“Drunken Curiosity” and “Gay Chicken”: Gender Differences in Same-Sex Performativity

Abstract

The present study examines experiences of same-sex performativity among heterosexual women and men in relation to attitudes toward women, LGBQ individuals, and same-sex marriage. Participants were 219 women and men who completed an online survey consisting of open-ended questions about their experiences with same-sex performativity and a series of attitude scales. Results indicated that women and men differ in how they engage in, and interpret their experiences with, same-sex performativity. Women were significantly more likely than men to report having been asked to participate in same-sex sexual behavior. Men were more likely than women to report having asked or encouraged others to participate. In addition, men who requested same-sex behavior reported more sexist and homonegative attitudes than men who did not request this behavior from others. Women who complied with men's requests reported significantly more positive attitudes toward lesbian women, bisexual women, and same-sex marriage than women who did not.