Gender Identity Rather Than Sexual Orientation Impacts on Facial Preferences

Abstract

Introduction Differences in facial preferences between heterosexual men and women are well documented. It is still a matter of debate, however, how variations in sexual identity/sexual orientation may modify the facial preferences. Aim This study aims to investigate the facial preferences of male-to-female (MtF) individuals with gender dysphoria (GD) and the influence of short-term/long-term relationships on facial preference, in comparison with healthy subjects. Methods Eighteen untreated MtF subjects, 30 heterosexual males, 64 heterosexual females, and 42 homosexual males from university students/staff, at gay events, and in Gender Clinics were shown a composite male or female face. The sexual dimorphism of these pictures was stressed or reduced in a continuous fashion through an open-source morphing program with a sequence of 21 pictures of the same face warped from a feminized to a masculinized shape. Main Outcome Measures An open-source morphing program (gtkmorph) based on the X-Morph algorithm. Results MtF GD subjects and heterosexual females showed the same pattern of preferences: a clear preference for less dimorphic (more feminized) faces for both short- and long-term relationships. Conversely, both heterosexual and homosexual men selected significantly much more dimorphic faces, showing a preference for hyperfeminized and hypermasculinized faces, respectively. Conclusions These data show that the facial preferences of MtF GD individuals mirror those of the sex congruent with their gender identity. Conversely, heterosexual males trace the facial preferences of homosexual men, indicating that changes in sexual orientation do not substantially affect preference for the most attractive faces.

Gender identity, gender assignment and reassignment in individuals with disorders of sex development: a major of dilemma

“…In addition, a recent study found that FtM GD individuals show stronger more female-typical otoacustic emissions compared to control boys, suggesting that boys with GD might have been exposed to relatively lower amounts of androgens during early development [45]. In line with these studies, it has also been reported that MtF individuals have female-typical facial preferences in terms of sexual attraction [46]. It has also been postulated that there may be genetically based systemic sex hormone abnormalities that do no cause abnormalities of the reproductive anatomy, but nevertheless influence brain and behavior [33].…”

Brain Sex Differences Related to Gender Identity Development: Genes or Hormones?

“…Indeed, the impact of prenatal hormones on gender identity development is still not clear [56]. The effect of prenatal androgen exposition has been explored with studies conducted on typical population by using indirect measures, such as finger ratio (i.e., the length of the index finger to the ring finger length [57]), which is higher in females since intrauterine life [58][59][60][61][62][63][64].…”

Attachment Style, Sexual Orientation, and Biological Sex in their Relationships With Gender Role

“…3e5 However, masculinity and femininity were also defined as specific psychological traits, described as 2 opposed sets of stereotypical characteristics derived from sociocultural constructs. 4,6,7 In the seventies, this vision was modified by the introduction of the "androgyny" concept, indicating the harmonious combination of high levels of masculinity and femininity in the same person, beyond the gender identity and the biological sex's expressions. 8,9 Although definitions, origins, and relationships of sex roles have been considered on the basis of sociocultural aspects, 10 personality characteristics may also play a role modulating the expression of masculinity and femininity.…”