Name: Luke
Age: 24
Location: Brooklyn, NY
What’s masculinity mean to you?
Lol. I don’t know. It’s something that’s so loud and apparent that everyone seems to understand it even without a definition.Growing up I believed it was someone that was dominant and “alpha.” After I started being in monogamous relationships was when I started to question this. When you’re affectionate and caring towards your partner, you’re considered “whipped” and “beta” by your male peers. Which didn’t make sense to me. I’m still trying to figure it out. However, as I got older and went to college, guys were more loving, open and affectionate which I like a lot more and contrary to my high school beliefs.
So what makes you feel masculine?
Just being the best looking version of myself. I want to look in the mirror and be happy about my appearance. I know at the end of the day a better personality will attract a loving, trusting partner but I also want to be physically attractive. So i guess living up to beauty standards.
Who is someone successful?
Someone that looks at their friends succeeds and doesn’t feel jealous or insecure. Someone who doesn’t constantly question their status in a friend group and society. I didn’t grow up with a lot of money so money isn’t really a part of it for me.
What would you say influenced opinions or masculinity?
I always knew I was the most effeminate of all my guy friends even at an early age. I took ballet in preschool and continued until i was made fun for it. I’ve also mostly had women friends. When I started to have more guy friends, they were more critical, and I realized what masculinity doesn’t accept.
