Men

Men perform masculinity in the same way women perform femininity. Men and women both perform for men.

I feel most confident in my looks when I am not thinking about if a man would approve. It can be hard to distinguish what parts of my personal style is internalized misogyny, and what are my own interests. (Ex: an outfit can appeal to the male gaze and also be something I want to wear. The best way I have combat this is learning more about high fashion and its history. Fashion has helped me separate men’s opinions and my emotions towards my style by looking at it from a creative’s point of view instead).

Men’s experiences are similar to mine in that they want to appear masculine to gain approval of other men. My evidence to this is when I have explained the anxieties in my artworks to men, I am surprised how easily they can relate. Men tell me how they consider if their clothing and body image are masculine enough; they will treated differently depending on how manly they present; and, women are not their final audience.

A goal of mine is to paint more men especially after hearing they feel the same as me. Talking to the loved ones in my life solidifies everyone experiences a waning anxiety towards getting ready, regardless of gender.