Stereotypes of White and East Asian Women and Men with Branched Attractions

Abstract

People with branched attractions may experience sexual and romantic attractions to different genders; for example, they may be sexually attracted to one gender and romantically attracted to another gender. Because branched attractions may violate folk theories about sexuality, we expected individuals with these attractions to face unique stereotypes. Across three preregistered experiments (total N = 1041), and using predominantly White, non-Latiné, and straight samples, we asked if White (Studies 1 and 2) and East Asian (Study 3) targets with branched attractions are seen as: (1) confused, dishonest, and non-monogamous (bi stereotypes), (2) uncertain about and in denial of their sexuality (instability stereotypes), and (3) desired as sexual objects (fetishized), compared to targets with aligned (same-gender, other-gender, bisexual) attractions. We also assessed warmth toward targets, and explored perceivers’ need for cognition as a moderator. As expected, White and East Asian women and men with branched attractions faced heightened bi and instability stereotypes, whereas findings with warmth, fetishization, and need for cognition were mixed. Discussion considers the implications of these findings for sexually and racially minoritized individuals.