Speak Out: Gay Men Share Their Bromance Stories, What’s Yours?

(Photo Credits: AboutLife from Shutterstock)

Is it platonic, or something else?

A gay man on r/askgaybros recently shared his story about an incredibly close friendship with a straight male friend, describing it as deeply intimate but completely non-sexual. He asked, “Has anyone else ever experienced a bromance?” sparking a fascinating conversation about emotional intimacy, platonic love, and the unique connections between men, regardless of sexual orientation.

Bromance, a blend of “brother” and “romance,” refers to a deep emotional bond between two men that is typically non-sexual. It’s a relationship marked by closeness, vulnerability, and often physical affection—qualities not always associated with traditional male friendships. For gay men, bromances can be particularly nuanced, given the potential for blurred lines between platonic and romantic attraction.

Anyway, the original poster (OP) of the thread added:

Okay so has anyone ever experienced this? I have this relationship with a straight guy friend of mine and it’s so crazy how emotionally connected we are. I have a boyfriend and he has a girlfriend but sometimes we will just sneak off and talk for hours by ourselves when hanging out as couples , we sometimes watch horror movies ( we are horror movie fanatics) super close basically cuddling , we are very touchy feely like giving long hugs and just touch in general , everytime we hang out in a group or around our partners they’ll always make jokes like “you guys are soulmates” or “ you guys love each other” and we actually do !!! However I don’t have any sexual desire for him and vice versa however I feel extremely intimate with him , interacting with him is almost like looking in a mirror it’s sooo crazy but such a beautiful feeling! We get butterflies and a sense of calm energy together but again there is no desire to be sexually intimate. Has anyone else ever experienced a bromance?

His post sparked a lively discussion on what defines a bromance, how it differs from friendship, and the boundaries of emotional intimacy.

Many gay Redditors responded with their own experiences and perspectives. Some shared humorous takes, like one user who quipped: “In next week’s post: ‘so my straight buddy whom I’m not attracted to at all wound up with his dick in my mouth.’ Kidding!”

The original poster laughed, replying: “Lmao, our partners already think we are doing that, but naaah, it feels more platonic. He’s very handsome, but naaah lmao.”

The commenter elaborated: “I get it, I really do. Most of my male friends are straight, and I’m only attracted to about half of them lol. It’s the ones I’m not really attracted to that I have the closer friendships with, though. Sadly, a lot of the gay men in my life have shut me out when I didn’t want to date or have sex with them. It’s sad how that works.”

This sheds light on the challenge of maintaining platonic friendships in a culture where attraction can blur boundaries.

Other commenters discussed their own platonic relationships. One wrote: “Only with actually related males. The only time I’m that close with someone other than that is sexual-attraction based. But I do have a few ‘sistermances’—chicks who I just adore but wouldn’t touch.”

Another kept it simple: “There are few guys who are like brothers to me.”

For some gay men, it’s a matter of perspective: “That’s called friendship,” one commenter succinctly stated.

Others shared heartfelt stories, like one user who said: “A roommate—we are close, and he’s good looking. We hug each other, but it’s never sexual. He has a girlfriend, and I helped him propose to her by filming the proposal.”

Cultural norms also came up in the discussion. One commenter reflected: “Yes! I have many male friends who I hug and kiss and feel 100% comfortable with. I love that they are comfortable in their own skin and affectionate. Growing up, Italian and Spanish men in our culture hug and kiss. On the lips too. It’s not sexual. It’s love! 🥰“ This led to a playful reply: “On lips? With tongue too?”

Finally, some expressed a longing for such connections: “No, but I want one,” shared one user.

What about you, Adam4Adam readers? Have you ever experienced a bromance like the one described? Do you think these deep, non-sexual connections blur the lines between friendship and romance, or are they just another form of platonic love? Share your thoughts and stories about bromances, and let us know: how do you navigate close friendships with straight men—or anyone—while maintaining healthy boundaries?