Effects of gay community stress on self-objectification and psychological distress among sexual minority men: Intraminority differences by sexual orientation, gender expression, body size, and socioeconomic status

Abstract

Engaging in the gay community provides support and affirmation, but it is often overlooked that some sexual minority men may experience stress from status-based competition within the mainstream gay community. These pressures are more prevalent among sexual minority men with lower social and sexual status, who are frequently devalued and excluded by other members of the community. Such experiences can be more psychologically impactful than rejection by mainstream society. This study investigated the relationship between gay community stress and psychological distress among sexual minority men and examined the mediating role of self-objectification. The sample consisted of 626 cisgender sexual minority men from Hong Kong. The results showed that gay community stress, particularly related to perceptions of the community’s focus on sex and social competition, was associated with reduced self-esteem and increased depression and anxiety symptoms. Self-objectification, manifesting through body surveillance and shame, mediated the relationship between gay community stress and psychological distress. Additionally, group comparisons revealed that feminine-presenting, larger-bodied, and lower-income men reported higher stress levels. The association between gay community stress and psychological distress was particularly pronounced among bisexual and pansexual men, those with lower masculinity, and those with higher BMI. This study provides crucial insights for developing targeted mental health interventions and gay community organizing strategies. Our findings call for a transformative approach to building more inclusive gay communities that embrace diversity in gender expression and body size, while actively mitigating the harmful effects of gay community stress experienced by sexual minority men with multiple marginalized identities.