In 1995, a documentary film was released titled, “The Other Side of the Coin: Shinjuku Boys.” It was produced by filmmaker and cinematographer Kim Longinotto and British journalist Jano Williams. While the film did not make cinema history, it did feature three gender nonconforming heroes as transgender men living rather courageous lives in in a Japan that during the time was not especially welcoming to the queer community. The video portraits of these pointed to the complex representations of masculinity that each of them presented.
What’s In a Name?
For you grammar freaks, the terms masculine and masculinity are different parts of speech. Masculine is an adjective, describing the characteristics of the noun masculinity, referring to someone who is associated with those characteristics – tough, rugged, virile, and such.
We can dispense with the grammar by using the term “masc.” It can be an adjective or a noun, and it is one of those terms associated with the LGBTQ+ community.
Who’s Masc?
Anyone in the LGBTQ+ community may be masc, because it is not a gender identity. Instead, it is an orientation that leans toward or is masculine in behavior, dress, and overall presentation. A masculine identity can be subtle or obvious.
Think in terms of these people. Ellen DeGeneres is considered a butch lesbian. She is masculine in appearance, especially when compared to her partner, Portia, but her masculine presentation is more on the subtle side. Michael Sam, gay college and NFL football player, is an obvious masc – nothing subtle about his physique or demeanor.
In the LGBTQ+ community, anyone along the entire spectrum can be a masc, regardless of gender identity or orientation. And their masculine appearance can be pretty fluid as they choose.
So, the term can apply to all members, across the board, at any time, depending on how they present themselves – trans men, gay men, butch lesbians, bisexuals, agenders, fluids, non-binaries.
Suppose someone is gender fluid. Depending upon how they may feel from day to day, they may present as masculine or feminine. But they may be “forced” into a role by a binary society in certain situations. For example, a gender fluid was hired as a teacher with “persona” of a guy. All members of that workplace expect them to be masc. There are meetings, possibly with a school board that hired them, and the expectation is that they will present as masculine during all working hours. In that realm, they will be masc authentic and pass as fully male, no matter how they may feel inside.
Why is the Term Masc Important?
As a society, we somehow have a need to put things into categories or “boxes.” The LGBTQ+ community is no different. We want to identify according to where they fall on the spectrum, and these categories have been decades in the making – it’s like some kind of mission to find a term for everyone.
On that mission, masc is a relatively newer term, but it is an important one. Does is show up in a lot of publications? No. Is the term commonly used in programs or resources for the queer community? Maybe not. But for those who “wear” the label masc, at least in parts of their life, it’s important, and that’s what matters.
It’s All About Presentation
Just as the gender fluid teacher must present as masculine at work and in meetings; just as the non-binary person must present as masculine or femme in the workplace, the use of the term masc is situational to members of the LGBTQ+ community. The term masculine is simply one of the tools people develop and use as they move forward in defining their identity to friends and others.
Being masc or femme depends on how someone feels at any given time, and it is reflected in their physical presentation. Masc may be a permanent presentation for some or a changing one for others. The success of the term is that it is divorced from notions of genders or orientations.
And presenting as masculine is something that each individual must develop for themselves. However, there are some common methods for presentation, as masculine individuals search for their most meaningful and comfortable presentation.
Presenting as a Masc Person
Check out this list of masculine presentations, if you want a permanent or a temporary masc presentation. Pick and choose to get your brand of excellence.
The Haircut
Fortunately, there are so many hairstyles these days that can be considered masculine. There is of course the “classic” male hairstyle which is expertly coiffed in a salon. But there are others too – a man bun, a ponytail, dreds, a combover, a mullet, and more. Choose on that will inspire your look for you. A lot of https sites will provide portraits to choose from.
Your Clothing Style
You have so many options today. There is unisex clothing that will fit the bill for casual wear. You might choose a suit and tie for those meetings at work or more formal upcoming events, a casual blazer over a T-shirt and jeans, and so on. Whatever will serve your purpose will work.
Want to Be Swole?
If you are going after a full and permanent masculine look, then get thee to the gym and bulk up. Choose a diet to help out while you’re at it – lots of protein for starters.
Products that Help
Yes, there are plenty, many with trans men in mind but that can be valuable on those days when you are feeling masculine but don’t want anything permanent.
There are binders for females with boobs. And there a muscle suits to be worn under clothing. They may not be too comfortable in the hot summer months, and you will not be donning one for the beach or undressing in front of someone for an encounter. Still, for some events and meetings, they might make you feel more male.
Getting into the Feel of Being Masculine
Presentation is also all about mannerisms. Masculine people walk with firmness and a bit longer strides than femmes. They open doors and chairs out for females to sit. They stand when a woman arrives at a dinner table, and they shake hands firmly. Do yourself a favor and watch some TV or movies and observe how men behave. (not “Rambo” of course). You don’t want to adopt the aggressive and rude behaviors sometimes shown.
About Your “Junk”
Especially if you are blessed with female genitalia and going for a masculine look, you may want to enhance your junk – you can use scarves, socks, or even a prosthetic penis to get the desired “look.”
It’s All About You
You are in charge of how you wish to present to yourself or to others. And if you choose to present as masculine, either temporarily or permanently, have a look at what that means and how you can present you masculine persona in a way that makes you comfy in your own skin.
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