Uncovering the Bias: Can We Recognize Gay Faces from Photos?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the ability to identify sexual orientation from facial photographs, specifically examining a study that suggests some individuals can discern whether someone is gay or straight based on their appearance. Participants explore the implications of this study, the concept of "gaydar," and the potential biases in selecting images for analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants reference a study indicating that women can identify sexual orientation with 65% accuracy and men with 57%, questioning the validity of these findings and the sample size used.
  • Concerns are raised about potential confirmation bias in the selection of photographs, particularly regarding the representation of masculine-looking women as examples of lesbians.
  • Several participants express skepticism about the existence of "gaydar," suggesting that it is unreliable and dependent on social cues beyond facial appearance.
  • Some argue that while "gaydar" may exist, it is often based on stereotypes that do not apply universally, leading to misconceptions about individuals' sexual orientations.
  • There is discussion about the variability of sexual orientation and the limitations of categorizing individuals strictly as gay or straight, with references to the Kinsey scale.
  • Participants share personal anecdotes about their experiences with "gaydar," noting that their ability to identify someone's sexuality has changed over time as they learned more about the diversity within sexual orientations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach consensus on the reliability of identifying sexual orientation from photographs. There are multiple competing views regarding the existence and accuracy of "gaydar," as well as the implications of the study discussed.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the potential bias in photo selection, the narrow focus on only two sexual orientations in the study, and the lack of consideration for the spectrum of sexual identities. Additionally, the discussion highlights the complexity of social signals and personal perceptions related to sexual orientation.

  • #31


Illuminerdi said:
I'm not sure what the official name of the neighborhood is, but everyone refers to it as "boy's town", but I don't think the numbers for Chicago are anywhere near 20%, when accounting for it.
I've been assuming San Diego is "normal" in it's percentage, but it may not be. It could be it is attracting a larger gay population than most cities, becoming more like San Francisco. I don't know. I see openly gay couples where ever I go here but I only go where the coffee houses are.
 

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