This topic is about creating a welcoming space for LGBTQ+ individuals who have ostomies, and understanding the community's presence on an ostomy forum. Here are some helpful insights and advice shared by members:

1. Finding LGBTQ+ Members:
- You can use the forum's search filters like "men looking for men" or "women looking for women" to find others. One member estimated there are about 150 men and 22 women, though these numbers might include those looking for friendship rather than romantic connections.

2. General Coping Advice:
- It's important to find ways to cope, live your life, and stay busy. Engaging in daily activities can help many adjust to life with a stoma.

3. Sexuality After an Ostomy:
- Not all gay men engage in anal sex; there are different preferences such as tops and bottoms. After rectal surgery, anal intercourse might not be possible, but many adapt by exploring other forms of intimacy, like oral sex, and keeping an open mind.

4. Quality-of-Life Experiences:
- Some members have experienced better health after their colostomy, allowing them to return to travel and full-time work. The main challenge is regaining fitness and managing weight without regular gym visits.

5. Surgical Options and Advocacy for Gay Men:
- A long-term ostomate with Crohn’s disease shared that surgeons often suggest anal closure when the rectal stump is diseased. However, there is a procedure called Anterior Perineal Plane for ultra-low Anterior Resection that can preserve receptive anal sexual function while removing the diseased rectum. Advocacy for equal access to such procedures is important, especially when a surgeon might overlook the significance of anal sex for gay patients.

6. Community Support:
- New gay ostomates are joining the forum from places like Melbourne and New York, offering mutual support and the option for private messaging to provide one-on-one encouragement.