Being polite online
Everyone has cravings. For some it’s chocolate, coffee or going to the gym. While I get cravings for all of those things (except for going to the gym), by far my biggest craving is Gaydar. I have become what you would call a ‘frequent’ user. Living in western Sydney, I take full advantage of the internet and other technologies that keep connected me to the community.
But the one thing I have really noticed on profiles are comments like, “No Fatties, Fems, Oldies or GAMS”.
I know the reason for doing this is because everyone has a type they find most attractive. I agree, it’s good to be clear about what you want and I know that it’s not the place to be completely politically correct. But I think there’s a nicer way of saying what you want or are looking for.
Nobody likes rejection, especially not regularly by people they haven’t even met. But it shows you to have a negative attitude. I’m sure for a lot of people a positive attitude is a much bigger turn-on.
I found an interesting website that talks about possible ways of rewording different phrases — www.sexualracismsux.com.
Rather than using negative terms like “No Fats, Fems or GAMs”, you could say, “Looking for slim, fit, masculine guys. Usually prefer men of [Caucasian, Latino, black] background”.
Again, everyone has a type. That’s completely OK. It’s just about the way you express it for others to read.
info: If you want any information about groups, services, organisations or community events taking place in western Sydney, you can contact Matt Vaughan at ACON on 9206 2064 or mvaughan@acon.org.au.
Matt Vaughan is the community development and liaison officer for the ACON Western Sydney Community Development Team.
Support the Star Observer… while you still can
LGBTQIA+ media is under threat. Queer content is censored by tech conglomerates who amplify bigotry and push out AI slop — so we receive less financial support than ever.
When our community is muzzled and intolerance intensifies, we need queer media more than ever. Your donation means we can continue paying queer journalists to write queer news.
Don’t rely on the straight lies of big tech – support Star Observer instead and donate now.


I agree, when ever I see people using those negative terms on gaydar etc I automatically think “bitchy queen wannabe” or ” A try hard that’s trying to appear cool or different by expressing themselves with a clich