Oreo
That’s something I don’t understand either Primrose53 and the only thing I can think of is that way of speaking lets other guys know that they’re gay? It does grate on the ears.
Yes, it be a way of expressing an identity, and it can go back to childhood for some. It is quite common in the theatre or performing arts industries, and some cultivate that way of speaking. DH was a London stage lighting designer and had several gay friends as this industry does naturally attract them for their creativeness and sensitivity. Having said that, there are plenty of gay men -footballers, doctors, politicians (!!) who don't speak like that, so it appears to be a choice. I don't really notice either way after a few minutes.
Remember John Inman? That's how he was all the time.