Diverse Gender and Sexual Identity in Romantic Partner Selection Experiences: An Exploration of Similarities, Differences, and Potential Explanations.

Abstract

The literature studying individuals' selection of long-term romantic partners predominantly focuses on samples of majority gender and sexual identity (cisgender, heterosexual), leaving a gap in our knowledge regarding minority populations. In this study, 554 Australian adults seeking romantic partners (Mage = 32.06 years, 52.35% of whom reported minority gender and/or sexual identities) responded to an online survey regarding their partner selection experiences and beliefs, ideal and self-ratings on romantic partner traits, and self-perceived mate value. Factor analysis replicated established trait preference dimensions in this large, heterogeneous Australian sample, with dimensions remaining stable in majority and minority subsamples. Exploratory comparative and regression analyses generated preliminary insights into differences, similarities, interactions, and intersectional factors across identity groups. The commonly observed sex differences of men preferring aesthetic traits more than women, and women preferring empowered traits more than men were supported in comparative analyses. However, sex was not associated with preference for empowered traits in regression with identity, trait preferences, and self-perceived mate value. Self-perceived mate value findings replicated, challenged, and extended previous research, with asexual identity linked to lower self-perceptions. A preference for warm traits appeared to be a central factor through association with most other preferences and identities. As potential explanations, we discuss complex influences of evolutionary psychology, sociocultural factors, norms, and potential differences in partner selection processes. These findings contribute to our knowledge of partner selection experiences across majority and minority gender and sexual identity populations.