For many gay men Melbourne’s lockdown has been nothing but agitation. Closed are our clubs and bars, our spaces to meet, dance, flirt; weekly activities that feel core to our history, identity and wellbeing.
But, upon refreshing my feeds, it would seem that it’s perhaps the closure of our gyms that might be causing the most collective anxiety.Many are unhappy about the stagnation of their fitness, the prolonged effect this is having on their mental health.
Many are also worried about the changes to their physique – lost definition, reduced muscle mass – that accompanies six months of slowed activity.
This too can impact the psyche.In time for this year’s Mardi Gras the ABCpublished a story investigating pressures around body image.