Masculinities

Is the fragility of the social construction of masculinity greater than a flower?

I wanted to explore perceptions of masculinity and its limits. We looked for men in public spaces who dared to be portrayed with a wild flower in their ear.

We found all kinds of reactions to the invitation, some were offended by making it clear that they were male and were not willing to flagellate that identity with a little flower: "That's a women's thing." We received compliments, hostile looks and even misogynistic and homophobic reactions, not only from the men we involved, but also from their companions and passers-by attracted by what was happening.

This showed the persistence of gender stereotypes in the contemporary world, in this case, the streets of Havana, but also that many are willing - albeit symbolically - to accept new dynamics and explore outside the mold, thus beginning to change the structure of masculinity.

These men who dared to do so agreed when we explained the support that this image represented in the fight against gender-based violence against women. I loved the dialogue that each in their own way established with the flower.

It is imperative to question toxic and oppressive masculinity in order to get closer to more equitable and healthy relationships.