So why is everyone so surprised and embarrassed when we see a man aroused in public. Why do we judge them, as if their boner is evidence of low moral character?


But getting a boner in front of the wrong person -- your boss, your Sunday school teacher, your nephew -- might be embarrassing, if they conclude that you are aroused because you want to have sex with them. Or if you conclude that.

If you're just coming out as a gay man, and you become aroused in front of a lady, you might wonder "Am I really straight?"
It's never happened to me, of course, but I've heard of it happening to other guys.

Or a straight guy who becomes aroused in front of his buds might wonder "Am I really gay?"

They're not, of course. Arousal can occur due to any constriction in blood flow due to stress, fear, embarrassment, anger, or just fabric rubbing against the genitals. Or for no reason at all.
So don't be afraid of your arousal. It's unavoidable, it's nearly universal, and it does not necessarily reflect your erotic interests.
And a lot of gay men think it's hot.
See also: Wrestling Bulges.
You can even orgasm with no sexual intent if the stimulation continues long enough.
ReplyDeleteI still get as many awkward erections at 34 as I did at 12. Neoteny, I guess.