Young, Single Gay Men's Commitment and Long-Term Partner Preferences

In the present study, using a nationwide online survey, we investigate preferences for a commitment ceremony and long-term partners among 114 single, young (ages 18 to 29 years old) gay men. We take into account market characteristics (age, location, education level) and self-perceptions of participants’ bodies. We found notable diversity in participants’ aspirations for a commitment ceremony and preferences for long-term partners. Men who were more preoccupied with their own appearance (i.e., higher rates of self-objectification and wanting to be muscular) were more likely to want to have a commitment ceremony. Furthermore, respondents who lived in large metropolitan cities were more likely than respondents in small cities to value attractiveness in a potential partner. We draw on objectification and market theories, situate our findings in contemporary cultural landscape, raise questions, and offer future directions for research.