Abstract This study explores the body image ideals among a racially/ethnically diverse sample of gay and bisexual men in the United States. Furthermore, it examines the role body image ideals play on mobile dating applications (“dating apps”) for gay and bisexual men. Guided by Objectification Theory and Minority Stress Theory, 30 semi-structured interviews were conducted with young gay and bisexual men (ages 18-30 years) in Massachusetts. Using thematic analysis, three central themes emerged: 1) the ideal male body: muscular, thin, and light-skin toned; 2) discrimination; 3) navigating deviations from the ideal body: appearance comparison, retaliation, and body regulation and weight control behaviors. Our results suggest the dominant ideal male body is muscular and thin. Racial/ethnic minority participants added this ideal is further characterized as white/light-skin toned. Further, participants reported a wide variety of discriminatory experiences on dating apps, especially men deviating from the dominant body ideal. Over half of the men in our sample who reported use of dating apps recounted at least one experience of racial/ethnic discrimination or body weight and shape discrimination on dating apps. While some dating apps have modified their policies to promote inclusivity, further research into the impact of dating app-mediated discrimination are warranted.

中文翻译：

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“这都是基于外表的吸引力：”对年轻男同性恋和双性恋男性样本的身体形象的定性研究

摘要 本研究探讨了美国不同种族/民族的同性恋和双性恋男性样本中的身体形象理想。此外，它还检查了身体形象理想在男同性恋和双性恋男性的移动约会应用程序（“约会应用程序”）中所扮演的角色。在客观化理论和少数派压力理论的指导下，对马萨诸塞州的年轻男同性恋和双性恋男性（18-30 岁）进行了 30 次半结构化访谈。使用主题分析，出现了三个中心主题：1) 理想的男性身体：肌肉发达、苗条、肤色较浅；2) 歧视；3）驾驭与理想身材的偏差：外貌比较、报复、身体调节和体重控制行为。我们的结果表明，占主导地位的理想男性身体是肌肉发达且瘦弱的。种族/少数族裔参与者补充说，这种理想被进一步描述为白色/浅肤色。此外，参与者报告了在约会应用程序上的各种歧视经历，尤其是男性偏离了主导身体理想。在我们的样本中，超过一半报告使用约会应用程序的男性在约会应用程序上讲述了至少一次种族/民族歧视或体重和体型歧视的经历。虽然一些约会应用程序修改了他们的政策以促进包容性，但有必要进一步研究约会应用程序介导的歧视的影响。在我们的样本中，超过一半报告使用约会应用程序的男性在约会应用程序上讲述了至少一次种族/民族歧视或体重和体型歧视的经历。虽然一些约会应用程序修改了他们的政策以促进包容性，但有必要进一步研究约会应用程序介导的歧视的影响。在我们的样本中，超过一半报告使用约会应用程序的男性在约会应用程序上讲述了至少一次种族/民族歧视或体重和体型歧视的经历。虽然一些约会应用程序修改了他们的政策以促进包容性，但有必要进一步研究约会应用程序介导的歧视的影响。