Characteristics and functions of subcultural identities in the lives of gay, bisexual, and queer-identifying men in Australia

ABSTRACT

Gay, bisexual, and queer-identifying (GBQ) male communities tend to comprise various distinct subcultural identity groups based on shared characteristics and associations, often overlooked in research and practice. This study aimed to develop a greater understanding of GBQ subcultural identities by exploring how they are understood and described by individuals who utilise them. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 gay, bisexual, and queer-identifying men living in Australia and who identified with one or more subcultural identities. Interview transcripts and data underwent thematic analysis. All participants identified with two or more subcultural identities. Results indicated that subcultural identities were understood and characterised through physical traits, gender expression and perceived norms, sexual preferences and sex roles, interests and hobbies, and social interaction dynamics. Important functions of subcultural identities were noted, such as their utility in filtering and regulating social associations and interactions as well as reflecting elements of queer history and culture. Findings highlight some key characteristics that define subcultural identities and the functions they serve for GBQ men. This knowledge furthers understanding of GBQ subcultural identities and may assist in developing culturally-relevant approaches to future research and practice in areas such as health promotion and service delivery.

KEYWORDS:

• Identity
• gay subculture
• subcultural Identity
• bears
• twinks
• thematic analysis

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Notes

1. TAFE refers to vocational training centres and institutes in Australia, which are distinct from universities.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jake D. Franklin

Jake D. Franklin is a Master of Applied Science candidate with the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health, and Society at La Trobe University. Based in social and health psychology, his research interests include sexual identity, sexual communication, identity-related health outcomes, and social dynamics of identity. He has previously completed research in the areas of perceptions of marriage equality, internalised homophobia, and systematic reviews of academic literature relating to identity and attitude development.

Adam Bourne

Dr Adam Bourne is an Associate Professor of Public Health and a Deputy Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health, and Society at La Trobe University. Adam takes a leading role in the development of research that examines the health and well-being of LGBTIQ populations, both domestically and internationally. This includes programs of research relating to alcohol and other drug use, mental health and family violence.

Anthony Lyons

Dr Anthony Lyons is an Associate Professor and a Deputy Director of the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health, and Society at La Trobe University. He takes a leading role in the development of research on understanding the impact of stigma, marginalisation, and social exclusion on health and well-being. His work is multidisciplinary that spans areas related to public health and psychology.