The ideal body for gays and straights?
Researchers in Australia, studying body image, found no significant difference in the way gay and straight men view themselves. Both want to be lean and muscular and are most frustrated with their stomachs.
The research [at the University of Canberra] revealed that while women desire to be thin, straight and gay men preferred lean and muscular physique. Psychologist and study author Shane Greentree said it was hard to say if the male body image problem had worsened, but it did seem more acceptable to discuss it. “Previously, particularly for straight men, this was an issue that was taboo topic and seen as being a women’s issue or … a “gay man’s” issue,” the Daily Telegraph quoted Greentree as saying.
This seems a bit surprising given how focused we are told gay men are on their bodies and how straight guys don’t need to be so buff to find a mate. I sense that the bombardment of idealized body images in popular culture has made all men aware of where they stack up. Call it the Calvin Klein Underwear Model Effect.
Dr Vivienne Lewis, who was the part of both studies, said body image program for men showed the problem was real and needed addressing. “You’d be surprised how many … men … are doing some of the things that women are doing,” Lewis said. “They might be dieting, they might be binge eating and then purging their food. “We don’t know how many men do it because men don’t come forward and say “I’ve got a problem”,” Lewis added.
From your own experience, do you think your straight friends have the same body issues as your gay friends? And how much of this is generational?
on Sep 17th, 2009 at 2:14 AM
I don’t really agree. Straight men do not have that much trouble if they’re not “buff.” Women aren’t as centered around appearance, and some actually don’t like the guy to have a perfect body. Also, even if they are that way, the guy can still become a big fatso after he marries her.
on Sep 17th, 2009 at 10:46 AM
Most of this is age related. My younger str8 male friends are almost obsessed with body image. The middle aged, not so much. It will be interesting to follow the younger generation to see if they continue or drop it later. It still cracks me up when middle aged men try to pick up the younger cute girls in the str8 bars I go to with coworkers, THAT never happens in gay bars…
on Sep 17th, 2009 at 7:26 PM
I’m letting myself go. Gonna turn bear.
on Sep 17th, 2009 at 9:10 PM
I agree with Ted. I know young dudes who have big guts and know game and still pull. Whereas many gays are so obsessed that they remain single in hopes of dating and A&F model someday
on Mar 15th, 2010 at 11:21 AM
Good book to read is “The Adonis Complex”. The author cites a study of Playgirl centerfolds and does a time series analysis of body shape among many other interesting studies.
on Jun 1st, 2010 at 10:36 AM
i would agree with this article. and many of the str8 guys do enjoy strutting around the lockerroom sportin’ their abs for everyone to oogle over. i am so glad the str8s are comfortable with their bodies.