orientation, to determine how they will grow mentally, spiritually, and emotionally outside of perceived views of desirability. The "community" does not hold the clock, each individual interprets their own timers.

Resources for Older/Mature Gay Men
To combat these growing statistics, many gay community centers are launching programs and social groups for older gay men. Community-focused organizations, like SAGE, also provide support and programming for older/mature lgbt people.

Discussion
Gay Life forum member Morris47 says: "Well I just would like to open a discussion about being gay, feeling ok, and aging all right. What's the matter with that? Why do gay partners tend to look at themselves as if they were never going to get old? Why do old gay fellows accept that as something natural? Why do we have to show and keep a certain kind of body adjusted to rules that are absolutely not natural?" Join the discussion

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Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Out actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson plays "Mitchell" on ABC's hit comedy Modern Family. Ferguson was born on October 22, 1975 in Missoula, Montana. Acting has always been in Ferguson's blood. He joined the Albuquerque Children's Theater at age eight and went on to star in a number of high school productions.

After graduating high school in 1994, Ferguson attended renowned dramatic arts school The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City. A number of roles, like the Tony Award-winning The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, off and on Broadway landed him the role of "Richie Velch" in the CBS sitcom The Class. Later he joined the cast on his most famous show, Modern Family. Tyler was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Role in a Comedy Series at the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards for his role as Mitchell.

Is Jesse Tyler Ferguson gay?
Like his Modern Family character "Mitchell," Ferguson is openly gay in real life. In an interview with OUT, Ferguson said: "Not to rat on my Dad, but I had to come out four times to him. He kept forgetting and would ask about girlfriends. I’d be like 'Dad, we talked about this!' I certainly don’t have the horror stories that some teens unfortunately have. It’s a process and they’re still learning—but they’re nothing but supportive. They certainly have never turned down the love dial with me."

And, what about his Modern Family husband Cameron?
Actor Eric Stonestreet plays a gay man on camera, but is as straight as they come. Read more...

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S and M Bondage

Definition:
S and m bondage, or sadism and masochism, is the give and take of control (mentally or sexually). S and m is not an activity exclusive to gay men, but for gay man that do enjoy s and m activities, controlling or being controlled creates mental stimulation, sexual pleasure or a combination of both.

Sadistic and masochistic activities can include nipple play, blindfolds, handcuffs, spanking, etc.

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Do Poppers Make Sex Better?

What Are Poppers?
Poppers is slang for a variety of alkyl nitrites, particularly amyl nitrite. Poppers are available over-the-counter and come in small bottles. Amyl nitrites are generally used in air fresheners and video head cleaners, but are used as a recreational drug to increase sexual arousal. Poppers used to come in small capsules that popped when they were broken, thus the name "poppers."

Do Poppers Make Sex Better?
Poppers relax muscles such as the sphincter of the anus, which can make anal sex less painful. Poppers also cause blood vessels to dilate, which drops blood pressure and increases heart rate (amyl nitrite was originally used to treat angina and cyanide poisoning). As a result, users experience a flush feeling and increased sexual arousal. The effect lasts for only a few minutes. Side effects can be headaches or sudden changes in blood pressure.
Taking Viagra Before Sex

What Are The Side Effects?
The side effects of poppers are headaches, decreased blood pressure and potential loss of arousal after a few minutes.

Are There Any Risks?
Poppers enlarge blood vessels and increase blood flow. They can impair judgment, leading to unprotected anal sex. A tear or fissure in your rectal walls during anal sex, combined with unprotected sex and increased blood flow can increase the risk of transmitting HIV. In addition, poppers combined with Viagra (which also lowers blood pressure) can be fatal.

Are The Sexual Benefits Worth The Risk?
Although poppers provide a rush during sex, the effect only lasts a few minutes. The headaches, which are common side effects, can be ruin the mood for some people. And since poppers often impair judgment, leading to unsafe sex, the risk of contracting HIV is much greater. So, you may want to think twice before opening the little brown bottle. Ask yourself, are the risks worth the temporary feeling?

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Jonathan Groff

Gleeheads know actor/singer/songwriter Jonathan Groff as the sultry rival Jesse St. James, but the actor got his start as Melchior Gabor in the Broadway production of Spring Awakening. Groff only debuted Spring Awakening on Broadway in 2006 (he ended his run in mid-2008), but he also starred in the Off Broadway production. In 2007, he was nominated for a Drama Desk Award and a Tony as Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his role in Spring Awakening. Soap fans may also remember Groff for his role as Henry Mackler on ABC's One Life to Live.

Jonathan Groff on Glee
Groff currently guest stars as Jesse St. James, the lead vocalist of rival glee club, Vocal Adrenaline and as a love interest for his former Spring Awakening co-star Lea Michele's character, Rachel Berry. Groff introduced Michele to Glee creator Ryan Murphy before the show began.

Gay Actors "Playing Straight"
Groff's sexuality was a main theme in a controversial essay by critic Ramin Satoodeh Newsweek. Satoodeh opined that gay actors play unconvincing straight characters, singling out Promises, Promises star Sean Hayes and Jonathan Groff. Satoodeh wrote that Groff "seems more like your average theater queen, a better romantic match for Kurt than Rachel." Glee creator Ryan Murphy described Satoodeh, himself an openly gay man, as homophobic and called for a boycott of Newsweek.

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September 2010 Pride

The summer season is coming to an end, but these September gay pride events are still in full swing:

New Orleans, LA (Southern Decadence)
Sept 1 - 6

Atlanta, GA (In The Life Atlanta)
Sept 3 - 6

Cardiff, Wales (Cardiff-Wales Lesbian and Gay Mardi Gras)
Sept 4

Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Pride Calgary)
Sept 5

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (Twin Cities Black Pride)
Sept 9 - 12

Rehoboth Beach, DE (Delaware Pride Festival)
Sept 18

Roanoke, VA (Roanoke Pride)
Sept 19

San Francisco, CA (San Francisco Latino Pride)
Sept 19

Dallas, TX (Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade)
Sept 19

Durham/Raleigh, NC (North Carolina Pride)
Sept 26

South Africa (SA Black Pride)
Sept 29 - Oct 3

South Africa (SA Black Pride)
Sept 29 - Oct 3

Dallas, TX (The Movement)
Email: dfwpridemovement@gmail.com
Sept 30 - Oct 3

Year 'Round Pride
Check out these October pride dates.

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Safe Gay Rimming

Rimming or anilingus is a popular gay sex act, but the anus carries bacteria and many other parasites. So, no matter how clean your partner looks, use a barrier like a dental dam or cut and stretch a condom over the anus to avoid contact with your mouth or tongue.

Avoiding direct contact with the anus or anal fluids can help prevent the transmission of possible STD's like genital warts or HIV.

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Gay Horoscopes

Could your perfect match be in the moon, sun or stars? Does it matter if your new Virgo roommate is gay or straight? We had a burning cosmic desire to find out if sexuality really plays a role Sun sign compatibility and if you can truly judge a guy by his sign. Writer, Intuitive Reader and About Astrology Guide Molly Hall Nagy gives us a reading on gay astrology.

Does sexuality play a role in astrology? For example, do the characteristics of, say, a gay Scorpio differ from those of a straight one?

Molly: The basic characteristics are the same, but since sexuality is part of the deepest core of the self, being a gay male will definitely influence how they are expressed. Social factors also play a role—issues like being out or not, and the many choices of how to live life and pursue love as a gay man add nuance to a guy's expression of his Sun sign. When reading straight astrology, you probably already have to translate it to your unique experience as a gay man. There are a few books on gay astrology that already come from that perspective, and because of that, offer more refined insights for the gay man to understand himself and potential partners.

Are there some Sun signs which are more compatible than others?

Molly: Yes, and the same general compatibility rules apply for gay men. The Sun signs of the same element usually have a good rapport. The fire signs are Aries, Leo and Sagittarius; the water signs are Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces; the earth signs are Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo; the air signs are Libra, Aquarius and Gemini.

But keep in mind that each Sun sign combo has the potential to be a love match, if it blends into the right chemistry for the moment in time you're together. It's all in the timing, and the mysterious hand of fate seems to draw us to the match that fits for what we're learning in life at the moment.

Should a guy not date someone based on his sign?

Molly: I say give the guy a chance. We're talking here about Sun signs, which is only one aspect of someone's birth chart. Even if the Sun signs aren't compatible, other personal planets in the chart—the Moon, Rising, Venus and Mars—may be in harmony. Besides that, some Sun sign combinations that are considered incompatible, dangerous even, offer the most intense challenges for growth. Sometimes when planets collide, you're changed forever, and often for the better.

Are there astrological events that are more romance friendly than others?

Molly: Yes, and right now, we're enjoying the Venus in Aries, which is making a lot of favorable aspects to other planets also in fire signs. All this can create an atmosphere of play, flirtation and just an overall lightness of mood. Also, full moons are often a time of culmination, and on the romance front this can mean that someone begins to warm to your seductive moves.

Expand your world with About Astrology, Molly Hall Nagy's informative and resourceful site on all things astrology.

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Harry Wieder

"You weren’t done talking to Harry until he was done talking to you," New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn said of Harry Wieder in a eulogy. The 57-year-old activist and son of Holocaust survivors spent most of his time attending community meetings, calling and writing elected officials and organizing campaigns about LGBT, disabled, and housing rights.

On his Facebook, Mr. Wider described himself as a "disabled, gay, Jewish, leftist, middle aged dwarf who ambulates with crutches."

Harry Wieder, a previous resident of the East Village neighborhood of New York City, began his activist career in the 1980's as a member of the vocal activist group Act-Up! and was profiled in Betty Adelsen’s 2005 book, The Lives of Dwarfs: Their Journey from Public Curiosity Toward Social Liberation. Mr. Wiedler continued to lose his hearing as time passed, but had been known to attend up to 8 meetings a day advocating. He was buried on April 30, 2010 after being struck by a taxi leaving a meeting of Community Board 3.

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Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen (born Lee Alexander McQueen on the East End of London in 1969) was an English fashion designer known for his provocative and often androgynous designs. McQueen, the son of a taxi driver, was the youngest designer ever awarded British Designer of the Year in 1996. He went on to achieve the award in the three subsequent years.

McQueen began his career as an apprentice in England's Savile Row where he made suits for Mikhail Gorbachev and Charles, Prince of Wales at the age of 16. He returned to London in 1994 to attend the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design where he was awarded his Master's Degree in Fashion Design.

The young designer was known for his sensual women's fashions and boisterous opinions, once calling the LVMH fashion company president Bernard Arnault "irrelevant" while he was head designer at Givenchy in 1996. In 2000, Gucci acquired a majority stake in McQueen's own line. He stayed on as creative director. McQueen's designs were favorites of celebrities like Rihanna and Lady GaGa and his boutiques spanned across the globe.

Alexander McQueen's Death
Alexander McQueen was found dead of an apparent suicide in his London apartment on February 11, 2010. McQueen was 40-years-old.

McQueen Gay
Alexander McQueen was openly gay, once, according to GLBTQ, describing himself as the "pink sheep of the family."

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Gay Stereotypes

There are many generalization about gay men. For some, the only exposure to homosexuality is through the media or word-of-mouth. Unfortunately, this is how many stereotypes are spread. Below are the top myths and misconceptions about gay men: It's Just a Phase
Many people believe that being gay or bisexual is just a phase. This is a large misconception. Thousands of gay men have sought therapy, "reverse gay counseling" and even heterosexual relationships to suppress their homosexual feelings. Most of these attempts at living a heterosexual lifestyle only further suppress homosexual feelings. These feelings can later surface, sometimes leading to divorce, custody battles or adultery.All Gay Men Will Die of AIDS
Many rumors about AIDS still linger from the 80's. Those misconceptions were based on a lack of understanding and fear. Though the source of the deadly disease hasn't been traced to it's root, AIDS is not just a gay disease. Learn the facts about AIDS and talk with your loved one about how they can practice safer sex. It may be uncomfortable at first but is worth the effort in the long run.Gay Men Are Only Concerned With Sex
Often, people associate gay men with sexual addiction. However, the majority of gay individuals are no more sexually active than heterosexuals. Many gay men visit bars, clubs or the internet in an effort to find sexual partners, however just as many seek long term relationships in the same places.All Gay Men Are Feminine
Unfortunately, many media outlets portray gay men as overly effeminate. As with the mannerisms of heterosexuals, the degree of masculinity varies amongst homosexuals. The belief that all gay men desire to be women or are feminine is merely a generalization. Those within the gay community are just as diverse as any other group.Someone Made Him Gay
Studies have shown that being gay is not directly related to one's environment. For instance, many mothers in retrospect regret being too close to their sons, thinking that is what "made" them gay. However, their relationship with their child had little to do with them being gay. Homosexuals are born, not made. Research continues in an effort to find the source of homosexuality, but blaming oneself or environment is not the answer.Gay Men Can't Get Married or Have Children
One of the biggest fears for many families is that their gay loved ones are condemned to a life alone without children. However, the battle for same sex marriage continues throughout the world. Countries such as Iceland, Belgium, Canada and France already recognize gay civil unions or full gay marriage. In the U.S. support for same sex marriage continues to gain with legalized marriages, domestic partnerships or unions in Vermont, California, Massachusetts and New Jersey. What does this mean for your loved one? Well, it means that there are many gay couples that are in committed and happy relationships. These relationships are often long lasting and sometimes involve adopted or naturally born children.

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