You Thought I Was Gay?! The Effects of Sexual Identity Miscategorization

Abstract

This study explored the effects of sexual identity miscategorization, having one’s sexual identity judged incorrectly. Participants were led to believe that an interaction partner had judged them correctly or incorrectly as heterosexual or non-heterosexual, based on a writing sample. It was predicted that people who experienced sexual identity miscategorization would display lowered positive affect, heightened negative affect, and heightened gender normativity. Results showed no significant effects of miscategorization on affect, although miscategorized participants had marginally higher negative affect than correctly categorized participants. There were also no effects on gender normativity. Implications and future directions for the study of sexuality are discussed.