Written responses were collected from 547 self-identified gay men in the U.S.
Findings supported previous reports that perceptions of gender roles among gay men appear based on masculine and feminine stereotypes. Reported Effects of Masculine Ideals on Gay Men While research on gay men’s experience with masculinity continues, psychologists should consider the possible influence of traditional masculine ideals when conceptualizing their gay male clients.Īdditionally, more adverse versus positive effects on self-image and same-sex romantic relationships were reported including difficulty being emotional and affectionate, pressure to be physically attractive, and pressure to appear masculine in order to be accepted by society and to be seen as desirable by other gay men. Societal conceptions of masculinity affect the self-image and relationships of many gay men in the United States (U.S.). The topic of how and why gay men are affected by this repeatedly appears within the popular gay press (e.g., Alvear, 2004 Cummings, 1999 Rice, 2006) and sparks controversy within the gay community.
