Non-Heterosexual Identity as Normal?

Recently, I had the opportunity to read the article “Which Way Out? A Typology of Non-Heterosexual Male Collegiate Identities” by Patrick Dilley. Throughout the article Dilley defines several historical and contemporary collegiate identities used to label men with regard to their non-heterosexual identities.

One of the labels in particular struck a cord in my intellectual consciousness. Dilley describes one of these categories or labels as “Normal” (Dilley, 2010). In the study, someone who identifies as “Normal” identifies as heterosexual in a sociocultural context, but still participates in homosexual sexual activity and/or behaviors. Additionally, the “normal” identified individual does not recognize the dissonance between their own self-concept and the sexual behaviors they are participating in (Dilley, 2010).

From my understanding, Dilley asserts that those he interviewed were able to participate fully in the gay sexual experience without a need or desire to identify cognitively or socially with the gay community or gay self-concept. As I read this I began to wonder how feasible it is for this to occur in a socially constructed society that implicitly, and at times explicitly, places negative values on gay sexual behavior. The assumption that one could participate in sexual activity that is oft looked down upon and experience no negative construction of meaning, is a strong assertion.

The question that is more pertinent to me, as a student affairs administrator, is – is this a healthy avoidance of dissonance. Will the separation of behavior from identity continue to manifest itself in other areas of the man’s life? Also, does this separation of behavior and identity allow a man to never fully process and integrate his behaviors into his life. Does this have the potential to prevent a fulfilling life experience?

From another perspective – what are the impacts of this separation on construction of masculinity. Does this continue to perpetuate the idea that to be a “man” you must identify socially as heterosexual? Does this fly in the face of establishing alternate constructions of healthy masculinity?

I don’t personally have solidified answers to these questions, but welcome debate!

Article Link: http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/journal_of_higher_education/v076/76.1dilley.html

Reference: Dilley, P. (2010). ““Which Way Out? A Typology of Non-Heterosexual Male Collegiate Identities” in College Men and Masculinities: Theory, Research, and Implications for Practice. Pp. 101-135. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.