Labelling in the gay community

Because gay people have a unique and vibrant culture, while straight people are boring?

Being a long-persecuted minority forced gay people to look inward and build our own culture. Perhaps we are also more in-tune with and open about our sexuality, we have a self-awareness of what we are and what we like.

In straight society, there exist pretty universally accepted concepts of what makes an ideal woman and an ideal man. Gays, on the other hand, have a variety of different types of ideal person, subject to individual preference.

 

I've wondered about that too, but Rakkaus' explanation makes sense. Also, I think gay people feel a little more freedom of who can be attractive because we are already different from straight people because we're attracted to the same sex, so we don't limit ourselves to what is usually considered attractive just to seem "normal".

 

I see what Rakkaus is saying, but even so, wouldn't labeling people in a group invite more stereotypes within that group?

 

I don't really know why we have to label ourselves more than gay. I don't want to be part of a gay community; I want everyone to be in one community.

And there are straight labels, but a lot apply to LGB people. Terms like jock, hunk, etc. are applicable to both to straight people and to others.

 

Because gays have no problem thinking about these sorts of things. Straights wouldnt really care, and wouldnt have a desire to think these sorts of things (for the most part).

Also, we tend to be more introvertive (especially on a gay website) so self-discovery/classifications are sort of a daily habit.

 

i think straight people do have labels but they are more girly girl, tomboy, e.t.c nothing like the gay community uses tho. hmm.

 

My theory...

Those that have defined their sense of self by their 'gayness' enter the gay community, they are suddenly not 'the gay guy' but just 'a guy'. To maintain a sense of self and a personality, they fall into one of the 'cliques' based upon appearance etc.

Or perhaps because the gay community is much smaller, it's much easier to typify groups of people.

 

I don't think straight people are around enough gays to catch onto the 'gay' chit chat lingos.