The only complicating factor is that a lot of Southern men seem gay to me. Maybe it's the accent, I don't know.
Perhaps the "Southern dandy" archetype still lingers in Southern culture?
Could be. I think it's the accent which seems a bit effeminate, it's the same with people from England.
There are loads of English accents, which ones do you find effeminate? Received pronounciation?
Assuming that "effeminate" traits point towards homosexuality is damaging to everyone.
I know these stereotypes didn't just appear out of thin air, but it's 2014. Haven't we grown out of this rubbish yet? Come on guys (no pun intended.. did you see what I did there? Can I come to your parties now?)
I'm a masculine voiced homo-American myself so I know what you're saying.
But, there is a gay-voice. Not all gay men have it, but pretty much only gay men have it. It's nothing to be looked down on, it's just that society and especially gay men, privileges masculinity. That's the real problem, that we think there's something wrong with being effeminate.