In addition, approximately 1 - 2 percent of the women were exclusively homosexual (vs. 4 percent of the men). To summarize Kinsey's findings the occurrence of homosexual activity is considerably lower in female sample than that of males.
To answer the question if there are more gay males than lesbians at Penn State it is important that we look at a variety of components that could affect this outcome; geographical setting, friendships/associations, stigma attached with homosexuality, etc. .
Penn State University prides itself on being an institution of diversity, but at the same time is one of intolerance. Situated in a rural mountain setting, there is little wonder as to why sexual liberation is less progressive than its neighboring metropolitan cities--Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Larger cities foster diversity and "alternative- lifestyles to flourish, which in turn allow individuals of both sexual orientations, but more specifically gay men and lesbians to be prominent. Regardless of the more progressive nature of generation X cohort, there is still an intolerance of what is seen as being different, and for this fact I believe there is hesitation of those who are homosexual but present themselves as heterosexual. Referring back to Alfred Kinsey, I believe there are more gay men and lesbians, but due to the negative connotations associated with male homosexuality, many choose to keep their true sexual identity a secret. Due to the socially constructed notion of women being nurturers, women may feel more at ease to reveal their true lesbian identity, because there are less retaliatory consequences of their lifestyle by their college-mates. .
To briefly surmise my thoughts, I believe there are more gay men than lesbian women on Penn State's campus, but due to the connotations and negative consequences, that outweigh the positive consequences, they are more likely to conceal their true homosexual identity.
