Becker (2009) offers the concept of a queer straight masculinity. He bases this idea on the what he argues are increasingly common performances of queer masculinity among straight characters. For Becker (2009), these performances offer a way of renegotiating hegemonic masculinity in culture.
As examples, Becker (2009) offers instances of popular cultural "bromances." These homosocial performances of "guy love" generally end in a reiteration of the characters heterosexuality. Though this could be read as a homophobic response, Becker (2009) argues that in the current cultural climate, these performances are instead meant to indicate straight men who are comfortable in their sexuality.
It is somewhat problematic that queer straight masculinity is often set in a comedic context. For Becker (2009) the tongue-in-cheek context used in queer straight masculine portrayals on shows like Scrubs and 30 Rock can work against the complexity of queer straight masculine identities. However, Becker (2009) sees these portrayals as ultimately positive, as they help to blur the false dichotomy between heterosexual and homosexual.
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