Hand Gestures, Clothing, and Appearance
According to Brian Palmer (2012) from Slate Magazine, the limp wrist has become the most well known stereotypical hand gesture associated with gay men. This might have originated since Ancient Rome times when a limp wrist symbolized “a more general lack of masculine control over the body and its various urges” (Palmer, 2012). In 18th century Europe, “limp wrists came to signify not just ill discipline, but various other supposed failures of manhood, such as homosexuality, exhibitionism, and foppery.” (Palmer, 2012). In the United States, "a limp wrist—often with the other hand placed on the hip in an “I’m a Little Teapot” pose—came to symbolize the unmanly homosexual stereotype. These explanations aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive; they might all have contributed to the development of the stereotype" (Palmer, 2012) However, there is no scientific proof that specifically says that the limp wrist is something all gay men do. Some might say that this behavior is adapted in order to fit into a more stereotypical feminine character.
“ Clothing and other elements like shoes, body decorations and accessories are symbols observed in gay culture type” (Nicholas, 2001, cited in Hansen, 2011, p.12).
Referenced in Palmer's article (2012), Tea and Sympathy is a film about "a college student who tries to tach his roommate how to walk like a heterosexual." In this particular clip put out by Warner Movies on Demand (2013), they state the following: "Homosexuality was a taboo subject in 1956 Hollywood. So it was a challenge for screenwriter Robert Anderson to adapt his hit Broadway play about a sensitive prep-schooler called 'sister boy' by his peers, and the lovely housemaster's wife who realizes she must offer more than tea and sympathy to help the boy prove his manhood. The frankness may be muted but the power remains in this stellar film".
WARNING: Video Contains Explicit Language that some might find offensive (Rated R).
Another film mentioned by Palmer(2012) is The Birdcage. In this clip, the two men can be seen arguing over how their nonverbal gestures give off the assumption that at least one of them is gay.
Another film mentioned by Palmer(2012) is The Birdcage. In this clip, the two men can be seen arguing over how their nonverbal gestures give off the assumption that at least one of them is gay.