The Simtropolis Closet Thread - deux!

[Eʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ 273]

I consider myself gay. Why being I realized I was only having attractions to male things, and rarely to never to female things. When I was 13, I saw yaoi (male on male anime pictures, not always hentai ), and I really liked it. The more years went by, I realized that it wasn't changing, and I wasn't going through a phase. I was getting more and more attracted to male things.

I hate how stereotypes put homosexual people as. Seriously, I might be homosexual or gay, whatever word you'd put it as, but I'm as normal as anyone can be, along with many people you'd talk to. Anyways, just my two cents.

I agree, Stereotypes mean nothing. I remember a study done where researchers asked people to see if they could identify which people were gay or straight by analysing filmed conversations. The participants answered correctly at something like 54%. Which is just 4% above chance.

Also, am I the only one that believes people are all bisexual but have different levels of bisexuality? For example, I feel I'm at a ratio of being 20% gay and 80% straight.

[astronelson 339]

Also, am I the only one that believes people are all bisexual but have different levels of bisexuality? For example, I feel I'm at a ratio of being 20% gay and 80% straight.

You're not the only one to believe that.

[hym 358]

Also, am I the only one that believes people are all bisexual but have different levels of bisexuality? For example, I feel I'm at a ratio of being 20% gay and 80% straight.

There is something called the Kinsey Scale, which basically says that there are people who are completely heterosexual, completely homosexual, or somewhere in the bisexual range.

Interestingly, a study done a couple years ago or so suggested that, while the Kinsey Scale is valid for men, it is not valid for women. The researchers concluded that, while it is possible for a man to land in any one of the three zones, there was no such thing as an exclusively heterosexual or homosexual woman.

[Meg 368]

Interestingly, a study done a couple years ago or so suggested that, while the Kinsey Scale is valid for men, it is not valid for women. The researchers concluded that, while it is possible for a man to land in any one of the three zones, there was no such thing as an exclusively heterosexual or homosexual woman.

That seems unlikely.

[Duke87 1,070]

No, actually, it makes sense. Male sexuality is very physically oriented so you like the kind of body you like and don't like the kind you don't. Female sexuality, on the other hand, is much more emotionally oriented, so while a woman can have a strong physical preference, it is unlikely to be completely absolute. Women are more flexible on the physical end - also why you see more women identifying as bisexual than men.

Also note that any woman who identifies as straight can still express appreciation for the beauty of another woman, whereas no straight man is ever going to say another man is handsome.

[Eʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ 273]

Interestingly, a study done a couple years ago or so suggested that, while the Kinsey Scale is valid for men, it is not valid for women. The researchers concluded that, while it is possible for a man to land in any one of the three zones, there was no such thing as an exclusively heterosexual or homosexual woman.

That seems unlikely.

It might be true actually considering the fact that women usually have a greater attraction to the emotional rather than the physical.

Anyway, I guess I would consider myself a 2 on the Kinsey scale. In the past a 1, and optimally a 3.

This is what the internet does to you!

  Edited January 8, 2012 by Eʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ  

[hym 358]

The researchers showed the participants a variety of videos of male-male, male-female, female-female, and animal-animal nature. As part of the data gathering process, the researchers provided participants with a numbered keypad and asked them to rate their own arousal level. Additionally, researchers hooked up genital monitors and conducted MRI scans while the participants were watching the videos. The results:

• Self-reported values from the men were very much in line with computer reported values, usually differing by +/-1 point on a 1-10 scale. Self-reported values for women were almost always well below computer reported values.
  
• Results for the men were very predictable. Homosexuals reacted most positively to homosexual content, and heterosexuals to heterosexual content. For bisexuals, the results were generally mixed. For a percentage of the heterosexual male group, when viewing homosexual content, not only was there no reported arousal response, there was also no recorded response from the measuring equipment, and for a small percentage of this group, there was actually evidence on the MRI scans that parts of the brain associated with disgust were being activated. Similar results were measured for the homosexual group. Results for the animal-animal video content was mixed; there did not seem to be any correlation between sexual orientation and arousal when viewing the animal videos.
  
• Results for the female participants were entirely different. It didn't matter what the women's self-reported orientation was, it didn't matter the orientation of the videos they were watching, it didn't matter that the subjects in some of the videos were animals. The results were always measurable arousal levels on the monitoring equipment, with the MRI scans showing signs of corresponding brain function.
  

The short of it was that, while men showed significant tendencies to predictable responses according to self-reported orientation, the women responded to absolutely everything. The female researcher on the team was surprised by these results as she said she had always identified as heterosexual, so she had herself tested to satisfy her own curiosity; she said her results were in line with the results from the other female participants.

It was at this point that the researchers suggested that the Kinsey scale be adapted to include what they called "functional orientation." Basically, it's a recognition that there are plenty of "straight" women that wouldn't have sex with another woman, and plenty of "lesbian" women who wouldn't have sex with a man, even if the brain is revving up the biological response.

[Eʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ 273]

The researchers showed the participants a variety of videos of male-male, male-female, female-female, and animal-animal nature. As part of the data gathering process, the researchers provided participants with a numbered keypad and asked them to rate their own arousal level. Additionally, researchers hooked up genital monitors and conducted MRI scans while the participants were watching the videos. The results:

• Self-reported values from the men were very much in line with computer reported values, usually differing by +/-1 point on a 1-10 scale. Self-reported values for women were almost always well below computer reported values.
  
• Results for the men were very predictable. Homosexuals reacted most positively to homosexual content, and heterosexuals to heterosexual content. For bisexuals, the results were generally mixed. For a percentage of the heterosexual male group, when viewing homosexual content, not only was there no reported arousal response, there was also no recorded response from the measuring equipment, and for a small percentage of this group, there was actually evidence on the MRI scans that parts of the brain associated with disgust were being activated. Similar results were measured for the homosexual group. Results for the animal-animal video content was mixed; there did not seem to be any correlation between sexual orientation and arousal when viewing the animal videos.
  
• Results for the female participants were entirely different. It didn't matter what the women's self-reported orientation was, it didn't matter the orientation of the videos they were watching, it didn't matter that the subjects in some of the videos were animals. The results were always measurable arousal levels on the monitoring equipment, with the MRI scans showing signs of corresponding brain function.
  

The short of it was that, while men showed significant tendencies to predictable responses according to self-reported orientation, the women responded to absolutely everything. The female researcher on the team was surprised by these results as she said she had always identified as heterosexual, so she had herself tested to satisfy her own curiosity; she said her results were in line with the results from the other female participants.

It was at this point that the researchers suggested that the Kinsey scale be adapted to include what they called "functional orientation." Basically, it's a recognition that there are plenty of "straight" women that wouldn't have sex with another woman, and plenty of "lesbian" women who wouldn't have sex with a man, even if the brain is revving up the biological response.

Interesting. Do you have the original webpage of the research study? I would love to take a look at it.

[hym 358]

No, I do not. Generally, I happen upon these things by chance, read the article, tuck it away somewhere in the back of my mind, and move on. Generally, if I were to save the link, it will be a dead link by the time I need it, so I don't bother saving it.

[BlondeTwiggy 43]

Also note that any woman who identifies as straight can still express appreciation for the beauty of another woman, whereas no straight man is ever going to say another man is handsome.

SO true. I'm always complimenting other women: "She's so pretty! I love her eyes, hair, skin, etc." And my boyfriend says, "You're being gay." But it's not, it's more like appreciation or jealousy. I've wondered this myself, if that means I'm being gay, but I have no desire to be with that woman. I just like to appreciate her beauty.

It's next to impossible for my guy to wrap his mind around that concept though.

[Ocram's Razr 964]

Hym, did I mention that study here before? If not here, then I mentioned it on the Minecraft forums but could not find where it was available on the internet, having remembered reading it in a science magazine.

[hym 358]

I wouldn't know for sure one way or the other. As I said, I read it elsewhere and didn't bother saving a link because I figured it'd be a dead link by the time I ever needed to reference it (if I needed to reference it at all).

[s.i.X 13]

The only time men admire each other is regarding beards. A beard is like our version of breasts.

[Shadow Assassin 336]

The only time men admire each other is regarding beards. A beard is like our version of breasts.

I dunno, bromances can cross that line too.

[pona12 3]

I've seen bromances get really, REALLY awkward.

[FreewayofFlight 41]

I think bromance might be a cover so men can pass off 'experimenting'.

[s.i.X 13]

Straight(ish) men are more open about being with other men when they don't feel a need to show off and impress others. Get one of them alone and a bit tipsy and there is a 50% change you'll have a bit of fun.

And also a 50% change he'll beat the crap out of you. It's quite a gamble.

[Eʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ 273]

The only time men admire each other is regarding beards. A beard is like our version of breasts.

What?

First of all most men don't have beards and second of all I have never seen that happen before.

[Ocram's Razr 964]

I live in a rather progressive city and straight men don't tend to compliment appearances of other men.

In a related note, I am taking a Human Sexuality class at my college.

Edited to fix autocorrect.

  Edited January 11, 2012 by OcramSeattle  

[Alejandro24 575]

The only time men admire each other is regarding beards. A beard is like our version of breasts.

What?

First of all most men don't have beards and second of all I have never seen that happen before.

Sounds strange, it's real too.

I live in a region where the mustache and beard are signs of masculinity and it is something elitist, also being something cultural inherited from Spain. I agree with this, but this judgment is getting missing in the new generations.

[Duke87 1,070]

Straight(ish) men are more open about being with other men when they don't feel a need to show off and impress others. Get one of them alone and a bit tipsy and there is a 50% change you'll have a bit of fun.

And also a 50% change he'll beat the crap out of you. It's quite a gamble.

Straight men may also act gay jokingly (some people think it's funny), or in an attempt to insult the masculinity of the man they are acting gay towards (implying that the recipient likes it).

And then you have people like me, who will joke about being feminine because it's unusual and has both shock and humor value - and because unlike most men I happen to not find being called feminine at all insulting (in fact, at times I'd say it's apt).

The only time men admire each other is regarding beards. A beard is like our version of breasts.

What?

First of all most men don't have beards and second of all I have never seen that happen before.

Not all men have beards because not all men are capable of growing a good-looking beard (just like not all women are stacked). And in some professional circles having facial hair is frowned upon - it can be perceived as looking scruffy and unkempt (also highly problematic if you work in food service), so men will often shave for the sake of their careers. Or after they get married, since now they don't need to impress anyone and shaving is often easier than keeping a beard neat and trimmed. But what vid says is true. I have had other men compliment me on my beard. More importantly, however, I've had women complement me on it.

[Eʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ 273]

Straight(ish) men are more open about being with other men when they don't feel a need to show off and impress others. Get one of them alone and a bit tipsy and there is a 50% change you'll have a bit of fun.

And also a 50% change he'll beat the crap out of you. It's quite a gamble.

Straight men may also act gay jokingly (some people think it's funny), or in an attempt to insult the masculinity of the man they are acting gay towards (implying that the recipient likes it).

And then you have people like me, who will joke about being feminine because it's unusual and has both shock and humor value - and because unlike most men I happen to not find being called feminine at all insulting (in fact, at times I'd say it's apt).

The only time men admire each other is regarding beards. A beard is like our version of breasts.

What?

First of all most men don't have beards and second of all I have never seen that happen before.

Not all men have beards because not all men are capable of growing a good-looking beard (just like not all women are stacked). And in some professional circles having facial hair is frowned upon - it can be perceived as looking scruffy and unkempt (also highly problematic if you work in food service), so men will often shave for the sake of their careers. Or after they get married, since now they don't need to impress anyone and shaving is often easier than keeping a beard neat and trimmed. But what vid says is true. I have had other men compliment me on my beard. More importantly, however, I've had women complement me on it.

You're actually right about that. Well Kept beards can actually look alright. Like this guy:

But then there are those people that have beards like this:

Anyway, how this thread got on to the topic of beards, I have no clue.

[FreewayofFlight 41]

I can't grow a full beard because it will come out patchy, but I could pull off a gotee if I so chose. I kind of like a little stubble on a man now and then, it goes with maculinity, which I find attractive. I would not date a guy who is extremely feminine.

Aaaaand we're full circle.

[A Nonny Moose 8,262]

I can't grow a full beard because it will come out patchy, but I could pull off a gotee if I so chose. I kind of like a little stubble on a man now and then, it goes with maculinity, which I find attractive. I would not date a guy who is extremely feminine.

Aaaaand we're full circle.

For some reason, stubble has become fashionable. Frankly, I think it reflects badly on your hygiene. I prefer my rather closely trimmed beard.

[Duke87 1,070]

For some reason, stubble has become fashionable.

It's called "scruff", and yeah, some women think it's sexy. You can actually pull it off and have it not look like just bad hygiene if you have lightly colored hair. I know a guy who does it by shaving only once a week and it works for him. But if you have dark hair like me it looks nasty. Too much contrast with the skin.

[Ocram's Razr 964]

I have been growing a mustache for quite a while and it takes forever for it to look semi-decent though I am not certain on how to keep it looking nice now that my upper lip hair is sufficiently long.

On another note, Human Sexuality class is rather unique (I needed to take a Psychology class for an AA degree and that was the only one available). I sent in my extra credit card with my picture on one side and my name and seating preference on the other side. I will tell you what my seating preference is: I sit in the front on most days for reading whats on the board or screen and taking notes, I will sit in back when there are speakers (this class will have speakers that talk on a variety of sexual topics, most of which I am rather uncomfortable wit) or other non-text demonstrations (on the first day of class my teacher ... she well went into well ... detail about a speaker who will be informing us about BDSM and will be bringing well ... her "toys").

Today we had an anonymous (multiple choice answers submitted by clickers) poll/survey of where everyone stood on opinions on various topics and I was in the 2nd quartile (so in the second most conservative quarter of the class).

I raised my hand often in class, mentioning laws, definitions, and other information in a (hopefully) objective manner. I quoted the Canadian politician who said that "Government has no business with what happens in one's private bedroom." I said that hermophraditism only applies to animals who are self fertile (both male and female parts and can reproduce without a mate, though often reproduce with a mate) and that it is different from middlesex, where the humans are more often sterile. She corrected me that the current term is intersex and that some are fertile (of course it would be obvious that they would be fertile with either sperm or ovums, it is impossible for any member of Homo sapiens to have functioning fertility with both).

[Meg 368]

(this class will have speakers that talk on a variety of sexual topics, most of which I am rather uncomfortable wit) or other non-text demonstrations (on the first day of class my teacher ... she well went into well ... detail about a speaker who will be informing us about BDSM and will be bringing well ... her "toys").

If you think that is uncomfortable, try sitting in a room with your co-workers while hearing a lecture about such toys and their role in the spread of AIDS.

I quoted the Canadian politician who said that "Government has no business with what happens in one's private bedroom."

and why is it that the people are strongly in favor of reducing the role of government tend to be strongly in favor regulating what goes on in people's private bedrooms?

I disagree with your Canadian politician, though. I need to have the words "consenting adults" in there. It is not okay to abuse children, whether it's in one's private bedroom or not.

[s.i.X 13]

When Trudeau said "The state has no business in the bedrooms of the nation", he was referring to consensual adults. It was said during the debates to legalize abortion, homosexuality and divorce in Canada.

[Alejandro24 575]

(this class will have speakers that talk on a variety of sexual topics, most of which I am rather uncomfortable wit) or other non-text demonstrations (on the first day of class my teacher ... she well went into well ... detail about a speaker who will be informing us about BDSM and will be bringing well ... her "toys").

If you think that is uncomfortable, try sitting in a room with your co-workers while hearing a lecture about such toys and their role in the spread of AIDS.

...

At least the societies of that side of the world have aperture to that kind of topics. To heard about BDSM, toys and its risks with AIDS is something far...

When Trudeau said "The state has no business in the bedrooms of the nation", he was referring to consensual adults. It was said during the debates to legalize abortion, homosexuality and divorce in Canada.

Divorce is not legal in Canada?

[Eʟᴇᴍᴇɴᴛ 273]

(this class will have speakers that talk on a variety of sexual topics, most of which I am rather uncomfortable wit) or other non-text demonstrations (on the first day of class my teacher ... she well went into well ... detail about a speaker who will be informing us about BDSM and will be bringing well ... her "toys").

If you think that is uncomfortable, try sitting in a room with your co-workers while hearing a lecture about such toys and their role in the spread of AIDS.

...

At least the societies of that side of the world have aperture to that kind of topics. To heard about BDSM, toys and its risks with AIDS is something far...

When Trudeau said "The state has no business in the bedrooms of the nation", he was referring to consensual adults. It was said during the debates to legalize abortion, homosexuality and divorce in Canada.

Divorce is not legal in Canada?

Divorce is perfectly legal in Canada as well as homosexuality, homosexual marriages, homosexual adoption, rights for homosexuals and gender reassignment.