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The survey also found that 41 per cent of queer guys had felt “less of a man” themselves because of their sexuality.

Article by Jess Jones, StarObserver.com.au

A new survey on masculinity has shown almost three out of four queer men say they are turned off by effeminate guys.

The survey of more than 5,000 men by Attitude magazine found 71 per cent have been turned off by a prospective partner’s femininity.

Only 29 per cent said they would consider effeminate traits as a positive.

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Attitude editor Matt Cain said the results were consistent with many gay men’s experiences in dating and on hookup apps.

The survey also found that 41 per cent of queer guys had felt “less of a man” themselves because of their sexuality.

“Masculinity is in crisis,” said Cain.

“At least that’s the message that seems to emerge pretty much every day from the mainstream media.

“Broadsheets, Sunday supplements and radio and TV discussion programmes are full of straight men debating what it means to be a man, what constitutes modern masculinity, and whining about how difficult it is to respect themselves now that women are becoming more powerful and that male privilege is being eroded.”

Cain said the relationship between gay men and masculinity was more complex.

“Yes, we enjoy the privilege of being male in a patriarchal society,” he said.

“But I’ve spent much of my life being made to feel as if I’m less of a man for being gay. And that any signs of femininity I may exhibit make me a less important or less valued member of society. And I know lots of other gay men who feel the same way.

“In this context, it can be bewildering to get our heads round what it means to be a man.”

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