Pride

[sg]

Why do some gay men dress like they are members of 1970's National Front?

[crete]

what a sweeping statement

[sg]

It is not a sweeping statement.

[crete]

yes it is

[sg]

Some gay men dress with a very harsh image, shaved head, white vest, braces, bleached jeans, high DMs and a bomber jacket.
They have the image of 1970's "bovver boys" as my dad used to call them.
I was wondering how this fashion came about, and how long has this been fashionable.
It is normally the late 30's, early 40 year olds.

[violetblue]

I don't think it's such a sweeping statement, really, as sg did say some gay men, not all. I presume you're thinking of the Frankie Goes to Hollywood thing? I don't know, maybe they just like the look of it. However, I do feel your question has a mocking, possibly homophobic ring about it?, in which case, grow up.

[sg]

Hey! No, you got the wrong end of the stick.
I spent a good fourteen hours partying at Brighton Pride at the week end, and there were many people, dressed/or undressed in every way you can imagine, but what I have always wondered about is this one particular image that so many men of that age (including my manager and his partner) seem to enjoy.
Why would you wany to look like a bunch of hooligans? Is there a special reason?

[saxy_jag]

I know quite a few gay men, and I can't think of one who dresses like that. However, they do dress in various styles to suit themselves, as do the straight men I know.

And I wonder what you'd make of a man who goes off to work sporting painted toenails, toe rings and dangly earrings? Gay? Straight? What?

[flip-flop]

Oh purlease, there was nothing, nothing even remotely homphobic in the question, and to suggest that there was is ultra sensitive: why do some people struggle with the concept of what is and what is not homophobia/racism/discrimination etc...

[violetblue]

Is is not the S & M look, rather than the hooligan look?

[violetblue]

Because of people who trivialise others' distress when they are victims of discrimination.

[Peter Pedant]

Oh God I thought you mean ill fitting suits with string ties
that was the reformed image of the NF

Sort of skinheads

I dont know - go up to one and ask him - make sure he is gay first - straight skinheads are notoriously humourless.

I have to say, having short hair, is easier to keep clean. T Shirts - alot dont work out so look a bit erm skinny.

doesnt matter what you look like, a sense of humour goes a long way, I think

[joko]

i think you are mistaken with the frankie goes to hollywood reference...they were never bovver boys, or psychobillies, as we used to call them, nor did they ever dress that way

[violetblue]

Hence my othr reference, joko! Actually, I found him (singer of FGTH) quite attractive at the time...

[Pippa68]

No way is this a sweeping statement. Did sg ask 'all gay men' nope, didn't think so ;o)

back to the Q.

I have no idea. Although you may like to place 'blame' on The Village People. I don't think 'biker man' existed on the gay scene before that..although I may be wrong! there is of course the construction worker look too ~ a macho, short haired gay builder.

Sounds like Mr Pippa....

[violetblue]

I've just remembered something, I read a book @ 1970s ages ago called 'The Leather Boys' and I seem to remember a description of a 'biker' type as one of the gay couple, but maybe this is just coincidence? (That would tie in with the Village People, though they were USA based.) It was set in the now fashionable area of Primrose Hill, where I believe KAte Moss, Sienna Miller, Sadie Frost et al hang out. Better to ask a gay guy, he may have more insight!

[tictactoe]

I think perhaps it's a bit like the lesbian relationship, there is one who has the "butch" persona. So it is with the men, one is the macho type, the other bright and flowery.

*Thank goodness turkeybob isn't here - he'd come on and say he's wearing his bright pink Hawaiian shirt - just to have dig!!* Bless him LOL ;o)

Pippa: Told you before "Behave yourself !" - your give poor mr P a complex"

[Pippa68]

LOL noodlies..I wind him up about gay builders all the time ~ I said before our gay milkman adores Mr Pippa..he obviously goes for the shaved hair look too ;o)

As for biker man, has anyone heard of Tom of Finland? his homo erotic art showed a lot of biker types..policemen too, as I recall? have a google and see :o)

[jonnythebosh]

Violetblue, you have been completely brainwashed by the left, why do you have to resort to smears of homophobia (this question) or racism (other threads). Can you not comment on innocent questions without resorting to the mantra of New Labour aggitators or are you really Cherie Blair?