The feminine target: Gender expression in same-sex relationships as a predictor of experiences with public displays of affection

Abstract

The extent to which sexual minority individuals present publicly as masculine, feminine, or both has been associated with their perceptions of threat and safety in public spaces. The current study investigates the role of gender expression in men and women’s experiences of public displays of affection (PDAs) in same-sex relationships. Participants (N = 528) reported their own gender expression as well as that of their partner, perceptions of support for PDAs, PDA-related vigilance, general vigilance and overall PDA frequency. Men in same-sex relationships reported less frequent PDAs and greater PDA-related vigilance than women, while women reported greater overall variability in their gender expression than men. Multiple regression analyses show femininity within the participant (for men) or their partner (for both men and women) was associated with greater general and PDA-related vigilance. These findings align with previous research on femmephobia, in which femininity is described as making individuals feel ‘targeted’ for other forms of oppression (e.g., homophobia, sexism, transphobia; Hoskin, 2019). Although femininity was associated with greater vigilance, the association between masculinity within a same-sex relationship and vigilance was more tenuous, demonstrating evidence of masculinity serving as both a potential target for homophobic violence as well as a source of protection. The dual nature of masculinity was particularly salient among women in same-sex relationships, where masculinity tempered by femininity was associated with greater perceived support for PDAs but for women with partners low in femininity, the more masculine their partner, the greater their reported levels of vigilance.

On guard: Public versus private affection-sharing experiences in same-sex, gender-diverse, and mixed-sex relationships

“… LeBlanc et al (2015) noted that some experiences of stigma and minority stress are inherently tied to specific relationship forms, thus creating an experience that is more than the sum of its parts. For example, two sexual or gender minority individuals navigating the public sphere might be entirely unremarkable, or they might attract some negative attention if they present in a gender non-conforming manner ( Matheson et al, 2021 ). However, the minute those two individuals decide to hold hands, their identities and relationship type become readable, allowing the relationship to become the target of stigma and a potential catalyst for discrimination.…”

“…But why might we see positive associations between PDA-related vigilance and well-being for those in gender-diverse relationships? One possibility is that monitoring others’ reactions to their affection-sharing may be experienced as unifying, by generating a sense of “us against the world” or “not letting ‘them’ stop our love.” Those in gender-diverse relationships may even see vigilance as an expression of care or concern for their partner’s safety ( Matheson et al, 2021 ). Those in gender-diverse relationships were also considerably younger than the other two groups, and although we included age as a covariate, such a statistical tweak can never entirely “correct” for different lived experiences.…”

“…Future research should further explore how outsiders perceive gender-diverse relationships and how these perceptions may relate to affection-sharing practices. For example, those with more feminine-presenting partners report greater PDA-related vigilance ( Matheson et al, 2021 ), potentially indicating an awareness of the general societal threats directed at feminine people ( Hoskin, 2020 ).…”

Minority stressors and connectedness among urban gay, bisexual, and queer men.

“…This notion is supported by the fact that individuals in same-sex relationships (compared with those in different-sex relationships) tend to report higher vigilance and less comfort (and, subsequently, a lower frequency) of publicly showing affection with romantic partners (Matheson et al, 2021). However, such monitoring of oneself, one's partner, and one's environment leads to further proximal minority stress (Matheson et al, 2021). Other work has similarly demonstrated a link between higher rates of perceived homonegativity in one's neighborhood with a lower likelihood of being out and lower psychological well-being (Kavanaugh et al, 2020).…”

“…Individuals who conceal, or are less "out" about, their sexual identity experience additional stress related to the cognitive and emotional burden of concealing their sexuality (Giugliano, 2006) and can feel more isolated because they do not feel safe sharing this aspect of their identity with others (Halkitis et al, 2008). This notion is supported by the fact that individuals in same-sex relationships (compared with those in different-sex relationships) tend to report higher vigilance and less comfort (and, subsequently, a lower frequency) of publicly showing affection with romantic partners (Matheson et al, 2021). However, such monitoring of oneself, one's partner, and one's environment leads to further proximal minority stress (Matheson et al, 2021).…”