Subcultural desires: Attraction to twinks, jocks, and bears is associated with sexual preferences for specific body types, gender expressions, and racial groups

Abstract

Sexual subcultures such as twinks, jocks, and bears have provided sexual minority men with a means of self-definition and social connection within a broader LGBTQIA+ community. The present study explores the preferences associated with attraction to these subcultures, shedding light on how these subcultural identities function as targets of attraction. Drawing on survey data from 961 sexual minority men living in Australia, we find that attraction to common subcultural archetypes – specifically, twinks, jocks, and bears – is associated with participants’ preferences for specific body types, gender expressions and racial groups. Whereas some subcultures mirror and reinforce dominant ideals of muscularity, masculinity, and Whiteness, others appeal to those whose preferences do not align with these standards. These findings underscore the need to understand subcultures, not only as frameworks for identity and belonging, but also as targets of desire.