Understanding Prejudice: The Social Dynamics of Masculinity and Femininity
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Chapter 1: The Nature of Preference
The phrase "I'm gay—but not gay gay" is something many in the LGBTQ+ community have encountered. This refers to that masculine individual who believes that his love for football, deep voice, or upbringing on a farm somehow differentiates him from more effeminate men. Society has, in many ways, instilled this belief. The reality is that men, regardless of their sexual orientation, who do not conform to traditional masculine norms often face prejudice that others do not.
This bias is often framed as a "preference," extending beyond mere dating scenarios. Social science indicates that feminine gay men are subject to widespread societal biases. This discrimination from fellow gay men is merely a reflection of a more significant issue.
According to a study by Elizabeth Kiebel, Jennifer K. Bosson, and T. Andrew Caswell published in the Journal of Homosexuality in 2019, they state:
"…gay men are targets of essentialist beliefs that cast them as less natural and more entitative than masculine gay men, and that this pattern of low-naturalness/high entitativity beliefs fuels increased sexual prejudice toward, and discomfort with, feminine gay men."
This illustrates a troubling truth about societal perceptions.
Section 1.1: Gender Roles and Expectations
In the traditional gender binary, society has set clear expectations for men and women. Many individuals adhere to these gender norms throughout their lives, adopting specific hairstyles, clothing, and activities.
Philosopher Judith Butler famously argued that gender is a performance—a cultural act that is constantly repeated until it becomes part of one's identity. In this context, masculine men are often viewed as performing their roles flawlessly, while feminine gay men are unfairly labeled as failing in their performance.
Failing to conform to gender expectations can lead to accusations of treachery against societal norms. This breach of expected behavior creates discomfort and anxiety among observers.
Kiebel, Bosson, and Caswell note:
"According to functional accounts, sexual prejudice expresses and affirms strongly-held values regarding 'appropriate' gender roles, and defends against anxiety arising from violations of gender norms."
Feminine gay men endure prejudice for both their sexual orientation and their femininity. While one can sometimes conceal their sexuality, femininity is much harder to hide.
Interestingly, previous research indicates that masculine women do not provoke the same level of discomfort. This observation resonates with personal experiences; in rural North Carolina, tomboyish behavior was often accepted, while effeminate boys faced severe backlash.
Section 1.2: The Dynamics of Essentialism
Essentialist beliefs regarding identity and group essence underpin the issues at hand. These beliefs can be categorized into notions of naturalness and entitativity.
"Naturalness" refers to the belief that groups possess biologically-based, unchangeable traits, whereas "entitativity" pertains to the perception that groups are homogenous and unified (Haslam, Rothschild, & Ernst, 2000).
Sexual minorities, including gay men, are often viewed through the lens of "low-naturalness/high-entitativity," leading to the misconception that their identities are socially constructed and lacking authenticity.
The authors of the study propose that "sexual essentialist beliefs and sexual prejudice work in tandem to preserve traditional gender role norms." Their hypotheses include:
- The effect of gender expression (feminine vs. masculine) on essentialist beliefs is more pronounced for gay men than for lesbians.
- Feminine gay men provoke perceptions of lower naturalness and higher entitativity compared to their masculine counterparts.
- Gender expression among gay men indirectly influences sexual prejudice and discomfort through beliefs about naturalness and entitativity.
Chapter 2: Research Findings and Implications
To validate these hypotheses, researchers presented participants with profiles that described individuals with varying gender expressions. They then assessed participants' beliefs and biases based on these portrayals.
The findings revealed that:
- Gender expression significantly influenced essentialist beliefs among gay men compared to lesbians, with feminine gay men being seen as less natural and more entitative.
- Additionally, feminine gay men's expressions triggered lower naturalness and higher entitativity beliefs, which were linked to increased prejudice and discomfort.
What Can Be Done?
The findings from this study reinforce an urgent call for change. While academia often formalizes what many already understand, the lived experiences of feminine gay men highlight the prevalence of stigma.
Kiebel, Bosson, and Caswell assert:
"Compared to masculine gay men, feminine gay men may be viewed as markedly different from other men, as lacking individuality from other feminine gay men, and as having a socially constructed identity. Thus, feminine gay men may face questions about their authenticity and individuality that, when coupled with the general stigma of occupying a sexual minority status, may be especially painful and ostracizing."
To combat this stigma, it is essential for the LGBTQ+ community to engage in self-reflection regarding their "preferences." Acknowledging and addressing internal biases is a crucial first step. We must create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe before challenging external prejudices.
By fostering self-awareness and solidarity, we can gradually dismantle the harmful stereotypes that persist both within and beyond our community.