Being gay can present many problems in relation to defining who you are and standing up to admit that you are part of a minority.  There are of course the issues of understanding yourself and feeling part of a wider community whilst developing independently.  Some of us may feel disassociated with certain factions of the gay community; sometimes we feel totally outside of 'what it is to be gay'.  However, perhaps one of the toughest things to grasp and grapple with is being attracted to somebody and then being able to cope with that.  Of course attraction is universal and transcends sexuality; however for young gay people - with so much occupying their thoughts anyway - the idea of committing to another person can be daunting.

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Yes it’s that time of year again; the sun is shining and everybody is outside enjoying themselves. It is almost officially summer and with the summer comes the many Gay Pride events and marches the world over. From London and Manchester and New York to Sydney Gay men and women take to the streets to wave that rainbow flag and stand up to be counted. However, how representative of the whole gay community are those who join in at these events? Are we as gay youth interested in what Gay Pride has to say? Ultimately, do we need to dance and sing in the streets to prove our worth; prove our pride?

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What’s it about?

Summer Storm is story of one young man’s battle with his emerging sexuality.

Set in the idyllic German countryside, Tobi, captain of his school’s rowing team, (played by Robert Stadlober) travels with his class to compete in Berlin. Little do his team know, their opponents are none other than the ‘Queerstrokers’, a rival rowing team, blessed in equal amount with athletic prowess, team spirit, oh and (surprise, surprise) throbbing teenage homosexuality. Tobi not only has the weight of the race on his shoulders, but his growing feelings for his best friend Achim (played by the gorgeous Kostja Ullmann) and the interest from a female classmate make it a very itchy week in the hedonistic bliss of the Bavarian outdoors. To make matters worse (or delightfully scandalous, depending on which way you choose to look at it) the adoration of a rower on the other team makes this drama worthy of a primetime slot on BBC 1. Move over, EastEnders! I wont give it all away but the various love triangles, fights, angst, stolen kisses and innuendos ensure ‘Summer Storm’ makes than a ripple or two with the young moviegoer.

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You may or may not be aware that as a gay man you are unable to donate blood in America, the United Kingdom and in fact most Western countries; with the exception of parts of Spain and Switzerland. However, perhaps you have received a leaflet imploring you to donate your blood and ease the global shortage in blood supplies? You may also have seriously considered going along to the next local blood drive and feeling part of society by gladly donating? Unfortunately though for all gay men who have had sex with another man since 1977 they are banned from donating blood for the entirety of their life.

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Screen shot from Night Swimming

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This year sees the 20^th anniversary of the third largest film festival in the United Kingdom. Until the 12^th of April and before a national tour throughout May to September, London is host to the bfi London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival. Established in 1986, the festival offers a diverse programme of films made by and about Lesbian and Gay people. The festival offers an unrivalled platform for the very best in Lesbian and Gay Cinema from all across the world and attracts audiences of over 25,000 people. For the past two decades the festival has successfully inspired and supported gay filmmakers as well as showcasing the rich diversity of gay and lesbian life.

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