This solidarity is evident through so many of our cultural practices: diva-worship, for example, which Daniel Harris attributes to the “almost universal experience of homosexual ostracism and insecurity”. Consequently, by banding together, we can alleviate each other of the damaging consequences of homophobia and misogyny. Through the fact that we both face oppression of varying degrees and types from straight men, we are thought to share parts of the same struggle. Nonetheless, the trope as both a cultural phenomenon and a lived experience has produced the same result: the widespread societal conception that a sense of solidarity exists between gay men and (mainly cisgender, straight/bisexual) women. A chance to play a role that will finally be met with acceptance, albeit contingent on an accepted notion of how a gay man should behave – one often laced with homophobic stereotypes. Whilst the former is, at best, a cheesy plot driver, the latter can extend a lifeline for young gay men in heteronormative environments like high schools and workplaces, many of whom still tremble behind airtight closet doors. Damian and Janis.Ī double–edged sword: both a timeless Western film trope, and a stereotype entrenched in the near-universal experiences of gay men. In fact, they are often the worst offenders. Gay men are not immune from contributing to the misogyny women face. CW: homophobia, misogyny, racism, sexual violence