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Dr Anthony Gifford

@giff95.bsky.social
114 followers 137 following 30 posts

I like dancing, running, research, and men. (He/Him) 🏳️‍🌈

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Reposted by Dr Anthony Gifford
Joe Noonan @joenoonan.se · 10/09/2026
Peak academic user interface is having a dropdown menu with every academic institution in the world.
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Ok, I’m going to ask it… why do influencers hold the lapel mic like it’s an actual mic?
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Some days my job feels quite serious and then other days I’m citing “top 10 gayest Pokemon” for a book chapter I am writing ✍️
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Joe Noonan @joenoonan.se · 28/08/2026
Me in 2030, after two years in the academic job market:
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Yet another dark day in fire nation history 😔
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Liam Wignall @liamwignall.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Do research into Neurodivergence and Sex/Sexuality? Consider submitting an abstract for our special issue in Psychology & Sexuality: think.taylorandfrancis.com/special_issu... #neurodivergence #neurodiversity #autism #adhd
think.taylorandfrancis.com
Neurodivergence and Sex/Sexuality
The purpose of this special issue is to provide a forum for both theoretical and empirical work on the relationships, connections and shared identities between neurodiversity and sexuality.
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
I didn’t think I’d be fussed about the cap and gown but honestly, I’m obsessed. Best graduation ever 👨‍🎓
Dr Anthony Gifford outside in front of a Nottingham Trent University sign (NTU) looking fabulous in PhD robes and Tudor cap
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
She’s a cover girl 👨‍🎓
Anthony stood in full PhD gown outside by an advert for NTU with his face on it.
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Charlotte Lydia Riley @lottelydia.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
senior male academics giving a conference paper, after being shown the "one more minute" sign
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Joe Noonan @joenoonan.se · 02/07/2026
Year 2 of your PhD:
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Dr Dave Hitchcock @davehitchcock.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
We shouldn't start caring only, and suddenly, when it's an 'elite' research-intensive university. Like climate change we needed to start caring a long time ago and there's no better time to start than now.
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
First ballet and jazz class since before the PhD… I definitely don’t have my pre-PhD knees 👨🏻‍🦳 😩
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
We are days away from Gen Z content creators making reels on “Lockdownmaxxing”
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INQYR @inqyr.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
9 days left! There are only 9 days remaining to submit your proposal for the INQYR Beyond Limits Conference 2026! This is your chance to share your research, creative work, or community-based projects that support and uplift 2SLGBTQIA+ youth. 📅 Submission deadline: April 30, 2026
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Kay @gothwhoreofbabylon.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Worth noting here that trans people have systematically and often quite dramatically low bone density, even before we start HRT. We are a population that specifically needs access to sport, but since about 2023 it has been systematically taken away. Parkrun is absolutely vital for trans health.
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
Being notified of conferment on April Fools’ just feels correct #PhDONE 🥂
Email informing me that I have satisfied the criteria for my PhD. A bottle of Mumm champagne and two glasses
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INQYR @inqyr.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Not sure if your topic fits the conference? It probably does. INQYR Beyond Limits 2026 is built around 3 themes: ✨ Global issues & collaboration 💛 Health & community care 💻 Tech, AI & digital life There’s space for you. 📅 Submit by April 30 More examples coming soon 👀 #INQYR2026 #BeyondLimits
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
🚨 Study Recruitment 🚨 Not a top. Not a bottom. I’m looking to speak with gay and bisexual men who identify as ‘sides’ (or feel the term resonates) for a research project on identity, relationships, and wellbeing. 📩 anthony.gifford@bcu.ac.uk | 🔗 shorturl.at/4Kawl #MSM #LGBTQResearch #GayMen
Recruitment poster for a new study Dr Anthony Gifford is launching. Not a top. Not a bottom.
I’m looking to speak with gay and bisexual men who identify as ‘sides’ (or feel the term resonates) for a research project on identity, relationships, and wellbeing.
It’s a space to reflect on experiences that often go unspoken.
1-to-1 interview (online or in person) Confidential
Email anthony.gifford@bcu.ac.uk
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
I just submitted my abstract 🏳️‍🌈 💪🏻 you should too!!
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The Video Game Library 📚 @thevideogamelibrary.org · 21/02/2026
Happy 40th Anniversary to #Zelda! ❓ 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 ❓ Nobody knows, but we at 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 are on a quest to find out! #Nintendo #TheLegendOfZelda #TLOZ #Booksky #Gaming
A collection of 150 books about The Legend of Zelda
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Oscar @oscarcoussins.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
🌈 LGBTQ+ research - I would love to hear from you! I am conducting research exploring how activism, identity pride, and community connectedness influence LGBTQ+ experiences Requirements to participate: 18+, identify as LGBTQ+, live in the UK Thank you! Survey link: research.sc/participant/...
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DeclanKavanagh.bsky.social @drdeclankavanagh.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
#ukhighered
I ASKED SANTA FOR A
RESEARCH GRANT.
YOU STILL BELIEVE IN RESEARCH
GRANTS?
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
PhDone ✅ 🥳 Thank you @daraghmcdermott.bsky.social, Dr Beth Jones & Prof. Rusi Jaspal for all your support! Shout to Professor Adam Bourne (La Trobe University, Melbourne) and Dr Blerina Kellezi (NTU Psychology) for making the viva so enjoyable! @ntupsychology.bsky.social
Left to right: Prof. Daragh McDermott, Dr Anthony Gifford, Dr Beth Jones

Anthony is holding his thesis after just passing his viva.
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Humble brag time - proofs for PhD paper number five (!!) are officially submitted, which means the only thing between me and finishing this PhD is the viva. Wild to think I once hoped for three papers, but caffeine, stress, and top-tier supervision said otherwise. Viva, I’m coming for you.
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Annayah M.B. Prosser @annayahprosser.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Interested in the social impact of video games? Want to understand how games can make our world better? Attend this webinar at @uniofbathsom.bsky.social on 13/11! Special guests include experts @drkowert.bsky.social & @kathrynbfrancis.bsky.social! Pls share www.bath.ac.uk/events/explo... #videogames
bath.ac.uk
Exploring the Social Impact of Games – ‘The Psychgeist of Popular Culture: The Legend of Zelda’
Join us for this book launch webinar looking at the positive impact of video games.
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The Video Game Library 📚 @thevideogamelibrary.org · 24/10/2025
The latest #Psychgeist entry has arrived! THE LEGEND OF ZELDA 🗡️ I’m SO excited to read it this weekend ♥️ Thank you @annayahprosser.bsky.social @drkowert.bsky.social 🙏
A book called the Psychgeist of pop culture, the legend of Zelda sitting on top five other books in the same series. The background is a mountain landscape.
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adam @adamadzp.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
anyone found this week extra exhausting? autumn daylight hours slapping me hard
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Annayah M.B. Prosser @annayahprosser.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
🛡️ It's dangerous to go alone, take this! ⚔️ Since 2023, I've been working on a collection that explores what the Legend of Zelda video games can teach us about psychology, social science and our environment. Our collection is available open-access here: playstorypress.org/books/the-ps... #videogames
A book cover. Mountains in the background, a rocky outcrop in the foreground with a broadsword sticking out of the rock in the centre. The title reads "The Psychgeist of Pop Culture: The Legend of Zelda, Edited by Annayah M.B. Prosser, PhD.
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
Never dreamt that I would be able to combine two of my favourite things: The Legend of Zelda and LGBTQ+ Psychology ⚔️ 🏳️‍🌈 🧠 🎮 Thank you to @annayahprosser.bsky.social and @drkowert.bsky.social for this opportunity! Read my chapter “Smash the pot, break the binary”: works.hcommons.org/records/z0qv...
works.hcommons.org
The Psychgeist of Pop Culture - Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda series captivates millions of players worldwide. We have followed Link, Zelda and Ganon through many quests, timelines and consoles. What can playing the Legend of Zelda games teac...
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Jaime Garcia Iglesias @jgarciaiglesias.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
Amazing review on @nagingtonuom.bsky.social’s The Moral Lessons of Chemsex boom in the LA REVIEW OF BOOKS! @lareviewofbooks.bsky.social 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 lareviewofbooks.org/article/crui...
lareviewofbooks.org
Cruising as Moral Practice | Los Angeles Review of Books
Jordan Osserman reads two recent queer theory books exploring the form and chemistry of sex.
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
What’s better than submitting your thesis? Getting your absolute icon to sign said thesis (and read my acknowledgment to her as well ofc 😌)
Anthony is stood next to actress Rosamund Pike with his thesis in hand after she had just signed it.
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
PhD paper #4 published today, in a special issue for studies examining healthcare for Sexual Minority populations. (Just in time for thesis submission 😱) Key findings show the promise for using gain-framed, narrative messaging to improve PrEP self efficacy. @ntupsychology.bsky.social
Abstract from my latest paper: Abstract

Background: Despite the clinical efficacy of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in preventing HIV, uptake remains suboptimal among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the United Kingdom (UK). Sustaining progress in the PrEP cascade requires more than biomedical availability; it demands effective, psychologically informed interventions that address persistent barriers. Psychological factors, such as medical mistrust, low PrEP self-efficacy, and identity-related processes, continue to undermine engagement. This study tested whether narrative persuasion and message framing could influence these barriers. Method: A sample of 253 MSM was recruited to participate in an online experiment and completed baseline measures of identity resilience before being randomly allocated to either the gain-framed (N = 122) or loss-framed (N = 124) narrative condition and then completing post-manipulation measures of medical mistrust and PrEP self-efficacy. After excluding 7 cases due to ineligibility, data from 246 participants were analysed using mediation analysis. Results: Participants in the gain-framed condition reported lower medical mistrust than those in the loss-framed condition. Medical mistrust was, in turn, associated with lower PrEP self-efficacy. Identity resilience was associated with lower medical mistrust and higher PrEP self-efficacy. Discussion: These findings provide novel causal evidence that gain-framed health narratives can reduce mistrust and indirectly enhance PrEP self-efficacy. Identity resilience also emerges as a key psychological factor influencing trust and behavioural confidence. Conclusions: Interventions to improve and sustain PrEP uptake should combine gain-framed, narrative-based messaging with strategies to bolster identity resilience. Such approaches may address psychosocial barriers more effectively and promote equitable PrEP uptake among MSM.
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benjamin weil @benvyle.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
the condom doctrine is so powerful (and moralising) that some sexual health services will literally communicate things like: "remember, HIV PrEP, doxyPEP, and routine vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, mpox, gonorrhoea, and more are no replacement for a condom!!!!"
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Roxane Gay @roxanegay.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
I will take AI seriously when my smart speaker understands the phrase “original broadway cast recording.”
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Liz Highleyman @lizhighleyman.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
The FDA approved twice-yearly lenacapavir (Yeztugo) for PrEP, making it the longest-acting HIV prevention method. Advocates lauded the eagerly awaited approval but expressed concern that the $28,000 annual price tag could limit access as HIV prevention funding is being slashed in the US & worldwide.
poz.com
FDA Approves Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention
More than 99% of people who received Yeztugo in two large clinical trials remained HIV negative.
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 14/06/2025
PhD Paper #3 published in the Psychology of Sexual and Gender Diversity special issue in Behavioural Science. A latent profile analysis of PrEP usage among MSM in the U.K. Endless thanks to Rusi Jaspal, Beth Jones and @daraghmcdermott.bsky.social @ntupsychology.bsky.social
Title and abstract of a recently published paper. 

Psychosocial Profiles of Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) Influencing PrEP Acceptability: A Latent Profile Analysis

Despite the availability of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in the United Kingdom (UK), uptake among men who have sex with men (MSM) remains inconsistent, signalling a persistent ‘PrEP Gap’. Empirical studies show the important role of psychosocial factors (e.g., stigma, identity, trust in science, and sexual behaviours) in PrEP acceptability and uptake. This study aimed to identify subgroups of MSM in the UK based on psychosocial predictors of PrEP acceptability. A cross-sectional survey of MSM (N = 500) was conducted between June and September 2023. Participants completed validated measures assessing identity resilience, internalised homonegativity, LGBTQ+ connectedness, trust in science, NHS perceptions, HIV stigma, PrEP self-efficacy, condom self-efficacy, sociosexual orientation, perceived HIV risk, and PrEP acceptability. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was used to identify distinct subgroups based on these psychosocial dimensions. Four psychosocial profiles were defined: (1) PrEP Ambivalent (15%); (2) PrEP Accepting (36.2%); (3) PrEP Hesitant (37%); and (4) PrEP Rejecting (11.8%). These profiles provide evidence for varied combinations of personal and structural factors influencing PrEP acceptability. PrEP acceptability among MSM in the UK is shaped by distinct psychosocial configurations, influenced by identity, stigma, trust, and perceived risk. These findings highlight the need for differentiated and targeted interventions for enhancing PrEP acceptability based on psychosocial profile. Audience segmentation strategies offer a promising pathway to bridge the awareness-to-engagement gap and address the nuanced barriers facing diverse subgroups within the MSM community.
Keywords: LPA; PrEP; MSM; UK; acceptability; uptake
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benjamin weil @benvyle.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
bravi to the authors of the 2025 BASHH/BHIVA UK PrEP guidelines for recognising that excessive reliance on RCT data necessarily reproduces inequalities for groups already marginalised or minoritised within healthcare. (see: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....) /1
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The Love Tank CIC @thelovetankcic.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
New UK guidelines for prescribing doxyPEP for syphilis prevention launched today by @bashhuk.bsky.social The Love Tank played a key role in community engagement for the guidelines, with @benvyle.bsky.social and @idiosyncraticxl.bsky.social on the writing group. www.thelovetank.info/news/doxysyph
thelovetank.info
DoxyPEP for syphilis prevention – new UK guidelines launched — The Love Tank CIC
New guidelines issued today by the British Association of Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) provides an evidence-based framework for the prescription of doxy PEP to prevent syphilis.
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
A good thesis is a done thesis, or so I tell myself! First draft (of many more, I’m sure) ✅
A picture of the first page of my doctoral thesis and a bottle of Bollinger champagne to celebrate
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
Not me. Actually enjoying writing a methods chapter. Couldn’t possibly.
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
So grateful for the opportunity to work on this paper and help present some really interesting findings 😁
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
Or why can’t we stop normalising “publish and flourish” as the ECR ideal? 🤷‍♂️ It’s exclusionary, uneven across disciplines, and replicates a system many current academics didn’t face. Let’s build research cultures that value care, curiosity, and equity. Critique shouldn’t lead to compliance.
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Liam Wignall @liamwignall.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS! Psychology & Sexuality is putting together a special issue on Sexual Subcultures. You can read the call below. Deadline for abstracts is 2nd June. think.taylorandfrancis.com/special_issu...
think.taylorandfrancis.com
Contemporary Sexual Subcultures: Meanings, Identities, Narratives, and Trends
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 05/04/2025
Thrilled to share our new HIV Anxiety Scale. This was a true collaborative effort, and I’m so thankful to have worked with the amazing @drliamcahill.bsky.social @daraghmcdermott.bsky.social and Dr Beth Jones to bring this from idea to reality. doi.org/10.1007/s104... @ntupsychology.bsky.social
Abstract for the HIV anxiety scale
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Nottingham Institute of Psychology @ntupsychology.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
🌈 Celebrating #TransDayOfVisibility! Dr. Beth Jones and team explore how beliefs about gender shape attitudes toward TGD people. Let's foster inclusivity and amplify voices! ✨📄 Read more: psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?d...
psycnet.apa.org
APA PsycNet
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Willem Stander @willemjstander.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
Exciting news! @unibirmingham.bsky.social & @inqyr.bsky.social are thrilled to co-host a symposium focused on LGBTQ+ health & resilience. Join us on 22 May 2025 for this important event. Check out the press release below for more details (incl. a quote from me 😊) 🔗 shorturl.at/SSU7n
shorturl.at
University of Birmingham to host INQYR symposium to enhance LGBTQ+ health and resilience - University of Birmingham
A symposium hosted by the University of Birmingham and INQYR, will examine the diverse factors shaping the lives of LGBTQ+ people.
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Dr Anthony Gifford @giff95.bsky.social · 28/02/2025
Paper #2 from my PhD published today. It highlights the importance of considering identity resilience when trying to improve PrEP uptake for HIV prevention. doi.org/10.1111/hiv.... @ntupsychology.bsky.social
Title page of my recently published article: Predicting PrEP acceptability and self‐efficacy among men who have sex with men in the UK: The roles of identity resilience, science mistrust, and stigma
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British HIV Association @bhiva.bsky.social · 11/02/2025
We're pleased to see that the Scottish Medicines Consortium approval of injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for the prevention of HIV on the NHS in Scotland This new option may help those facing barriers to using oral #PrEP A significant step forward in #HIV prevention for people living in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
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Willem Stander @willemjstander.bsky.social · 26/01/2025
Delighted to announce that the INQYR UK symposium focused on LGBTQ+ health & well-being will be held in Birmingham on May 22nd - in time for Birmingham Pride! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Call for abstracts now open: 🔗 Submission: tinyurl.com/INQYRUK-2025 🗓️Deadline: Feb 28, 2025 Symposium registration will open soon!
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Liam Cahill @drliamcahill.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Didn’t notice this until now, but I lowkey feel famous: www.thepinknews.com/2024/09/17/b...
thepinknews.com
Gay and bisexual men have different levels of body satisfaction, study finds
Body satisfaction over leanness and muscularity from bisexual men to gay men is different, according to a new study.
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