In the hierarchy of masculinities, old men and gay men are clearly subordinated. Many assume, therefore, that old gay men are doubly stigmatized; however, we argue that the picture is decidedly more complex. In this article, we explore the bodily experiences of aging through analysis of intensive interviews with 10 gay men who are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s. We focus on the interpretations and strategies these gay men use to make sense of their aging bodies. We identify several themes relating to how these men think about their own bodies, the bodies of other gay men, and their place within gay communities. Their aging corporeal experiences allow us to examine ageist notions about aging and being old and to explore how this thinking, which valorizes youthfulness, shapes their aging experiences.
Although many gay men do not engage in effeminate behavior, they still may be feminized in social interaction. This article illustrates the importance of this distinction through a two-method study of the popular sitcom Will & Grace. The show includes multiple representations of gay masculinities, from the effeminate gay man to the more masculine "very straight gay." However, a comprehensive content analysis shows that both gay primary characters frequently are feminized by other characters on the show, often in efforts to castigate them. Very few of these feminizing moments occur as a result of the characters acting in effeminate ways, thus emphasizing the immanent femininity of gay men. Focus group participants' interpretations of this phenomenon include obliviousness to these moments, anger over their inclusion, and acceptance of their role in the show and in real gay life.
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