Summary
The “femosphere,” a growing online space for women, mirrors the misogynistic “manosphere” with toxic ideologies, including anti-gender equality views and strategies to “conquer” men.
The term describes communities like Female Dating Strategy and “dark feminine” influencers who reject liberal feminism, advocating traditional gender roles as empowering.
“Femcel” influencers urge their followers to give up on gender equality and use men for financial gain – in the name of feminism.
Critics warn these spaces mix conservative and feminist ideas, creating “anti-feminist feminism” that appeals to those disillusioned with mainstream feminism.
While less linked to violence than the manosphere, researchers caution against its potential for radicalization and harm.
The best part about being in the middle is that both teams hate you! /s
I personally identify as a non-conforming man and the amount of hate I get from traditionalists on both sides is deeply disappointing.
Genuine question, what do you mean by non-conforming?
It means I’m not trans, and I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m non-binary - but I don’t like or accept the gender norms of being a man. I refuse to conform to societal expectations about what a man should look like or how a man should act.
Interesting. I’d have to say I’m the same. I mean I’m very cis and very straight but I hate traditional gender roles and norms. I’m wearing women’s yoga pants as I type this.
Yeah, people feel threatened by any behavior that doesn’t conform to their norms. I practice apathy towards their attitudes, and keep an eye out for violence.
Ditto, given my ADHD, love of fantasy and other things I’ve always been an outsider. Their judgment is their problem - my partner loves me as I am and that’s not only the opinion I care about the most but also the only one that’s really relevant since I’ve no intention of forming either a platonic or romantic relationship with any hater.
The only real thing that hurts is when my expression hurts my loved ones. I recently had to go to a funeral in the south and I dressed normally for my flights and transit but eschewed a skirt and wore slacks to the ceremony.
Thankfully as a large man, while I’m a friendly giant, I am a giant and physical threats are extremely rare. But I do have trans friends who have faced real danger.