Can the way someone sounds influence how they are treated? Emmy-nominated actor Cooper Koch, known for the TV Series Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, recently shared a striking experience. In an interview, he revealed that he struggled to get acting roles. When talking about this with his teacher, she told him the reason: he ‘sounded gay’ (Tabberer, 2024). Cooper openly identifies as gay, yet it was his voice, rather than his talent, that was seen as a barrier. He is unlikely to be the only one.
In the UK, discrimination based on perception is unlawful under the Equality Act (2010). This means that treating someone unfairly because they are perceived as gay is legally prohibited. Still, experiences like Cooper’s suggest that subtle forms of bias persist. As we approach the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (May 17), it is worth reflecting on how these judgments emerge and why they matter.
The ‘Gay Voice’ as a Stereotype
The idea of a ‘gay voice’ is a stereotype. People often hold expectations about how a gay man, and to a lesser extent a lesbian woman, ‘should’ sound. But research clearly shows that there is variation in how people speak (Kachel et al., 2017) and that there is no single way a gay person sounds. So, how do these perceptions form? Individuals tend to assume everyone is straight, unless something suggests otherwise (Lick & Johnson, 2016; Fasoli et al., 2023). That ‘something’ is often linked to gendered cues. For example, a man perceived as having a more ‘feminine’ voice is more likely to be perceived as gay. These judgments are not necessarily accurate. What people often refer to as ‘gaydar’ strongly relies on stereotypes rather than reliable indicators of sexual orientation.
Many often ask: Where do these stereotypes come from? Media representations likely play a role. Back in the day, gay male characters were often portrayed as more feminine, sometimes with exaggerated vocal traits (Cartei & Reby, 2012). Not only that, as explored in David Thorpe’s documentary Do I Sound Gay? (2014), similar vocal patterns have also been used for animated villains; think of characters like Jafar in Aladdin. These portrayals may reinforce associations between certain voices and particular identities or negative portrayals.
When Voice Triggers Bias
If people make assumptions about sexual orientation based on voice, what are the consequences for those perceived as ‘sounding gay’? Research suggests they can be significant. Gay men who believe they sound gay are more likely to expect discrimination and may become more vigilant in social interactions to avoid stigma (Fasoli et al., 2021). But it is not only about expectations: Many gay men whose voice matches the ‘gay voice’ stereotype report experiences of bullying at school and stigmatisation at work, which can lead to increased self-consciousness about their voices (Fasoli et al., 2023).
These perceptions also shape decision-making. For example, when people evaluate job candidates, men perceived as ‘gay-sounding’ are less likely to be hired for leadership positions compared to ‘straight-sounding’ men. Interestingly, for women, the pattern can be even more pronounced: ‘Lesbian-sounding’ women may face greater discrimination, possibly because their voices signal a double (gender and sexual orientation) minority (Fasoli & Hegarty, 2020). Bias, however, may sometimes look ‘positive’. In some contexts, ‘gay-sounding’ men may be evaluated more positively for roles associated with ‘feminine’ skills such as interpersonal sensitivity (Fasoli & Teasdale, 2025). While this may appear advantageous, it can also channel individuals into specific roles, restricting access to a wider range of opportunities.
Importantly, there are ways to reduce these biases. One of the reasons ‘gay-sounding’ people are kept away from leadership roles is because they are seen as less competent than ‘straight-sounding’ candidates. So, clearly communicating their competence, motivation, and ability to achieve goals, as often happens in job interviews, may make evaluators focus on relevant skills rather than vocal cues (see Fasoli & Formanowicz, 2024). This can help mitigate the impact on initial voice-based assumptions.
As Pride Month (June) approaches, it is worth reflecting on how quickly we draw conclusions from something as immediate as a voice. When you find yourself thinking, ‘They sound gay’, remember that this judgment is probably shaped by stereotypes and that it can influence social interactions and decisions. Let’s move beyond these assumptions and celebrate the diversity of all voices.
About the author: Fabio Fasoli, Ph.D., is an associate professor in the School of Psychology and co-director of the Sex, Gender, and Sexualities Research Centre at the University of Surrey.