Femmephobia & Men: A Snapshot
Masculinity Meets MakeUp: A Bold Journey into Full Glam: A Personal Experiment
The HIStory of Gender Expression POETRY Month FIJI SMOKEE On defying gender norms Rapper & Model
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This Issue is the first to have a cis-man on the cover, an important milestone as we are able to discuss how femmephobia infiltrates the male experience. For those reading and sharing this Issue: THANK YOU for caring and giving air to this important conversation!
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Fiji Smokee
FEMISH Intern Alicia Mendoza is a first-year master's student She is working toward her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler University She aims to become a mental health counselor and work with LGBTQ+ individuals, athletes, and women. Alicia is a social justice advocate and strongly values women's empowerment She also loves to box, spray-paint, and listen to music!
Fiji Smokee is a model and rapper in the Milwaukee, WI area As a cis-male, he has found joy and fun in finding his genuine selfexpression, which inlcudes things that society would label as “feminine”.
Founder of The FEMISH Organization, Femme Equity Activist, and attorney who was fed up with gender bias and discrimination She stumbled upon the term "femmephobia" and saw the need for this loop-hole in society to be closed @femmeesq
With AI at our side, our digital magazine was expertly curated, leveraging its organizational prowess to streamline content and its writing assistance to refine our message, ensuring a compelling and cohesive reader experience
Mental Health: Men may be less likely to seek help for mental health issues due to the stigma surrounding emotions and vulnerability. According to the American Psychological Association, men are four times more likely than women to die by suicide, highlighting the urgent need for destigmatizing mental health support for men.
Parenting and Caregiving: In a femmephobic society, men may face societal pressure to adhere to traditional gender roles, limiting their involvement in caregiving and parenting. This can lead to feelings of alienation and missed opportunities for bonding with their children.
Physical Health: men often face pressure to engage in behaviors like consuming large amounts of meat, drinking excessively, and smoking cigars. These behaviors, associated with traditional masculinity, can harm their physical health. For example, adhering to traditional masculine norms is linked to risky health behaviors like heavy drinking and smoking, increasing the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer.
Intimate Relationships: Femmephobia can impact men ' s intimate relationships by promoting toxic masculinity, which emphasizes dominance and control. This can lead to difficulties in expressing vulnerability, empathy, and authentic emotions, ultimately affecting the quality of their relationships.
Throughout history, men's gender expression has undergone significant changes influenced by cultural, social, and political factors In ancient civilizations like Egypt and Rome, men often adorned themselves with jewelry, makeup, and elaborate clothing, reflecting a more fluid approach to gender expression.
During the Middle Ages in Europe, gender norms became more rigid, with clear distinctions between men's and women's clothing and behaviors. However, even in this period, there were exceptions, such as the flamboyant clothing worn by some European nobility
The 20th century saw a shift in men's fashion towards more standardized and conservative styles, reflecting broader social norms However, the latter half of the century also saw the emergence of countercultural movements that challenged traditional gender roles. The 1960s and 70s, in particular, saw the rise of the hippie movement, which embraced more relaxed and unisex styles
In recent decades, there has been a growing acceptance of diverse gender expressions, with many men embracing styles and behaviors that may have been considered taboo in the past This shift is partly due to the influence of feminist and LGBTQ+ movements, which have challenged traditional notions of masculinity and promoted more inclusive understandings of gender
Today, men's fashion and gender expression are more diverse than ever, with men feeling freer to express themselves in ways that feel authentic to them, whether that means embracing traditionally masculine styles or exploring more gender-neutral or feminine expressions. This evolving landscape reflects a broader cultural shift towards greater acceptance of gender diversity and a rejection of rigid gender norms.
AValentine
Yesterday
Isawyoucry. Neckstooped,swanlike eyeslittlelakes.
Lightsbloomedbelowus asweascendedthehillside, ourimagecondensedaswatervapour andwebecameghostsonthewindow.
Itracedthecolouredlinesonyourmap, watching people’swindows werewideandglowingastelevisionsets.
Gatesoflace, agreasyspoon.
There was no moon.
-FreyiaLillanPorteous
Wearebeingeatenalive.
Ondisplay,theytakeanarmfirst, Eachlimbslowlyrippedoff, Eatenbeforemywideinnocenteyes, Mybodynolongermine.
“Youarebeautiful,fullofnutrients” theysay,
So,theytakewhatisworthytothem. Youaremine;youareminetheysay, Pickingupthescraps
Afingerhere,atoethere
Leavingtheresttorot.
Thentearsfallfromoureyes
Andfearengulfswhatremainsofus. Anxiety-ridden,psychoticminds, Theireyesshownothingbutdisdainand pity.
Theywonderwhywegocrazy.
-MaggieDroletAccording to a Pew Research Center report...
PEOPLEINOURSOCIETYTHESEDAYSLOOKUP TOMENWHOAREMANLYORMASCULINE
WHENASKEDHOWTHEYTHINKSOCIETY GENERALLYSEESWOMENWHOAREWOMANLY ORFEMININE,AMAJORITY(57%)SAYSSOCIETY NEITHERLOOKSUPTONORDOWNONWOMEN WHOAREFEMININE.
The text from the Pew Research Center highlights a concerning disparity in how society perceives masculinity and femininity, suggesting a lack of awareness regarding the challenges faced by individuals who embody feminine traits While a majority of respondents believe that society admires men who exhibit traditional masculine characteristics, such as being manly or masculine, the perception of women who are feminine is more neutral, with many stating that society neither praises nor criticizes them.
This disparity in perception suggests that society may be overlooking the consequences of femmephobia, or the fear or dislike of femininity and feminine qualities. Despite the evidence suggesting that bias, discrimination, and violence are often directed towards those who express femininity, there appears to be a gap in recognizing and acknowledging this issue The study indicates that society may be blind to the challenges faced by individuals who do not conform to traditional gender norms, particularly those who exhibit feminine traits
This research highlights the need for greater awareness and understanding of femmephobia and its impact on individuals and society as a whole. By recognizing the validity and importance of all gender expressions, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable society for everyone
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Getting my makeup done in full glam as a more masculine-presenting lesbian was an eye-opening experience, one that sparked mixed feelings and emotions. As someone who identifies as masc, there's a societal expectation that my appearanceshouldalignmoreclosely withtraditionalmasculinenorms.Yet,I was given the opportunity to get my makeup done by the very talented and skilled makeup artist Suzanne Sabat which drew my interest in experimentingwithmyfemininity. Upon reflection, there's a sense of empowerment in defying gender norms and expressing myself authentically, regardless of societal expectations
Makeup can be a form of artistic expression, allowing me to see differentcolors,textures,andstyleson me to create a look that reflects my personality and mood in a different way. It can be a means of reclaiming femininity on my own terms, challenging the notion that certain aesthetics are inherently tied to a specificgenderidentity.
However, there was a layer of discomfortthatcamewithnavigating the intersection of my masc presenting identity and my choice to wear makeup Society often imposes rigidbinarieswhenitcomestogender expression, leading to judgments and assumptions about authenticity and belonging. I sometimes find myself questioningwhetherwearingmakeup compromises my masc identity or invites unwarranted scrutiny from others within both the queer and heterosexual communities. There's a tensionbetweenwantingtochallenge societal norms and fearing the consequences of deviating too far from them. While makeup can be a source of confidence and selfexpression, it can also highlight the ways in which I don't neatly fit into preconceived notions of gender and sexuality
It's a reminder of the ongoing struggle to reconcile my authentic self with societalexpectationsandthepressure toconform.
Withthatsaid,whiledrivinginarushto gettoaninterviewaftermymakeover, I was embarrassingly pulled over by a policeofficerfordrivingtoofastwhich was unfortunate given the circumstances and sense of urgency to get to my interview. Being pulled over by a cop while wearing a lot of makeup feels like a collision of differentaspectsofmyidentity.Onthe one hand, there's a heightened awareness of how my appearance might be perceived, especially in a situation where authority and power dynamics are at play. Will the officer view me differently because of how I present myself? Will they make assumptions about my gender or sexual orientation? These thoughts racethroughmymindasIwaitforthe inevitableinteraction.
Yet, despite the initial apprehension, there's a moment of relief when I realizethatI'mnotgettingaticket.Did myappearanceplayarole?
Perhaps it's a small victory in a situation that could have gone differently. Maybe the officer didn't react to my appearance in the way I feared, or perhaps they simply didn't find a reason to issue a citation. Regardless of the reason, it's a reminder that perceptions and assumptions aren't always set in stone, and that there's room for understanding and empathy even in unexpectedencounters.
However, alongside that relief, the fact that I even considered how my appearance might influence the outcome of the interaction speaks volumes about the societal pressures and biases that still exist. It's a reminder of the constant negotiation between authenticity and safety, between challenging norms and navigatingtheconsequences.
In the end, the experience serves as a reminder of the complexities existing at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities. It's a reminder that the journey toward true acceptance and understanding is ongoing and that even small moments of validation can be both empowering and bittersweet. As I drove away, makeup still intact, I was left with a renewed determination to continue embracing all facets of my identity, regardless of the mixed feelingsthatmaycomewithit.
Ultimately, wearing girly makeup as a masc lesbian was a deeply personal experience that has shaped a multitude of factors, including selfperception, societal norms, and culturalinfluences.
A Personal Experience
,,,there was a layer of discomfort that came with navigating the intersection of my masc presenting identity and my choice to wear makeup.
It's about navigating the complex terrain of identity and expression while striving to carve out a space where I feel seen, understood, and accepted for who I truly am. Amidst the mixed feelings and uncertainty, there's a sense of liberation in embracing the full spectrum of my identity,evenwhenitdoesn'tneatlyfit into societal boxes. I’ve learned that life isn’t about trying to fit into a box that isn’t meant for you, it’s about embracing beauty in diversity that contributes to the richness of the humanexperience.
Set in the light and clean space of Brie’s pop-up art studio in Chicago, we gathered with our attendees to enjoy a tea party filled with impactful discussion and beautiful art.
FEMISH collaborated with Chicago-based artist Brie Hines for a n event that showcases her feminine art while holding a discussion on her experiences in life and as an artist.
Brie's art exudes a feminine essence through its colors, content, and the stories they tell. In a recent blog post, Brie discussed the common perception of her art as "cute." She highlighted how the feminine aesthetic of her pieces sometimes hinders viewers from recognizing the serious themes they depict. This experience of society dismissing the significance of something based on its girlish appearance is at the core of femmephobia, which sparked our conversation.
Femmephobia can deeply influence societal perceptions of validity, particularly regarding the seriousness or importance attributed to certain things. For instance, in the context of art, such as Brie's, which embodies feminine aesthetics, there's a tendency for viewers to dismiss its significance, labeling it as merely "cute." This shallow categorization can lead to the invalidation of the experiences and messages portrayed in the art, as they are overlooked or not taken seriously due to their feminine presentation. This dynamic reflects a broader societal issue where femininity is often devalued or trivialized, impacting how validity is assigned based on gendered stereotypes and biases.
Femmephobia's impact extends beyond art, affecting various aspects of life where femininity is present. This phenomenon not only limits individuals' opportunities but also reinforces harmful stereotypes, ultimately hindering progress toward a more inclusive and equitable society.
FijiSmokeeisamodeland rapperintheMilwaukee,WI area.Asacis-male,hehas foundjoyandfuninfindinghis genuineself-expression,which inlcudesthingsthatsociety wouldlabelas“feminine”.He paintshisnails,herocks differentlevelsofjewelry,and makesthesechoicestotally unapologetically.Breaking awayfromgenderexpectations,wetalktoFiji Smokeeonhisexperience.
Canyoushareabitaboutyourjourneyin expressingyourfemininityasastraightcis man?
Exploringfemininityasastraightcisman meanstryingoutthingsthatcantypicallybe seenasfeminine,likefashionorhobbies,butI justdowhatfeelsrightformeandIdon’t worryaboutwhatothersmightthink.Ipaint mynails,IwearwhatIwant,andIdon’t considerthegenderroleifitfeelsrighttome.
Howdoyounavigatesocietalexpectations andstereotypesregardingmasculinityand femininity?
IignorewhatsocietysaysishoulddoandI justdowhatIthinkalignswithwhoIam.I surroundmyselfwithpeoplewhosupportwho Iam.
How do you navigate societal expectations and stereotypes regarding masculinity and femininity?
I ignore what society says I should do and I just do what I think aligns with who I am. I surround myself with people who support who I am.
Have you faced any challenges or discrimination due to expressing your femininity?
People might consider the things I do or wear outside of the box. they might judge or talk behind my back. it’s best to ignore it, I don’t let their opinion affect me
What advice would you give to other straight cis men who want to express themselves more femininely?
Find what makes you feel more like yourself and rock with it Find your own vibe and don’t let anyone tell you differently
How do you think society can become more accepting and inclusive of individuals who express themselves in nontraditional gendered ways?
To become more accepting, society needs to teach people about different gender identities and ways of expression. We need more role models and I hope I can be one to anyone out there who wants to expressive themself in a new way
Have your views on gender masculinity/femininity evolved over time? If so, how?
I allowed myself to be open to new fashion being a model life opens you up to a new world and I accept everything that come with it
How do you define femininity, and how does it play a role in your life and self-expression?
Like I said femininity might reflect in the things I wear or activities I like to do I like to make jewelry, I like to paint my nails, and I like fashion and accessorizing These are things I do to express myself regardless if it’s considered feminine or not.
What do you think a world without femmephobia would look like?
More accepting a better place for our youth to grow up in
Can you share a positive experience you've had related to expressing your femininity?
Painting my nails showed a young man that it doesn’t matter that you like what you like they should respect you.
How do you think media and popular culture influence perceptions of gender expression, and what changes would you like to see in this regard?
Movies, TV, music and other things like that affect how we think about gender. They usually show only a few ways people can be... I want them to show all kinds of people being themselves regardless of “gender norms”
The Journal of Feminini.es is the first academic journal devoted to the study of Feminini;es and uniquely offers an outlet for scholarship on femininity. The Journal of Feminini.es cul;vates and unifies the field of Feminini;es by publishing content that advances theories and methods in the study of femininity. The journal seeks to challenge and re-examine the taken-for-granted norms and associa;ons of femininity and to treat Feminini;es as an academic discipline similar to others that focus on par;cular social dimensions. Ar;cles that appear in the Journal of Feminini.es contribute to deeper and more complex understandings of femininity
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19| FEMISH MAGAZINE
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THIS ISSUE, WE’D LIKE TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO WATCH ONE OF YOUR FAVES, AND SEE HOW MANY TIMES YOU CAN SPOT FEMMEPHOBIA. SHARE YOUR FINDINGS WITH US AT INFO@FEMISH ORG
BY
LIZ PLANK“A NONFICTION INVESTIGATION INTO MASCULINITY, FOR THE LOVE OF MEN PROVIDES ACTIONABLE STEPS FOR HOW TO BE A MAN IN THE MODERN WORLD, WHILE ALSO EXPLORING HOW BEING A MAN IN THE WORLD HAS EVOLVED “
MAN ENOUGH
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MAN, AND HUMAN, IN THE WORLD TODAY? THIS WEBBY-NOMINATED AUDIO & VIDEO PODCAST EXPLORES WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MAN TODAY AND HOW RIGID GENDER ROLES HAVE AFFECTED ALL PEOPLE.
DONT FORGET! THIS ENTIRE MAGAZINE IS INTERACTIVE, THERE ARE LINKS EVERYWHERE!
Wewillneverstopsharingresearchandstoriesto createabondedcommunityofchangemakers. Femmephobia&Gender-policingareprohibiting trueequality,andwehavehadenough.
FilloutourContributorformbelowandseehowyou canaddyourvoicetoournonprofitorganization's platforms.
Throughout this magazine you will find links in articles and descriptions to the sources of that information. In addition, we will list sources and credits here.
Pew Research Study
https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2017/12/05/americanssee-society-placing-more-of-a-premium-on-masculinity-than-onfemininity/
Takecare Photos
Cover photo, Photos of Fiji Smokee, and all photos from the FEMISH event: Tea & Art Soiree.