Pornhub conducted a recent poll and determined that gay male-on-male content was the second most popular genre for women to watch when it comes to watching ftm porn videos. But what exactly motivates these viewers when watching two male bodies get it on with each other?
Neville found in her research that many women who enjoy gay male porn aren’t viewing it as fetishization; rather, they view it as an avenue to combatting “male gaze.”
1. They like the male form
Pornhub user data indicates that women constitute 37% of its audience for gay male porn. But that doesn’t imply objectification of women by such material.
Neville conducted research with female viewers of male-on-male porn, showing that many straight and queer women alike feel at ease visualizing male bodies — including their genitalia. One interviewee told Neville in her new book Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys that it was natural for her to be curious about other dudes’ “dangly ballsacks, circumcision scars and twinkling tits”.
Women interviewed by Neville noted they enjoyed watching gay male porn because it felt more authentic; there wasn’t the anxiety over whether or not female actors were enjoying themselves or being exploited, which can be frustrating when watching mainstream pornography. Furthermore, there are visible cues of sexual arousal such as erections and ejaculation (though porn stars admit these may often be chemically assisted); thus making the scenes feel realistic for many female viewers.
2. They like the sex
Girls often enjoy gay porn because it provides them with authentic sex scenes that feel realer than straight porn can be. Exploring male bodies through gay porn is both entertaining and can help overcome fears related to men-on-men relationships.
Kirah told InsideHook she watches pornography to feel more at ease around men. Kirah believes it is more important to remain true to oneself rather than try to be something you aren’t, as well as feel comfortable in their sexual orientation rather than conforming.
Anjelika said she watches gay male porn because she’s drawn to its masculine features and that watching something subversive provides comfort and relief from everyday stresses. Additionally, Anjelika enjoys how male-on-male porn is less regulated than its heterosexual counterpart and enjoys subverting expectations by watching something that wasn’t designed specifically for her viewing pleasure.
3. They like the fetishization
Gay male pornography features unique power dynamics compared to heterosexual porn. Men in gay porn appear equally subject to female gaze as male gaze; many women find this aspect appealing as it breaks apart the tie between objectification and gender stereotypes.
Pornhub user data reveals that over one third of male-on-male viewers on its platform are women; a far higher proportion than any percentage that are men.
Neville interviewed and surveyed some women for her book Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys, who reported enjoying fetishizing male bodies in gay porn. Additionally, they found it less triggering than heterosexual porn, since women don’t appear to be targeted by penetration in gay scenes. Unfortunately, some who enjoyed fetishizing male porn were also homophobic and didn’t support LGBT rights; some even went as far as pestering gay/bi men in real life!
4. They like the versatility
Neville’s research revealed a central theme: women’s desire for variety in male-on-male pornography. Women she interviewed expressed delight at watching scenes featuring both cocky boys and kinky men, providing them with an opportunity to explore their sexual preferences without the worry of encountering material that may make them feel uncomfortable.
Gay male pornography was designed to appeal to a wider variety of viewers. Some women interviewed found pleasure in watching scenes involving two attractive gay men interacting, which brought happiness. Furthermore, these actors appeared more real than in mainstream pornography videos.
Downing noted this trend isn’t a rare occurrence and for straight-identified men it can provide an entertaining way to switch things up when bored with mainstream erotica or fulfill fantasies of having sexual relations with men.
5. They like the freedom
Many female fans of gay male porn love it because it’s more liberating than heterosexual porn. Consensual interactions make for more fun viewing sessions that don’t feel as patriarchal or constrained by social norms.
Neville’s research revealed that one of the women interviewed found watching male-on-male scenes fulfilling and “hot all at once”. Furthermore, she appreciated not worrying about offending anyone or being judged while viewing it.
One woman involved in the study explained that she finds gay porn more interesting because it shows men being vulnerable, honest and loving with one another. While some gay actors might simply be using women they work with to display themselves fetishistically, many also appear to care deeply for those they’ve worked with and take great pride in their work.
Pornhub data reveals that women make up over one third of those watching gay male-on-male porn. If this content doesn’t appeal to you, don’t fret – plenty of other women enjoy looking at man-on-man action (just remember to use a condom when viewing bareback porn.).
