Fridae

A new network in the United Kingdom, calling itself the Human Gay Male (HGM) group, has sparked heated debate both within and beyond the LGBT community. Supporters say it offers a space for men who feel sidelined by current debates on gender identity. Critics argue that the group risks fuelling division.

The group held its first public meeting in Scotland earlier this month. Organisers described HGM as a safe place for gay men to discuss sexuality, health, and politics. They say mainstream LGBT organisations have shifted focus in ways that leave some gay men feeling excluded.

Opponents, including activists and academics, worry that the group’s messaging overlaps with gender-critical narratives. They argue this could isolate transgender people and undermine solidarity within the wider LGBT movement. Some have gone as far as calling the network “a step backwards.”

The debate reflects wider tensions within the UK’s LGBT landscape. In recent years, discussions about identity, rights, and representation have grown more complex. Social media has amplified disagreements, and some groups have broken away to form niche organisations.

Media coverage of HGM has further fuelled the fire. Supporters claim the network is simply restoring focus on gay men’s issues, such as HIV support, mental health, and ageing. Critics counter that such goals can be achieved within existing LGBT structures, without drawing hard lines.

The future of the group is unclear. Organisers say they plan to hold more meetings and invite international speakers. Whether HGM becomes a lasting movement or a short-lived protest will depend on how it navigates the balance between inclusivity and focus.

For now, the launch has achieved one thing: sparking conversations across the UK about what community means, and who gets to define it.