Too Manly and Too Straight? Perceived Sexual Orientation of Black and White Men and Women

Using data from an online survey assessing perceptions of 12 target(1) photos of Black and White males and females, the current study examined a moderated mediation model of sexual orientation perceptions (N = 310). Results indicated that perceived masculinity/femininity was not a mediator in the association between target gender and perceived sexual orientation. Black male targets were perceived to be more heterosexual than White male targets, Black female targets were perceived as less heterosexual than White female targets, and Black targets were perceived as more masculine than White targets. These findings may indicate rigid gender- and sexuality-related expectations for Black men. Black women who are perceived as gay may be more at risk of related interpersonal harm than White women. Black sexual minority individuals may face challenges in navigating identity concealment or disclosure. Future research should explore the potential antecedents and consequences of perceptions of Black individuals' sexual orientation.

Automated summary

This study used data from an online survey to assess perceptions of Black and White individuals' sexual orientation. The findings suggest that there are rigid gender- and sexuality-related expectations for Black men, and that Black women who are perceived as gay may be more at risk of interpersonal harm compared to White women.