Beyond barks and bodies: Pup play and body image in gay, bi, trans, and queer men through a Deleuzian lens

Body image is a complex issue that affects individuals from all genders and sexual orientations. Within the queer community pup play is a BDSM-related activity where participants take on the role of a pup/dog, complete with barking, crawling, and other canine behaviors. In this research, we explored how identifying as a pup shapes the body image of gay, bisexual, queer, and trans (GBQT) men using a Deleuzian approach. The process of cellphilming included attendance of three online workshops and the creation of a short cellphilm about their body image. Seventeen participants across five groups completed the workshops and submitted a cellphilm. Data was analyzed through discourse analysis, and while our analysis includes workshop quotes and film excerpts, the true depth of the films, capturing elements like lighting and sound, goes beyond the transcribed words. Three overarching discursive considerations are reported: (i) reinforcing body standards for GBTQ men, (ii) capacity for changing feelings about bodies, and (iii) becoming a pup. Participants suggested that although the pup community is more accepting of diverse bodies, hegemonic body standards for GBTQ men still apply. However, participants also described how identifying as a pup and connecting with others in the pup community was a way to navigate body image tensions.