Over the several decades in which cultural anthropologists have been studying queers, none has been able to explain to connection between non-normative gender/sexual expression and the strong desire to wear short-shorts.
Though the direct correlation is still being researched, what is known is that queers will find any excuse to where short-shorts. Occasions in which this apparel choice occurs vary.
Queers are commonly known to be the record holders of the ”shortest shorts at the gym” award. Also, sports of choice for queers are frequently those in which short-shorts are considered acceptable attire (gymnastics, kickball, track&field, golf).
However, the territory in which queers are most likely to be spotted partaking in this particular cultural activity is at any costume party. Several thematic variations exist, but the most common form taken is as any stereotypical type of person from the 70’s including but not limited to: police officer’s, roller-derby girls, biker’s, go-go dancers, hippies, or people with mustaches.
The most highly developed form of this cultural activity, the queer short-shorts party (fig. A), can be wittnessed only in densely queer geographic areas (i.e. Portland, New Orleans, New York and San Francisco).This particular thematic form of celebration forgoes the umbrella term of “costume” used by non-queers, and simply requires that participants come as themselves, except with an inseam of less than 3″.
If you find yourself invited to one of these parties, it is important to remember that any non-queer sensabilities you may have about appropriate attire must be ignored. If you are unsure of the correct garment to be worn, a fail safe choice is to attend in your underwear (excluding boxershorts) only. This will not only help you to blend in, but it will gain you the respect of your queer fellow celebrators for your overall outlandishness.
Some ogling is to be expected, but relative safety can be maintained by avoiding the dance floor entirely.
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do those green things even count as shorts!? they just look like underpants to me.
Actually, those of us on the str8 cutting edge of the homo-reconstruction movement within the contemporary American male demographic find the “short-shorts” phenomenon
to be hedge. We’ve gone directly to the jockstrap not only for casual wear but most importantly for business dress. You’ll find us at all-male corporate boardroom meetings across the nation ready to “get down to business” clad in Brooks Brothers suits, shirts, rep ties, shoes, garters, and socks…minus the pants of course but featuring bulging army issue jockstraps. Thank you.
The Committee for Getting Str8 About Straight
as a portland queer i never attended a short shorts party. but oh, how I wish I had! perhaps this short falling was made up for by attending homo-areobics sunday mornings, a short shorts safe space for the hung-over where jumping around was encouraged.
our fearless leader says it all
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tugboatpress/2838397633/in/set-72157607175065335/