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09/04/2011 – by Cynthia Wright
Two University of Toronto studies published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology in June discussed that a person’s impression of gay men seemed to be based on their ethnicity. During the course of the two studies, two mixed gender groups were asked to view photos of straight and gay individuals that were either black or white.
The first study, made up of 22 women and nine men were asked to judge the 104 photos on likeability alone without knowing the mens preference. The results showed that straight white men were rated more likeable than gay white men and that gay black men were rated more likable than straight black men.
In the second study, the participants were divided into two groups to view the same photos. However, one group was instructed to view the white photographs and the other group was asked to do the same with the black photographs. This time, the data showed that when it came to viewing the white photographs – responses were faster for the straight men over the gay men. On the other hand, when it came to the black photographs, the responses were favorable towards black gay men over black straight men.
Interesting stuff, even if it is not all that surprising.