talking funny

[slimjim]

This is a serious question. Why do so many gay men seem to talk in that John Inman style? Is this a biological condition? Is it part of their act? Am I making an awful sweeping statement?

[Dacetine]

Is it done on purpose? I do not know. It certainly serves to advertise the fact that the speaker is likely to be gay, and therefore is a useful signal; it lets gay men recognise each other and helps avoid the faux pas of chatting up a straight guy.

[jjf2003]

You can't judge somebody by their voice, but many gay young men are probably more comfortable, on reaching manhood, to use an effeminate voice rather than try to put on a stronger, more 'confident' man's voice.

[spiff]

I think that sometimes it's done on purpose- when a "normal" speaking friend of mine told us he was gay,he suddenly went VERY camp. Also another mate of mine who is gay can't stand that sort of voice.A conversation once went something like this...MATE: "listen to them lot over there.Bleeding poofs!! ME:"er,but like you're your'e gay." MATE:"That's right spiff, I am gay. But they're poofs!"