Last September, researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison challenged the validity of gaydar. Despite previous research from across the globe proving that gaydar is, in fact, real, this recent study, published in the Journal of Sex Research, stated that gaydar is purely based on harmful stereotypes; thus it doesn’t exist.
Sure, I can assume that my neighbor across the street is gay, because I can hear Madonna’s Ray of Light album blasting from his Miata every day. I also can hear him having sex with his boyfriend every night, but how can researchers explain my superhero-like ability to hone in on the only lesbian in a sea of people even if she doesn’t have flannel on or sporting a crew cut? Maybe gaydar is Big Foot. It’s somewhat of a myth, but those who have seen it in action are firm believers in its existence.
The first time I saw Ellen Page flash across the big screen in Juno, I whispered to my friend next to me, “So is this movie about a pregnant teenage lesbian?” It took close to eight years, but Ellen Page is now out and proud. We’re not saying that the celebrities on this list are gay, lesbian, bi, or whatever. However, sometimes our gaydar goes off so loudly that we can barely hear ourselves think and sometimes our ‘dar slightly beeps like a dying battery on a cheap digital watch. These celebs do both.
You’re probably thinking, “Didn’t he come out before I was even born?” Even though the hyper flamboyant weight loss guru has been in the public eye since the 1980s, screaming at people in an annoying high pitched voice while prancing around in booty shorts covered in sequins, Simmons has YET to come out as gay or bi publicly. We don’t want to have the image in our heads about his sex life, but clearly, he sets off anyone’s gaydar; even your in-denial aunt who still thinks your boyfriend is just your friend who goes on weekend trips with you to tour vineyards.
Our gaydar went off a few years ago for his Twilight co-star, Kristen Stewart. Now, she’s out and proud sporting fashionable tomboy looks and getting comfy with her French singer girlfriend, SoKo. Taylor has been linked to an array of young female celebs like Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez, but we know that Mr. Lautner is a fan of the West Hollywood gay bar scene and is BFF's with gay underwear models. If that doesn’t send pulses to your gaydar receptors, I’d suggest you take your ‘dar in for a tune up.
While most gay ladies who watch Orange is the New Black have a crush on the mysterious ex-drug kingpin, Alex Vause played by Laura Prepon; it’s Alex’s on-again-off-again girlfriend Piper Chapman played by Taylor Schilling who pings our gaydar. Schilling has been seen snuggled and cuddled with Portlandia funny lady and Sleater-Kinney rocker, Carrie Brownstein for about a year. Brownstein has been open about her bisexuality for well over a decade. Ms. Schilling, not so much.
Ex-Disney stars have a tendency to dabble in queer life after they leave the Land of the Mouse. Remember when Britney and Christina shared a passionate kiss with Madonna way back in 2003? Last year, Miley Cyrus came out as genderqueer and pansexual. While Demi Lovato has remained a bit quiet on the subject of her sexuality, our gaydar went off when she released her single, 'Cool for the Summer.' With lyrics such as, “Got a taste for the cherry, I just need to take a bite” We know what Ms. Lovato is hinting at. It isn’t just her bi-curious lyrics that ring the alarms. Back in 2014, a few tweets were sent out by everyone’s favorite queer lady du jour, Ruby Rose suggesting that she and Demi hooked up. Maybe “Cool for the Summer” is about said hook up?
People who are extremely homophobic in their views and are very vocal about it are usually repressing gay proclivities. If I had a dime for every time a homophobic religious figure or politician got caught in a gay sex scandal, I’d have enough money to stay in the Hamptons for an entire summer. Texas senator and GOP presidential candidate, Ted Cruz has all the signs of another closet case, Republican religious zealot. Not only does our gaydar set off for Cruz because his stance on LGBT issues is downright appalling, but for other things as well. Such as his love for musical theater. According to Cruz, he sang Broadway show tunes to his wife before bed and performed in many theater productions from his days as a high school student to while attending Harvard Law.
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