Cultural universals and differences in male homosexuality: the case of a Brazilian fishing village.
This study investigated whether homosexually identified males in a small Brazilian fishing community are similar to homosexually identified males described in the international literature. In addition, it attempted to distinguish heterosexuals who have sex with homosexuals from other heterosexuals. A total of 41 men were classified into three sexual categories: paneleiros ("pan cabinets"), who have sex only with men, and invariably so in a bottom position; persistent heterosexuals, who have sex only with women; and paneleiro lovers, who have sex with women and with paneleiros, but invariably in a top position. There were significant differences in childhood play activities, sexual inclinations, and sports preferences between paneleiros and non-paneleiros; however, paneleiro lovers and persistent heterosexuals were not significantly different with regard to these variables or with regard to access to women. These findings add to the cross-cultural literature on childhood cross-gender behavior and homoerotic activities among non-homosexually identified males.
Cardoso
Fernando L
FL
Centro de Educação Física, Fisioterapie e Desportos, Departamento de Ginástica, Recreação e Rítmica, Santa Catarina State University, Santa Catarina, Brazil. d2flc@udesc.br
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000523:psychology; D018451:Homosexuality, Male / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D010988:Play and Playthings; D011606:Psychosexual Development; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires