The old adage that men think about sex every three minutes has been banded about for decades. Lately philanthropists have come to our defence noting that whether gay, bi or straight, men are by nature programmed to disseminate their seed as widely as they can. Going by the fact that a recent study revealed that there are sixteen million descendents of Genghis Khan, some men are obviously busier than others in the carnal department!

But gay men have always been castigated for being ‘promiscuous’ so it’s not as if the label of being randy bunnies is anything new to us.

In reality of course the male libido is as varied as the hairstyles in a Toni & Guy salon. While some think of little else, others may even consider ‘bashing the bishop’ once a month as excessive! Others, as Boy George famously quipped, would rather have a cup of tea.

However, if men are constantly up for it, it’s because they’re men, not because they happen to be gay, bi or straight. For once we’re all happily lumped together like some sodden and damp after match biscuit!

Even though straight men have a greater opportunity to pick up - they can do it almost anywhere in public - their attempts at cruising seem to centre on the ritual of standing around dance floors with a beer in their hands; or getting a girl pissed. But what about gay men?

Obviously we have the advantage of more openness and the chance for casual sex in a variety of places, but that doesn’t reflect the full picture of the gay mating game.

GaydarNation decided it would do its own ‘Kinsey’ report on gay men’s sexual habits and find out from the Soho streets just how much time queer men – single and married - put into trying to get a leg over.

And, since the development of the internet, it certainly seems that more time is spent cruising than ever before!

“I’ve never really thought about it. I guess every weekend I’m on the pull - not in an obvious way, but just being available for the right guy or the right moment. I’m not in a committed relationship so sex crops up when it can. On average I suppose I get a shag about once every three weeks.”
Joe, Herne Hill, Brixton (average time spent 2 days per week)

“Weekends I’m mostly looking for it - although that doesn’t mean I get it! I’m often surfing the web and I’m a member of a couple of gay and bisexual chatrooms and personals sites like Gaydar. I spend more time exchanging emails and pics rather than actually hanging about in pubs and clubs.”
Andy, South Kenton, North London (average time spent 3 hours per day on the net. One day a week in bars / clubs)

“I rarely try to pick up on the street or in pubs etc. I find it too intimidating, but sometimes it can be nice to make contact with a guy in the most unexpected places - such as cafés, bars or at an event. I tend to look for sex on the web, although I’ve only had three experiences.”
Allan, Salford, Manchester (average time 6 hours per week on the net)

“In the old days before the internet I used to go out to bars and clubs about four to five days a week. But I’ve been in a relationship for the past two years so the level of cruising has reduced somewhat. We occasionally like to have threesomes, but we normally stick to visiting a gay sauna on a regular basis. Between us we go on the web nearly every night - but only for a bit of window-shopping. We’re looky loos!”
Nick & Jamie, Clarkenwell, London (average time 14 hours per week on the internet. 1 day a week at a sauna)

“I usually wait for others to make the move so I don’t know if that can be classed as consciously cruising for sex? I tend to go through intense periods looking for a bunk-up and then go for months without having sex or even looking. That doesn’t mean I’m not thinking about it though! I wank a lot to porn. Main places I’ll hang out in are clubs, but it’s surprising how things can happen just having a coffee on the street.”
Keith, Hove, Brighton (average time 3-5 days per month)

“F**k off I’m not answering that!”
Anon (sat outside Café Nero, Soho)

“You should put down in your survey the truth - which is that most single men, gay or straight, are jacking off most of the time than actually having sex. You’d need a healthy bank balance and endless supply of energy to be looking so often. It really bores me to be honest. I’m 41 and done it all. I’d rather have a good meal or see a movie, or just chat with mates. But I have to admit that I will go out sometimes on a weekend for a coffee in Soho with my options open. But to waste so much time just looking for cock or arse is just pathological. It’s as pathetic as straight men desperate for pussy.”
Trevour, Southwark, London (average time I hour every month possibly!)

“Are you asking? I’m on the pull now if you wish. Actually, I’m a married guy. I’ve been with the boyfriend for five years. We don’t pull with anyone else except between ourselves. But when I was single and younger I suppose I was out most weekends trying to get my end away. Not that it happened all the time.”
Shaun, Reading

“I’m 52 and I’ve found I’ve got hornier over the years, which is a little dispiriting. I surf sites, one in particular about two hours a day, but it’s mainly porno talk with no real intent. The scene is very youth orientated so I tend to keep away from all the bars and clubs as you have to be good looking or horny looking if you’re over forty. The internet has been revolutionary, especially for gay guys of a certain age. I’ve definitely spent more time looking for sex on the net than I ever did trying to get lucky in a bar or club when I was younger.”
Mike, Peckham, London (average time spent 14 hours per week on the net)

“I can’t really think about it in terms of hours spent cruising as my lifestyle is pretty haphazard. I don’t have a regimental attitude to going out looking for sex. I think about it a lot and browse through the personals in freebies, go on the net, visit a sauna about once a month and go to bars and clubs most weekends – but not always with sex on my mind. I’m single though and 21, so I’m allowed! On average I sleep with a guy about twice a month. But I suppose I’m investing in a lot of hours every week looking for sex. I’d stop though if I found Mr Right but there’s so much choice out there! London can be like a sweetshop.”
JJ, Hackney, London

How many hours do you spend looking for sex? Reveal all on the message boards.

Bruce LaBruce's latest feature is a provocative blend of sex and terrorism, dare you watch it? Buy The Raspberry Reich on DVD and find out!