“Är det så här man ska vara?” Upplevelser av maskulinitet hos homosexuella män

Sammanfattning: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of masculinity by homosexual men and the meaning of societal gender norms in relation to these experiences. Six semi-structured interviews were made with homosexual men. The material was analyzed thematically using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Four main themes were found: 1) To differ from other men, 2) Fighting with norms, 3) Ambivalence in the encounter with masculinity, 4) Not wanting to diverge. The results showed that homosexual men often need to relate to preconceptions about homosexual men as being feminine. At the same time they had to relate to norms, both in society in general and within the gay community, that men should be masculine. However, masculine men were often expected to be heterosexual. A critical position towards ready-made identities was shared by many of the participants. Most of the participants had experiences of feeling different from their peers during childhood and adolescence. A common way to fit in as an adult was to emphasize one’s masculine qualities. Then one might even pass as being heterosexual. Fear of homophobia was common. The results are discussed in relation to Connell’s and Anderson’s theories of masculinity as well as Butler’s theory of the heterosexual matrix, and the concept of heteronormativity.