Straight acting: gay pornography, heterosexuality, and hegemonic masculinity
ABSTRACTThis article explores how the gay adult film industry may contribute to conceptualizations of masculinity and sexuality. Content analysis of a popular gay adult film company's website, which features 'str8' films, provides an exemplary case through which I explore the construction of heterosexuality within the context of same sex acts, and the relative desire and eroticization of heterosexuality. Findings indicate that straight performers' profiles contain significantly more masculine markers, while profiles of gay performers are depicted as more feminine and subordinate. Further, data indicate a correlation between masculinity and consumer rating, and through the co constitution of heterosexuality and masculinity may legitimate hierarchical gender relations.