Making Masculine

SYNOPSIS

A documentary about the constructs of masculinity and pressure that society places on all of us to fit into a heteronormative culture. Director Nicholas Swatz turns the camera on himself to share his personal experiences with femmephobia within gay culture, and how he had to find a sense of peace with his feminine characteristics. We also hear from Justin Gerhard, a Canadian actor who has made an online-personality out of his sexuality in the form of The Gay Men Channel on Youtube, and how he challenges the masculine 'norm' that has followed him since childhood. Dakota Conduct, a Chicago-based drag queen who embraced drag culture in response to the Trump presidency, shares personal triumphs after coming out and being rejected by family. Farah Ali, a clinical psychologist explains the psychological effects that the coming out process has on LGBT youth, and where low self-worth comes into play in the story.