Understanding the believability and erotic value of ‘heterosexual’ men in gay pornography

Bibliographic Data

ID13086366
AuthorsMark J Ki (0000-0002-4040-7839, University of Saskatchewan, corresponding author), Todd G Morrison (0000-0001-8033-3822, University of Saskatchewan), Kandice Parker (0000-0002-6923-7706, University of Saskatchewan)
Year2019
Volume6
Issue2
Pages169-192
Publication date2019-03-25
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenuePorn Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2326-8743 • E-ISSN: 2326-8751
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/23268743.2018.1559091
OpenAlexW2945471436
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited53

Gay pornography has traditionally utilized male performers who are coded as ‘heterosexual’ (e.g. stating they are straight) to perform gay sexual acts. However, research has yet to examine gay men’s perceptions of ‘straight’ men in sexually explicit material (SEM). The current article evaluates the perceived believability and erotic value of variables used to code a male performer as ‘heterosexual’ in gay SEM. In a first study, which was exploratory in nature, a sample of gay men (N = 56) evaluated 53 variables on the dimensions of believability and erotic value. The 20 most salient indicators of heterosexuality were then examined by a larger sample of gay men (N = 214). Results suggest that performers’ reluctance to engage in certain sexual acts is a believable indicator of heterosexuality. Variables that are often linked with masculinity and sexual satisfaction were accorded the most erotic value. Gay participants’ endorsement of traditional masculinity correlated positively with the belief that reluctance denoted heterosexuality and that ‘masculine’ attributes were erotic. Contrary to our predictions, few statistically significant associations were observed for internalized homonegativity. Limitations of the current research and avenues for future inquiry are elucidated

Developmental psychology · Exploratory research · Hegemonic masculinity · Heterosexuality · Homosexuality · Masculinity · Perception · Pornography · Sociology · Value (mathematics · Gender, Feminism, and Media · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social Psychology