Are gay men artistic? A review of the literature.

Abstract

There is a popular perception that gay men are artistic. Although art historians and others have documented the substantial contribution to art made by gay men, the existence of a unique gay sensibility remains controversial. Mental health practitioners who work with gay men have addressed aesthetic sensibility in the childhood of gay men, but not the role of art in their adult lives. A literature search on the relationship between homosexuality and artistic ability and/or achievement shows that there is little scientific data addressing this subject. Reasons for the lack of literature as well as suggestions for future research are offered.