Homohysteria is the fear of being thought homosexual because of behavior that is typically considered gender atypical.
[2] Not fitting into gender stereotypes (gender atypicality) has historically been associated with gay men, with the trials of Oscar Wilde furthering this belief in Britain and elsewhere, with his conviction of gross indecency furthering public stereotypes about gay males.
[3] Homohysteria is a concept established as part of Professor Eric Anderson's Inclusive Masculinity Theory.
This concept has been utilised in explaining homophobia and gender policing among females also;[6] primarily by Rachael Bullingham in her exploration of the athletes experiences in team sports.
[7] Western homohysteria is believed by Eric Anderson to have peaked in the 1980s, following the HIV/AIDS epidemic amongst gay men.