There's nothing wrong with being masculine-identified, or masculine-oriented in your attraction. It's not fair.įurthermore, the language and messaging of BRO seems awfully fem-antagonistic.
Basically, the patrons of BRO are cashing in on all the best parts of queer sexuality - like sex-positivity, a safe space to discuss their non-heteronormative interests, and the general support of a nonjudgemental, like-minded community - while avoiding the painful struggles of queer life. This is obviously going to anger, sadden, disgust, hurt, or otherwise negatively impact some members of the queer community. and BRO are that these men looking for men are seeking a queer sexual encounter while still enjoying all the benefits of straight privilege. One of the critiques from the queer community (an essential voice to hear out when exploring nuance in sexual orientation) of both Not Gay. As well, I wanted to move beyond the hookup culture that many apps and websites have catered to."īut perhaps it's useful to question why bros aren't "welcomed" into the gay community. Said Kuter about BRO: "BRO's main goal is to bring men together - whether they're curious, bi, or gay - and not single anyone out just because they're not 'Scruffy' or 'Jacked.' It's not about what music they listen to or which drag star is their favorite BRO is about men finding a connection with each other beyond the stereotypes people may try to fit them into.I was inspired mainly because I felt there was a huge segment of men that don't feel welcome in the 'gay' community - be it 'bi' guys or gay men that don't fit the 'gay' stereotype.
Guys who express curiosity about same-sex encounters are perceived as on-their-way-to-gay, and if can be difficult for them to explore their sexuality with as little consequence as women, even though there's plenty of precedent for homo-erotic romps amongst straight dudes. Jane Ward's book Not Gay: Sex Between Straight White Men, published last summer, explores this idea. While fleeting, exploratory, or label-free same-sex attraction amongst women goes largely unstigmatized, the same is not true for sexual fluidity in men, in spite of its prevalence throughout history. Specifically, the app gives men options to look for: "Dates," "Chat," "JUST Friends," "Long-Term Bromance," or "Whatever, Bro." Nude photos are not allowed, in an effort to cut down on some of the beef-fest that is traditionally associated with gay dating apps, but the implication of hook-up potential is high, with fields for disclosing your body type, height, ethnicity, HIV status, and "bro type."īRO founder Scott Kutler devised the app to make space for and encourage increasingly fluid sexuality in men. The app is marketed towards straight men seeking other straight men for dates, hook-ups, friendship, or simply to bro out together. In the ever-splintering world of niche dating apps, BRO is trying to give the curious straight man a chance to exploring his sexuality.