Gay
men do not differ from straight
men in the size and shape of any facial feature. Rather, the use of certain expressions can become ingrained in the musculature of the
face over time. Since effeminate gay
men utilize similar facial expressions as women, they develop female aging and muscle contraction patterns in their
face. For example, gay face includes tightness around the mouth from pursing the lips, a facial expression common to gay
men and women - but not to heterosexual
men. Also, gay
men are more emotionally expressive, leading to a general “tightness” and muscular activation through out the entire face. Gay face includes an eye expression that is both surprised looking and predatory. Eyebrows are usually arched higher than that of straight
men, and eyebrow hair is manicured. There is often a slightly tan and/or leathery look to the skin, especially among older gay
men. Lesbians also have a version of gay face that emulates the facial muscular usage patterns straight
men. They exhibit an under expression of emotion, relaxed brows, relaxed eyes, and less taut mouth and cheek muscles than straight women. The skin is usually pale and splotchy.
"I could tell he was gay from 50 feet away. His gay
face was
pretty severe." And "It's amazing Liberace could get away saying he was straight with that severe of a gay
face - not to mention the sequined costumes"