An exploration of gender nonconformity in gay men

PhD Thesis


Zubair, N. 2016. An exploration of gender nonconformity in gay men. PhD Thesis Canterbury Christ Church University Salomons Centre for Applied Psychology
AuthorsZubair, N.
TypePhD Thesis
Qualification nameDClinPsychol
Abstract

This study explored how gender expressions were portrayed in the narratives of gay men who view themselves as non-masculine. An adapted life story interview was conducted with seven participants between the ages of 20 and 47 years. Life stories were analysed using content analysis.

The study found that non-masculinity was defined in different ways and that social context, including threat, impacted on gender expression. Non-masculinity was strongly associated with male homosexuality. Homophobic verbal and physical abuse was portrayed alongside negative appraisals of non-masculinity. This may be indicative of internalised anti-effeminacy values.

Marginalisation in gay communities was also portrayed, including romantic rejection. Intersections of gender-expression and ethnicity or age were important in evaluations of sexual attractiveness. Conversely, masculinity was often eroticised or regarded as aspirational. Positive qualities associated with non-masculinity included expressiveness, humour and flexibility in working with power demonstrations of others. These reinforce the assertion that effeminate and androgynous men bypass facets of gender-role conflict.

Year2016
Supplemental file
File Access Level
Restricted
Publication process dates
Deposited03 Jun 2016
Accepted2016
Output statusUnpublished
Accepted author manuscript
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https://repository.canterbury.ac.uk/item/87v8z/an-exploration-of-gender-nonconformity-in-gay-men

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