Nonverbal Gendered Cues as Accurate Signals of Sexual Orientation

Abstract

This paper integrates evidence across a range of research programs to make the case that gender nonconformity and sexual orientation are interconnected in a way that reflects a degree of reality. One body of research concerns the accurate judgments of sexual orientation of adult targets based on nonverbal gendered cues, focusing on targets’ spontaneous presentation of the self that includes cues from body shape, movement, the face, and the voice. A second body of research examines the perceived gender atypicality of child targets who later come out as lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) in adulthood. This research points to growing evidence concerning the reality of gender atypicality for members of the LGB community on the aggregate. The scope of this reality, as well as implications for the LGB community, are discussed.