...masculinity

What does masculinity look like to you?

‘In abstract terms, masculinity to me means stability, brotherhood and courage.’ Fabian, 25

‘I think when most people mention masculinity in today’s world it normally comes after “toxic” and I don’t think that should be the case. Masculinity should not be villainised, as it is so damaging to boys and young men who are trying to navigate it constructively.’ Wilfred, 24

‘If someone is missing the things we’d traditionally think of as masculine, does this make them less of a man? I don’t know how useful the term “masculine” is today.’ Saul, 24

‘I definitely like being a bloke, but I don’t have a very fixed notion of essential masculinity in my mind. Seems to me that in a few generations’ time we might all look back at the idea and wonder what all the fuss was about.’ Joe, 35

‘Patrick Swayze.’ Joe, 27

‘The most manly man I’ve ever known is my grandad.’ Leon, 22

‘Not really ever thought about this. I’m a man and I like football and drinking pints. I have learned since school that masculinity is just whatever a man chooses to do and whoever he chooses to be.’ Josh, 34

‘Masculinity is for me something I embrace as an aesthetic but culturally something to be avoided. I may look butch or masc, but only because I am male so clothes look like that on me. But being macho couldn’t be further from the truth with regards to my personality — nor do I see it as something to aspire to.’ James, 39

‘Masculinity is completely subjective depending on the culture you’re from and our perspective on it relies on how we grow up. To me personally, masculinity is playing football, it’s being mean, it’s punching someone in the face, it’s working out at the gym until you look like a god, it’s a bald head at 30 and it’s a raw smell that can often be described as divine.’ George, 35

‘Someone who is fully comfortable in how they look and what they wear without caring about what anyone else thinks.’ Mark, 44

‘Tough one, becoming an obsolete concept, but I guess being strong and providing for the family. Wearing socks with shoes.’ Alf, 41

‘To be someone who can be relied upon to be a protector, a giver of advice and a person who will always be there for support as well as standing up for what they believe is right.’ Harvey, 25

‘Jack Reacher.’ John, 74

‘I see it more in behaviour than in appearance. It’s a kind of confidence and a strength which presents itself in times of challenge as well as times of kindness.’ George, 25

‘My mind first goes to big guys, beards, muscles. But that’s more of what you are told to believe when you’re growing up as a guy. I’ve always been “skinny”, painted my nails when I was a teenager and wore stuff that might be considered “girly”. To be honest if someone uses that as a criticism against me with regard to how masculine I am, it tells me more about them than myself. I’m secure and confident as a straight guy.’ Max, 21

‘Somebody with biceps!’ Mahesh, 76

What are men thinking about right now? “Food… steak” Dan, 34

Boy George Gender chameleon: