Gay masculinity through the lens of fashion theory

Abstract

"Throughout this analysis, it becomes apparent that the homogenizing affect that happens when the media gets involved with representing a subculture has created anxiety and pressure for the more masculine-identified men. It has even caused some to create a whole movement against "gay identity," as they do not identify with the recurring images that are presented to them through the media. However, these are not the only men who feel as though they are being singled out for their particular way of performing their gender and sexual identities. On the other side of the story, some of the more effeminate gay men are also struggling with the mandates of gay culture. As one of Hines' interviewees commented, "[M]any people expect to come into the gay community and find their gender expression, whatever it is, embraced and accepted and often you find just the contrary. That there's this mandate to be more masculine" (2009). The pressure that these men feel is two-fold. They feel pressure from the masculine-identified men who are rebelling against their way of performing and fashioning their appearance. They are also intimidated by the "straight acting" fashion trend, as more and more men begin to embody the formulaic appearance of looking good but still being able to pass as straight (or, at least, metrosexual). This project has shed light on the nuances within the gay male community of practice. It shows how different each individual is and how important it is to refrain from homogenizing groups of people based on a single characteristic, such as sexuality. By using a multi-methods approach, it has become clear that this group of men does not have a unified sense of masculinity, or gay masculinity for that matter, as each individual values different ways of fashioning appearances and expressing gender/sexuality. The use of multiple methods for studying the fashioning of masculinity in the gay male community of practice has proven beneficial for exploring the various attitudes and ways of being in this community. Bridging perspectives from linguistics studies, sociology, fashion studies, psychology, and cultural studies has allowed me to identify and understand the anxiety that is experienced when fashioning appearance and negotiating subject positions (i.e. fashioning identities). The battle that currently exists in the gay male community of practice in relation to appearing could be easily attributed to the fact that the gay community is still in time of turmoil, as they struggle to achieve all the opportunities and benefits of the straight community. As they fight for their equality, there are differing opinions on how they should express and represent themselves as a community. Some believe in a more assimilative way of appearing, while others believe in being more flamboyant. While both sides may be being true to themselves, the battle will only continue to grow until the whole community is accepted fully into the wider mainstream culture. Only once the community is accepted will the members accept each other for their differences and feel that all members, despite their gender performance, are free to choose how to fashion themselves. This study has shown that not only is the gay community experiencing oppression in a legal form, but also on a more individual level as the choices they make everyday about what to put on their bodies is a constant reminder of their "difference.""--Conclusions.