Hierarchies Within Hierarchies: How Race/Ethnicity and Skin Tone Contribute to Body Image Concerns for Men and Gender Diverse People Who Have Sex with Men

Abstract Body image discourse has historically excluded the experiences of men and gender diverse People of Colour who have sex with men (MPCSM). Across 805 Grindr users, we examined associations between race/ethnicity, skin tone, and body image variables for men and gender diverse people who have sex with men (MPSM). We found that MPCSM reported experiencing greater skin tone surveillance than White participants, but that other body image variables did not differ between races/ethnicities. Further, there was a curvilinear relationship between participant skin tone and actual-ideal skin tone discrepancy, whereby participants with extremely light or dark skin tones were most at-risk for skin tone dissatisfaction. These findings were complemented by the fact that MPCSM and participants with darker skin felt pressured (and were more likely) to skin lighten than their White and lighter-skinned counterparts, and vice versa for tanning. Taken together, these findings indicate that beauty standards pertaining to skin tones exist for MPSM in Western cultures. Specifically, they suggest that tanned/bronzed skin is revered for White men and gender diverse people, while lighter ‘caramel’ skin is idealised for MPCSM (i.e., there are hierarchies within hierarchies). Findings elucidate the need for additional body image research focusing on the unique experiences of MPCSM, including examinations of the intersecting impact of racial/ethnic identity and skin tone on body image.