The Pattern of Physique Preferences on Gay Dating App “Blued” in China: A Multiple Group Latent Class Analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Previous studies have indicated homogamy in partner preferences among gay and bisexual men. Individuals on Blued (the most popular gay dating app in China) could identify their body type and preferred physiques according to six categories: monkey (thin gay men), average, muscularity, bear (heavy and hairy gay men), baboon (smaller than bears), and pig (plumper than bears). This study examined patterns of physique preferences across body types as well as sexual self-labels (tops, bottoms, versatiles, and others). In total, 188,716 Blued profiles (M age = 31.1, SD = 7.1) were obtained. Multiple group latent class analysis was used to examine the patterns of physique preferences across the body type groups. The results revealed seven classes of physique preference. The four common physique preferences shared by all body type groups were “like averages,” “like monkeys,” “like muscularity,” and “like bears.” Individuals with a monkey or average body type exhibited a specific pattern of physique preference: “dislike bears.” The two physique preferences specific to gay bear men were “like averages and muscularity,” and “dislike monkeys.” The highest preference for each physique was observed among individuals of the same body type. Furthermore, tops were more likely to have a muscular body and prefer a monkey physique, whereas bottoms were more likely to have a monkey body and prefer a muscular physique. These findings indicate body type-specific physique preferences based on an individual’s own body type and sexual self-label identification, thus partially supporting the concept of homogamy in the physique preferences of gay men.