1. The act of a gay individual repressing his/her identity (including, but not limited to, their ideas, appearance and sexual attraction) for a more heterosexual one while in public.
2. Straight face is usually used when an individual does not want "others" to know that they are gay, so they may
opt to take on a more "straight" persona to protect their interests. (Note: Not to be confused with being
on the down low or
in the closet, these specific terms do not apply).
John identifies as a gay man around his friends and family, however, at work, his co-workers believe him to be straight because he portrays himself as a "stereotypical" heterosexual male through his
inadvertent qualities and/or behaviors. For an example, he may participate in conversations about
sexy women, and do other things he normally would not, only to conform. This is called "
straight face".
