The Shame Men Suffer (Press, 18 June 1977)

On 18 June 1977, Christopher Reed, writing for the "Guardian," highlighted a groundbreaking study by a progressive women's group in California called the Queen's Bench, which is composed of female lawyers and judges. This group has been investigating a largely overlooked aspect of the male rape crisis—specifically, the violation of men by men. Based in San Francisco, a city known for its significant homosexual population, the Queen's Bench has challenged the common belief that male rape is primarily a homosexual act or that such crimes do not exist at all. The group's comprehensive report on male rape is expected to be released by the end of 1977, but preliminary findings have emerged from one of their male researchers, Gary Collins. His survey reveals two prevailing public attitudes about male rape: one that suggests gay men invite such attacks through their dress and behaviour, and another that denies the existence of male rape altogether. Collins' interviews and questionnaires showed that while many male victims often appear frail or effeminate, they are not definitively homosexual, particularly among younger victims. In 1976, it was estimated that around 300 men were raped in San Francisco, excluding cases in prisons where such incidents are more rampant. Of these victims, it is believed that over two-thirds did not disclose their experiences to friends, family, or romantic partners. The types of assaults reported included sodomy (14%), oral copulation (11%), both acts (5%), attempted sodomy (6%), and a rare case of "postillioning" (1%). Collins found that the majority of victims were young men, with 26% aged 15-19, 54% aged 20-29, and 17% aged 30-39, and an average age of 24. The oldest reported victim was 52. A significant barrier to reporting these crimes, according to Collins, is the profound shame that male victims experience, which can lead them to question their masculinity and wonder what traits may have attracted the assailant. In contrast, women typically do not doubt their femininity following a rape. The study supports Susan Brownmiller’s theories in her influential book on women's rape experiences, indicating that rape is more about inflicting humiliation and exerting power than about uncontrolled lust. A specific case highlighted involved a bus driver who was raped at gunpoint but who refrained from pursuing legal action due to feelings of humiliation and an unwillingness to disclose his experience to other men. In California, male victims face additional challenges in the legal process, notably that their sexual orientation can be questioned in court—something that female victims are not subjected to. This has prompted the Queen's Bench to advocate for legislative changes to ensure that all references to gender in rape law are removed, acknowledging that men can also be victims of rape. As of now, only Massachusetts officially recognises this crime involving male-on-male assault. The ongoing study indicates that male rape can lead to severe psychological repercussions, including feelings of insecurity and potential breakdowns. Many victims find themselves celibate for extended periods following the assault, and some may feel compelled to relocate entirely from their neighbourhoods after their traumatic experiences.

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