New research from the University of Bath reveals a seismic shift in attitudes among young straight men, with a staggering 89% saying they're comfortable kissing another man on the lips as a friendly gesture. The study, led by Dr Eric Anderson, shows that these kisses are increasingly common and often playful, rather than driven by any romantic or sexual intention.
The research began when Dr Anderson was introduced to 'gay chicken', a game where two men almost kiss – with the first to pull away declared the loser. He discovered this game had largely fallen out of favour because young men were no longer afraid to lock lips. The study involved 145 male students from two universities and a sixth-form college, who shared their experiences and attitudes towards kissing other men.
The findings show that nearly 40% of participants admitted to engaging in 'sustained kissing' with other men – often initially for the shock value but now simply as a way to have fun. Dr Anderson notes that these kisses appear to be free from any sexual connotation, instead representing a non-sexual form of intimacy.
Dr Anderson faced initial scepticism from some fellow academics who struggled to believe the findings, with one professor attributing it to 'something in the water at Bath'. However, the research spanned multiple institutions, dispelling the notion of isolated behaviour. Dr Anderson attributes this scepticism to 'human plasticity theory', where established belief systems from their youth make it difficult for some older academics to grasp such a significant shift in social norms.
Dr Anderson suggests that growing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in media and society have contributed to the normalisation of homosexuality, particularly among younger generations. He believes young people are increasingly disassociating themselves from homophobia, just as they have from racism – leading to a more inclusive environment where men feel less pressure to conform to traditional masculine norms.
The study provides compelling evidence that advancements towards LGBTQ+ equality are subtly reshaping everyday social interactions and expressions of friendship among young heterosexual men in the UK. This research builds on existing studies into evolving masculinities and the impact of societal changes on youth culture, highlighting a broader shift towards greater acceptance and inclusivity.