I'm not downplaying the struggles of feminine men here. Matter of fact this happens in the first place. Because a lot of liberals don't truly view feminine men as "real men". So this post is definitely not anti feminine man post.

Some liberals only use feminine men as lip service as a fake attempt to defy male gender roles. When in reality a lot liberals are afraid of what it truly means when a man defy male gender roles lol. And also liberals are usually talking gay feminine men, not straight feminine. Because of homophobia and toxic masculinity on the left (ironically).

Going against traditional masculinity norms would be a man being a stay at home dad. Or being against the draft for men. Or helping men do less dangerous jobs or reduce homelessness for men. Even progressive women that are colleges educated still only want to date men on their level or higher. Since success is still associated with traditional masculinity in society.

So the left isn't breaking down any barriers with masculinity, if these convenient male gender role expectations still exists in society. Similar to masculine men. Feminine men are also put into a box too. For example, Even some masculine gay men talked about how they are not accepted in gay spaces, because they are not "gay enough". That's because society has rigid expectations for both straight men and gay men. Which extends to both masculine men and feminine men too.

The best comparison I could use here, is hwi society view bisexual men. Society thinking that men are either gay or straight. While society is ok with women being more fluid in their sexuality. I.E. Woman can have sexual/romantic relationships with multiple women. And still be considered straight, because it's just a "phase".

Society and also a lot of liberals surprisingly (not really surprising) view masculine men and feminine men the same way too. In society men are either masculine or feminine. There is no in-between for men. While a woman can be a traditional princess and a girl boss all at the same time. And most people outside Conservative wouldn't call that out.

I'm a gender Nihilist. And I had to argue about my gender identity with a PROGRESSIVE FEMINIST, (not a conservative capitalize on purpose) because of the fact I called myself a gender Nihilist.

The feminist was like if you are truly a gender abolitionist. You would being doing stuff like painting your nails or wearing make up. Because we all know men + gender abolishment automatically = feminine men (sarcasm). She said I was just being a lazy male who stills wants to benefit from male privilege without having none of the responsibilities.

Side tangent here: I just want to take a second to point out a gotcha movement here. Even Feminists subconsciously know there is responsibilities that comes with being a traditional man in society. I.E. the Feminist I argue with literally said "you just don't want none of the responsibilities of being a man". But I digress.

It's funny how the biggest progressives turn into Conservatives whenever non-feminine men don't adhere to traditional gender roles like being chivalrous or wanting to protect women. That feminist who questioned my gender Nihilism. Basically just wanted me to pick a side. Masculine or feminine.

Again society forces men into boxes. You are either masculine or feminine, there is no in-between. And when a man is feminine. That's means society won't take him seriously as a man. That's what this Feminist I argue with wanted me to do. Again pick a side. So If I Identified as feminine, that means she doesn't have take me seriously as a man. Because ironically this liberal feminist don't view feminine men as "real men".

She couldn't stand the fact the men can still not conform to ideas of masculinity without being feminine. Again she just wants to put men into two rigid boxes.

Mind you my gender Nihilism wouldn't be an issue if the genders were reversed. Because again society is more flexible and less rigid with women gender identities. So a women can say she doesn't care about being a traditional woman. And the Feminist I argue with wouldn't dare tell that woman to go play Football, if you are really serious about not following gender roles.

This double standard only happens with men, because society puts men in either a masculine box or feminine box. It's only a problem when men don't conform. It's considered empowering when women don't conform to gender norms. Gay men or feminine men are only given a pass. Because liberals view them as men just stepping out of their gender roles. Therefore not viewing them as "real men".

Again women are expected to be more fluid in society.

Women have an easier time being bisexual compared to bisexual men.

Women have an easier time being masculine, compare to men being feminine.

And most importantly non-traditional women have a easier time not conforming to gender roles, compared to non-traditional men.

I.E. that Feminist who I was arguing with. Wants me to fit in a box. While she will allow a woman more freedom and nuance with their gender expression. And not even make that woman be limited to either masculine or feminine.

To feminists like her. Men must either perform their traditional masculine roles. Or men must wear dresses, so they can signal to society that they are not "real men".

So basically this translates to. Feminine men are cool, because they dress in clothing that screams "I'm not a real man". This helps me seperate the feminine men from the "real men". So all those misogynistic incels, red-pillers, or conservatives better follow their gender scripts, or they should just wear dresses if they don't want to deal with any responsibilities of being a "real man".

They won't flat-out say this. But it's obvious this is how they think about male gender expression, think of it in a very rigid way.

In conclusion.

Liberals are only trolling when they use feminine men as examples of men that don't conform to male gender roles. Since a lot of liberals still get pissed when they see non-feminine men not adhering to traditional gender roles.