You searched for queer masculinity - Page 7 of 59 - Everyday Feminism

We are yin and yang — seemingly oppositional forces that are actually complementary and interconnected.

One person holding another's head down, condescendingly

Feeling as if she needed to prove her own lesbianism outwardly, this author adopted the male gaze. Here’s her story of how she became one of the boys – and not shockingly, a very poor one – and how we can all do better to respect the women in our lives.

How does essentialist feminism hurt women and feminist causes? Why liberating women by embracing a “true nature” isn’t liberating at all.

Despite what we like to think, feminism is not always the inclusive space that we want it to be. It can actually be an unsafe place for those seen as outsiders. A small (but vocal!) minority of feminists has a history of purposefully excluding trans struggles from feminism. And not only is this harmful for trans people, but it actually weakens feminism. Here’s why.

A typical "woman" sign and a typical "man" sign are blending together

This author’s identity is more fluid than they once thought. These lessons they’ve learned through the process of discovering that might just change your perspective on gender and sexuality, too.

Person looking in a mirror, with hearts around their head, indicating self-love

This author once believed the toxic messages that feminine gay men are undesirable and unlovable. These strategies helped him love himself – and they can remind you that you’re worth loving, too.

A heart on a clothes line is being cut by a pair of scissors

Coping with rejection? If you’re like this reader who wrote to us, you know some straight men turn to MRAs, pick up artists, and other groups for support. Here’s why the Manosphere’s not giving the help you need.

[Doctor in a white gown looking down and smiling at a patient.]

Invalidating responses to male pregnancy are common, which can lead trans men to internalize the belief that it’s not acceptable to both be a man and desire pregnancy. But many of those responses are based on misconceptions and assumptions. So here are the deeper realities. With this knowledge, we can move beyond the limits of what’s “acceptable” for a man.

What’s the real reason why these dudes can’t handle a conversation about sexism without saying “not all men?” This comic nails it.

What are we going to do with Donald Trump as president? It may feel hard to find answers – so here’s an honest, compelling take.

What do you think the purpose of public education is? If you want it to do more than repeat the status quo, here’s why feminism has to be part of the equation.

Being an ally is difficult, especially as a heterosexual cis male. The pressures of (traditional notions of) masculinity and a lifetime of systematic patriarchal training are difficult to overcome. So I have compiled four pieces of advice — based on my own experiences and slip-ups — to help all cis males (myself included) become open feminists and allies.

We believe parents can start educating children about consent and empowerment as early as 1 year old and continuing into the college years. It is our sincere hope that this education can help us raise empowered young adults who have empathy for others and a clear understanding of healthy consent. There are three sections, based upon children’s ages, preschool, grade school, and teens and young adults.

Are they/them pronouns really “gender neutral” for someone who’s always been read as a fat, Black woman? These are important layers for the conversation on gender identity.

If you can relate to this author’s sense of loss, you may have experienced gender dysphoria. These strategies can help.

When we teach young boys how to “act like a man,” what are we really teaching them? Poet Joseph Capehart argues that our socially constructed view of masculinity is wolf-like: violent, aggressive, and emotionless. And our boys – and later, our men – struggle with and suffer from that. So watch this performance and rethink what masculinity means to you and yours.

The patriarchy hurts everyone, including men. Do you have any examples of how a lack of emotional expression has hurt a man in your life?

Sure, patriarchy is set up to benefit men – but these patriarchal norms are hurting men, and here’s how feminism can help.

#1: “Sow your wild oats.” You don’t have to follow these messages — and this shows how you’ll be better off with a healthier approach to sex.

Too many times, oppressed people use whatever power they have secured to oppress another instead of using that power to challenge the hierarchal order of things. Internalized racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, and misogyny are all alive and well and we must continue to battle those beasts within. We have to ask more of ourselves and the communities we are a part of.