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Similarity and attraction in homosexual males: The effects of age and masculinity-femininity

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Abstract

Recent research on homosexual partner preferences has focused on sexual attraction, but little attention has been paid to stable, long-term relationships in this population. The present research is concerned with the roles of similarity and complementarity in relatively durable relationships. One-hundred and eleven homosexual males completed a questionnaire describing themselves, including their masculinity and femininity (Bem, 1974), and characteristics of their ideal partner. Results indicated a desire for a partner who was logical and expressive, similar in age, and similar in masculinity—femininity. No special features of homosexuality nor sex roles seem necessary to explain these results.

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Boyden, T., Carroll, J.S. & Maier, R.A. Similarity and attraction in homosexual males: The effects of age and masculinity-femininity. Sex Roles 10, 939–948 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00288516

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