Is Western culture, we've (arguably) reached the point where there is widespread acceptance of, and rights for, people who are not heterosexual (i.e., LGBT). It was a battle hard fought, and a battle that is not over yet. The vast majority of Canadians now support gay marriage and in the US, a small majority are also on board. Changing laws reflect this.
With increased acceptance comes more freedom to identify and act in ways that were previously judged very negatively. We know, based on research, that somewhere in the neighbourhood of 3-5% of men identify as LGBT. We also know from past research that men's sexual preferences tend to be more specific than women's. That's to say, men are more exclusively focused on what turns them on and are less open to more diverse experiences that don't fall within the bounds of their preferences.
But, with increased acceptance of non-heterosexual identities and behaviours, it appears that more heterosexual-identified men are starting to explore sex with men. This may challenge the assumption that men have exclusive sexual interests and will only act in accordance with those interests. It's also possible, though, that these men are actually bisexual, but now have the freedom to have sex with men as well as women.
A recent article and interview with researcher Dr. Jane Ward in the NYMag's section Science of Us addresses this issue. Here's the opening:
Why Straight Men Have Sex With Each Other
By Jesse Singal
There’s a pretty clear gender divide in how Americans deal with straight people who dabble in gay activity. When heterosexual women make out with one another at a bar or party, it’s generally understood that they’re simply playing around for attention, or exploring the fluid space that is female sexuality. When heterosexual men hook up with each other, on the other hand, it’s seen either as an act born of desperation — think men who are locked up — or an indication that while they may claim to be straight, they really aren’t — think disgraced GOP members of Congress. When straight women hook up with other straight women, no real explanation is required; when straight men hook up with other straight men, it’s a different story.
Read the rest here: link.