hello mike i had the same worries like you before
also i have the same situation like you i'm with a partner 41 years old and i'm coming to see him soon my visa was granted , i applied from morocco anyway i can help you feel free to ask
you have to convince the UKBA that you will comeback i used the fact that i'm studying so i gave them a school certificat to prove that .
your bf can sponsor you , but i advice you to state that his your friend and not boyfriend because the ukba can doubt if you want to visit or getting married to stay there anyway here is my post
http://filipinaroses.com/showthread....aa-yaaaaaaaaay
