Findings supported previous reports that perceptions of gender roles among gay men appear based on masculine and feminine stereotypes. Written responses were collected from 547 self-identified gay men in the U.S. This exploratory study used consensual qualitative research methodology ( Hill et al., 2005) to analyze what gay men associate with masculinity and femininity, how they feel masculine ideals affect their self-image, and how masculine ideals affect their same-sex relationships.