Gender beliefs and internalized homophobia shape sexual self-labeling and partner choice in gay and bisexual men in China

Abstract

Sexual self-labeling refers to gay and bisexual men’s preference for dominant (top) or submissive (bottom) sexual positions. This study examined influences of gender beliefs on sexual self-labeling identification and criteria for a romantic partner’s sexual role, along with the related mechanism (N = 543). Gender beliefs were represented through gender roles attitude and gender values regarding couples. Individuals endorsing traditional gender beliefs and having high internalized homophobia were more likely to identify as tops. However, individuals with internalized stereotypical gender-roles were more likely to have fixed self-labeling (e.g. exclusively tops and exclusively bottoms) rather than flexible self-labeling (e.g. versatiles). Gender beliefs indirectly affected sexual self-labeling via internalized traditional gender-roles and internalized homophobia. Gender beliefs directly impacted requiring a partner to be complementary, and indirectly affected this element through internalized traditional gender-roles. The results demonstrate that gender beliefs affect sexual self-labeling identification and partner choice by way of internalized, stereotypical gender beliefs in relation to sexual self-labeling. This study implicated the heteronormative culture’s influences on patterns in same-sex relationships among Chinese gay and bisexual men. Lay summary This study examined the influences of gender beliefs on self-labeling (top, bottom, and versatile) and partner choice in gay and bisexual men in China. Individuals endorsing traditional gender beliefs were more likely to identify as tops. Individuals endorsing the similar beliefs toward sexual roles were more likely to have fixed self-labeling (i.e., exclusively tops or bottoms) than flexible self-labeling (i.e., versatiles). The findings indicated that heteronormative culture has extensive influence on sexual minorities.