The GYC / The Gay Youth Corner (2020 - 2023)

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The GYC / The Gay Youth Corner (2020 - Present)

The GYC (Gay Youth Corner) was established in January 2004 and is one of the most notorious and recognisable names on the Internet. It was a vibrant online community of thousands of young LGBT people who were looking for a safe online space; Free from homophobia and discrimination.

In 2011, the website was permanently closed due to some troubling activities on the site. During an investigation, it was reported that staff members were purposely violating privacy laws through obtaining member's personal contact information. Soliciting underage members by obtaining nude photographs. Capturing cybersex videos with underage members and distributing them to staff and regular members.

When Hamish Priest, the former owner of The GYC was informed of this, he simply brushed it off as being "all good fun". He didn't take those issues seriously and didn't implement any action or consequences towards his staff members and it undermined his pledge and promise to keep all of his members safe.

By the latter part of 2020, The GYC had been offline for nearly ten years. So, to revamp The GYC, I decided to take over and give the website a new lease of life with a fresh and modern look. I also implemented rules, safety and security measures to ensure all members that we are doing the best we can to move forward and forget the sordid and inappropriate actions of my predecessor.

In February 2021, I designed and launched new universal apps for iOS, iPadOS and macOS. Compatibility for these apps began with iOS/iPadOS 12 and macOS 11 (Big Sur). In early March 2021, our Android app was finally approved and listed on the Google Play store.

In February 2021, Companies House incorporated The GYC as a private company with the following company number, 13222486.

I'm only at the beginning of what can be possible for The GYC. The website and technology has progressed so quick in such a short amount of time. I hope in years it'll grow and continue to be the number one safe space online for young LGBT people.