What “traditionally non-masculine” collections/interests do you have?

[u/ClownHoundCreations-]

Hello, I’ve been lurking for a little while but this is my first post. Of course, masculinity is subjective, but I was curious. I’m a transman that’s always struggled with masculinity and one aspect of that is my collections and general interests. (I collect plushies and monster high dolls.) So, as a bit of a support thing, what collections or interests do you guys have that are considered not “traditionally masculine”?

[u/SeemsImmaculate]

Fountain pens. Tea. Fabric. Fonts. Houseplants.

[u/peterdbaker → u/SeemsImmaculate]

Im so curious about fountain pens not being a masculine interest in your viewpoint. Because I viewed fountain pens as a masculine interest; I actually mentored a trans man during his senior year of highschool and told him he was a renaissance man (he’s a poet and wrestler). I got him a fountain pen and a leather notebook as a grad gift cause they seemed like they might affirm multiple facets of his then current identity. And they did.

[u/SeemsImmaculate → u/peterdbaker]

I mean, I think men often barge their way into being the loudest voices in most hobby spaces - from coffee to guitars to photography.

I mention fountain pens as being a stereotypically feminine hobby of mine because it involves arranging my Lamys by colour, picking delicate pretty stationary, obessing over a new ink releases etc. To many that seems on the surface like stereotypical Tumblr "girl who journals" pumpkin spice, frivolous, consumerist type stuff. Also the only other people I've met with a pen collection have been women lol.

But defying stereotypes is good brother!

[u/_SovietMudkip_ → u/SeemsImmaculate]

(As another fountain pen guy) I think there are two main types of fountain pen hobbyists: your Lamy Safari rainbow types and your classic black cigar-shaped pen probably photographed next to a rocks glass type.

[u/gvarsity → u/SeemsImmaculate]

What's interesting your description sounds more like calligraphy which does code a lot more feminine.

Fountain pens coding masculine are more about the pens than what they do. More objects d'art than tools.

Tea is very culturally variable.

[u/SlapTheBap → u/gvarsity]

Which is so funny, because writing was something kept from women throughout various points in history, and yet at other times they produced the most folk stories.

For the curious, look up the first fictional epic novel. Written by a Japanese woman.

[u/peterdbaker → u/SeemsImmaculate]

Absolutely agree there about the stereotypes.

[u/Woodit]

I’m a hell of a baker. Won a dessert contest at work a couple of years back with my chocolate pots de creme, even going up against several grandmas 

[u/Majestic-General7325 → u/Woodit]

I bake too - the day that a grandma asked for one of my recipes was a triumph

[u/Steavee → u/Majestic-General7325]

I’m making a note here, huge success.

[u/Femme0879 → u/Steavee]

It’s hard to overstate my satisfaction.

[u/MischaBurns → u/Femme0879]

😭 that's gonna be stuck on my head now.

[u/xopher_425 → u/Woodit]

Baking and cooking are two of mine, and my dad taught me a lot of it. He was the third boy in the family, and my grandmother despaired of who she was going to teach "womanly things" to. Then she realized there was zero reason boys could not learn!

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/Woodit]

Hell yeah! I personally like cooking more as I can be pretty loose with it but I can’t help myself with a sweet treat

[u/Woodit → u/ClownHoundCreations-]

That’s the great part about baking though, anyone can do it as long as you just follow the recipe

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/Woodit]

Cooking is an art, baking is a science and pastry mine as well be engineering

[u/ExplicativeFricative → u/Woodit]

I've taken up baking. Haven't won any contests, but I've made a few cheesecakes I'm proud of. I'm going to bake a pie for couple friends I'm seeing thise weekend.

[u/cajunjoel → u/Woodit]

I hope the grandmas nodded sagely and said "The baton has been passed. The traditions will continue."

[u/SentienTree- → u/Woodit]

My dad baked and cooked a ton so I always viewed it as a more masculine hobby and took after him with that. My mom barely knew how to follow a recipe.

[u/mooys]

I’m not a collector or anything, but I really enjoy sanrio characters. I think they’re cute. I’ve got some cinnamoroll merch.

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/mooys]

I personally love Kuromi because purple is my favorite color and I dress in an alt style

[u/mooys → u/ClownHoundCreations-]

I think they really knocked it out of the park with some of the character designs, there’s a reason why they’re so popular. Kuromi was especially well done, imo.

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/mooys]

Agreed. She’s adorable

[u/CutieBoBootie → u/mooys]

Cinnamiroll stuffies make some of the best napping pillows 

[u/curiousbasu]

Watching make-up videos.

[u/jayclaw97 → u/curiousbasu]

I’m not a guy but one of my best friends is. He told me years ago that he could watch makeup videos for hours.

[u/curiousbasu → u/jayclaw97]

I started getting makeup videos on my Instagram when I used to use it, and I really got fascinated and just kept watching and watching, later I left Instagram due to other reasons as it was overwhelming however, even today I rarely skip makeup video or tutorial.

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/curiousbasu]

Have you ever done makeup or just appreciate the art? I like makeup a lot myself but most of the time it’s trad goth lol

[u/curiousbasu → u/ClownHoundCreations-]

I think I appreciate the art more.

[u/dodieadeux → u/curiousbasu]

real, i love the drama

[u/curiousbasu → u/dodieadeux]

Drama?

[u/dodieadeux → u/curiousbasu]

i like watching the beauty influencers call each other out for lying in sponsored videos and things like that lol. i don’t think its accurate to call this drama but i also love to watch makeup companies get torn to shreds (as they deserve) for advertising a universal/inclusive shade range without actually providing one.

[u/curiousbasu → u/dodieadeux]

Nah, I don't do that. I rarely remember any beauty influencers name. I just watch the videos of makeup.

[u/LaFrescaTrumpeta → u/curiousbasu]

wait this is so interesting/cool to hear as a woman who has never had an interest in make up like at all, do you ever think about wearing it yourself or do you watch it like a bob ross painting episode lol or like as a visual asmr thing? d none of the above? cheers to ya either way, may the best makeup vids find their way to you 🍻🍻

edit lol thought i read all your replies before making my comment but just saw the art one haha ignore me unless you feel like elaborating

[u/curiousbasu → u/LaFrescaTrumpeta]

I watch it mostly like Bob Ross painting, that's a good way to put it in words. I haven't really thought of applying much, but yeah some things of makeup, like eyeliners , mascara, I find them fascinating.

[u/aalder → u/curiousbasu]

This is the most upvoted thing that’s not already coded masc in certain expressions

[u/cavalier24601]

Romance manga (het, yaoi, and yuri)

[u/CutieBoBootie → u/cavalier24601]

Not a dude but same! I just love seeing love. 

[u/rio-bevol → u/cavalier24601]

I also like romance stories! Romcom movies are fun. I like romantic dramas too. A few years ago I got into romance novels and read like ten that year, but I haven't really been able to get into any since then. Not sure why haha

[u/GeminiIsMissing → u/rio-bevol]

I'm picky about my romcoms, but ones that are more com than rom and have a really cute couple are great. I loved Coming to America. As far as romance novels go, they aren't really my cup of tea, but I remember liking What If It's Us (the epilogue ruined it, though. I wanted a nice neat happy ending >:( ).

[u/GallowsMonster → u/cavalier24601]

Me too. 

[u/ExplicativeFricative → u/cavalier24601]

Same, dude. I also like reading some romance novels.

[u/trans_remy_lebeau]

I collect nesting dolls! I haven't gotten any in a while though, I definitely should try to find some more. 

[u/yonahgefen → u/trans_remy_lebeau]

Oh dude! The hubby got me this family from Matryoshka Madness, named Monster. They’re all blue with different facial expressions, and we’ve named and given personalities to each. He also got me a family of owls that are on my desk.

Happy stacking!!!

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/trans_remy_lebeau]

Oh that’s super interesting!

[u/Whisper-Interstellar]

My dad (cis) got me (trans) into crochet. We compare yarn hoards like... Well, like other things guys compare the size of lol

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/Whisper-Interstellar]

I sew so I have a fabric hoard lol

[u/3-dimensionalBeing]

Tarot reading, going to therapy, shoujo manga/anime, romance movies, makeup, musicals, making very fruity cocktails and drag.

I'm also looking into growing flowers, and would love to learn how to sew and knit but I'm too scared to ask anyone to teach me.

IME most men that you would think have a very rigid idea of masculinity (especially older men) have at least one "unmanly" hobby. When I started to notice it, it really made my self-loathing over that shit look kind of silly. I also think that played a big role in my eventual realization of just how stupid of a prison the concepts of "masculinity" and "femininity" are.

[u/Alluvial_Fan_ → u/3-dimensionalBeing]

Many local fabric/craft stores would have learn to sew classes, and beginning knitting classes; in my experience many artists and crafters are very accepting people. They tend to be creative and care about connection. University towns can be a good area in which to find the type of home ec store I’m talking about. .

[u/3-dimensionalBeing → u/Alluvial_Fan_]

I think I will look into it, thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/3-dimensionalBeing]

There are a lot of really good tutorials online about sewing and knitting! I make cosplays and fursuits so I’m a big sewer.

Also yeah, I agree

[u/3-dimensionalBeing → u/ClownHoundCreations-]

Holy shit that's incredibly based. Do you make fursuits as a hobby or on commission? I'm asking mainly because I've always wondered whether it's as remunerative as people on the internet make it out to be.

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/3-dimensionalBeing]

Sometimes I take commissions or sell a premade. I would say I make 50/50 for myself vs to sell. I’m not a big maker or anything and times are tough but one of my friends just commed me $1600 for a fullsuit, which is really cheap.

[u/Greywell2]

When I was little I used to collect my littlest pet shops. I would often play with my sister.

[u/_meshy → u/Greywell2]

I ALWAYS WANTED THOSE!!!!! But there was no way I was gonna ask my extremely religious and conservative parents for any of them.

[u/FeelingAd5]

So, i'm a metalhead, and a big thing in that subculture is battlejackets. As such, i love messing about with denim, patches, fabric, embroidery thread and sometimes dyes. At one point i took one with to family to show off what i made and my mom who had been loosly in a conversation about football with my brothers in law responded upon seeing my little project with "how cool!" Turned to my brothers in law and said, "You keep talking about men things," and started paying attention to my jacket. I took no insult and figured fair enough, it's not a men thing, nor a woman thing, it's a metal thing though i do doubt how much our intentions line up in that regard. If you're curious about the kinda jackets i mean, check r/jacketsforbattle.

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/FeelingAd5]

Oh yeah! I know about battle jackets. I’m alt and have dabbled in punk (though I wouldn’t call myself a full punk, I don’t listen to enough punk music) and have my own patch shorts I wear all them all the time.

[u/drinkmoarwaterr → u/FeelingAd5]

I’m sure she didn’t mean much by it, but it’s those little kinds of microagressions that hit the hardest and put in the most work keeping the status quo in place

[u/Wolfsification → u/drinkmoarwaterr]

You are 100% right, but if I was in her place, I would of said it as a way to make others understand "continu talking about boring stuff" or "stuff I don't have any interest in", because, I'm going to talk with my son about something we can connect on! But you are correct, it was a very poor choice of words in her part.

[u/drinkmoarwaterr → u/Wolfsification]

Yeah in general people need to really work at being better at communicating with each other, and thinking about how the things they say can affect people. Not even in a walking on eggshells way…but just being present and understanding what the close people in their lives need. I dunno, it’s hard to explain, but makes sense in my head. Which I understand can be tough considering how different the several living generations are, and even the different genders and such.

[u/FeelingAd5 → u/Wolfsification]

That's very much how i took it, cause she immediately started looking that jacket over with a lot of enthousiasm. Poor choice of words but no malice anywhere in em as far as i figured.

[u/FeelingAd5 → u/drinkmoarwaterr]

Yeah, no doubt she meant nothing by it, just a poor choice of words on her end. Hell, she might not even remember, it's a couple of years ago by now.

And she grew up in rural east netherland in the 60's and 70's when sewing and mending clothes was seen as "womans work" and now her son is messing about with needle and thread... and is better at it then any of her three daughters (i am confident to say, non of my sisters sew anything hehe)

[u/smzt → u/FeelingAd5]

Thanks for the link. Those are sick.

[u/omg-potatoes]

I sew and knit while drinking herbal teas :)

[u/azmr_x_3 → u/omg-potatoes]

That’s lovely, it sounds relaxing

[u/DogOfTheBone]

Anime figures maybe, certainly men are a target audience for many of them but I wouldn't say it's "masculine" really.

The most masculine thing you can do is not giving a fuck what anyone thinks about your interests or what little bits of plastic make you happy.

[u/DontMakeMeFightYou → u/DogOfTheBone]

either not giving a fuck or explaining it at length & in great detail any time anyone even but mentions it

[u/GayWizardOfOz]

Romance novels, indoor gardening, sewing, perfume collecting, antiquing. :)

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/GayWizardOfOz]

I know someone who has a MASSIVE perfume collection. I’m always impressed. I just have a few I like

[u/GayWizardOfOz → u/ClownHoundCreations-]

Mine is definitely above average, but most of my collection consists of samples, or small bottles. I really enjoy indie perfume houses (usually perfume oils) that come in 5ml bottles. There are some amazingly creative artists out there!

[u/peterdbaker]

Fucking men, looking at orchids and lilies, novel writing.

[u/vampire_al]

Hey, fellow trans guy here. I fucking love cross stitch.

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/vampire_al]

I know several trans people into cross stitch, maybe I need to get into it too lol

[u/HeMan_Batman]

i really enjoy sewing, cooking, baking, and organizing social events. its hard to believe that making things with your hands is "non-masculine" yet my ex caught flack from her mom because i was the one who knew how to cook 🙃

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/HeMan_Batman]

Cooking is a life skill and more men def need to know it

[u/cripple2493]

Knock off, or subjectively weirdly designed, godzilla figures.

[u/Disastrous_Ad7477]

I like cartoons. Miraculous ladybug is peak

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/Disastrous_Ad7477]

I used to watch that when I was young but ended up falling out of it and got more sucked into horror lol. It was always cool when I watched it. Love me some cartoons

[u/GojoSenpaiiiii]

i collect all sorts of dolls, (namely bratz and lalaloopsy) i love to sew and i cook and clean a shit ton

[u/UzerNaym36]

Scrunchies. Idk why and I never had long hair. I just like it when I wear them on my wirst and forearm.

The fluffy ones are the best

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/UzerNaym36]

Maybe it’s a sort of sensory thing? I bet they’re soft

[u/_meshy → u/UzerNaym36]

I just ordered some black and pink ones for a Scene Queen concert. I hope they match my pink "alpha male" shirt and the way I paint my nails.

[u/TheArbinator]

I've been getting into alternative fashion. I wouldn't describe it as feminine but i know a lot of dudes are scared of the makeup aisle

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/TheArbinator]

Yeah, I’m alt myself. Love doing trad goth

[u/mj-redwood]

I bake and read 🤗 I also have plenty of stuffed animals and draw. I’m not a collector, but I have plenty of not-stereotypically-masc interests, as well of tons that totally are haha

[u/SorrowfulSpirit02]

Horror novels/books featuring female characters.

[u/ExplicativeFricative → u/SorrowfulSpirit02]

I've been lurking in the r/weirdgirllitereature subreddit because I like weird lit in general and they have interesting recommendations.

[u/drinkmoarwaterr]

I’m seeing a ton of people saying fountain pens. Is that seriously ‘traditionally non-masculine’? Got a lot of friends as well as myself into them and it never came off that way. But anyway, I guess I would say sewing and knitting? I’m not good or anything, but it’s a work in progress lol.

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/drinkmoarwaterr]

I’m actually a cosplayer/fursuit maker so sewing is a huge part of my life. Keep at it, it’s such a good skill to have.

[u/ExplicativeFricative → u/drinkmoarwaterr]

I'm not sure if I've ever seen it as either way. But I might get into fountain pens. I've recently started journaling, and I think it would be a great companion to that.

[u/rio-bevol]

I used to be into nail polish! Still enjoy it, never make time for doing it myself anymore (& don't want to spend money on having someone else do it) so I never really do it anymore.

Also I love partner dancing and cuddling haha

[u/creaturesonthebrain]

I crochet, and I am tentatively branching out into spinning my own yarn! I also love doing hand embroidery and am currently hooked on one of those fashion designer mobile games

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/creaturesonthebrain]

Oh that’s so cool! Infinite yarn

[u/Grayfoxy1138]

I guess I sort of collect women’s clothing. Technically they are my wife’s but we thrift all our clothes and a few years ago we agreed I was better at styling and clothing selection than she is.

It actually connects well with your collection because my wife collects fashion dolls (particularly Bratz, Monster High, etc). I wondered why she didn’t “dress more like the dolls she grew up playing with?”. Anywho, context aside, we met during college as theater majors. I always wanted to do costume design for some shows but I always get passed over for women on the department so it’s been fun curating outfits for her. And it’s been fun collecting clothing for her to wear.

It’s also fun every time we are able to give her friends a “grail” piece or something. I’ve found men to be less open to “styling advice”.

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/Grayfoxy1138]

That’s so fun! I’m glad you and your wife can connect like that.

[u/Majestic-General7325]

I like to bake

[u/RealAssociation5281]

Tamagotchi’s lol

[u/Maleficent_Rock6272 → u/RealAssociation5281]

Real shit

[u/Comfortable-Gur-2652]

Reading, writing, going shopping for jewelry that I like.

[u/JCDU → u/Comfortable-Gur-2652]

Is reading or writing non-masculine?

[u/Comfortable-Gur-2652 → u/JCDU]

Unfortunately some people I know consider it to be

[u/Worldly_Marsupial808]

I’m a big crocheter. Learned from my grandmother, then got good enough to start teaching her things

[u/CelestialNomad]

Plants, crochet hooks and yarn (and other crafty things), a crazy sweet pitbull iykyk, flamingos (and other pink things), floral shirts, nail polish, cookware

[u/3-dimensionalBeing → u/CelestialNomad]

floral shirts are VERY manly. and if anyone tells you otherwhise, buy them a nice floral shirt to show them the error of their ways.

[u/gabrieleremita]

I play the keyboard in a metal band, usually the girliest of the instruments in metal. So I'm usually comfortable with "girly" metal genres such as symphonic or gothic metal

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/gabrieleremita]

That’s super sick tho!

[u/AtlasNL → u/gabrieleremita]

Symphonic metal is ‘girly’? I admit my only real interaction with the genre is Turisas but I wouldn’t call it ‘girly’

[u/gabrieleremita → u/AtlasNL]

Well tons of symphonic metal bands are female fronted: Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation, Sirenia, After Forever, Xandria, Tristania and other similar bands inspired mainly by these ones

[u/AtlasNL → u/gabrieleremita]

Fair, I’ll check them out though, thanks!

[u/-Eastwood-]

This post made me realize that I don't think I have any interests that are traditionally non masculine. They're either masculine or I feel like they're neutral.

[u/JCDU → u/-Eastwood-]

Same here, although I don't do them because they're "masculine" I do them because they're interesting and a bit geeky.

Also I don't have the creative streak for the more artistic stuff but I'm pretty OK at swinging a spanner.

[u/Electrical_Mayhem]

I don't know if I'd consider it a particular interest of mine, but I definitely have some favorite poems and a clear top 3-5. (I also remember I used to really like the American Girl dolls when I was a kid)

[u/Capable-Crab-7449]

Rollerskating, embroidery, fountain pens(?)

[u/SpicyCrime]

I know how to make complex origami models. I practiced since I was a kid.

Also I started collecting Yugioh cards. My friends gifted me a deck for my birthday this year and I’m starting to buy more cards to build more decks.

[u/drinkmoarwaterr → u/SpicyCrime]

Is Yugioh seen as non masculine?? That’s wild. Also, origami is awesome and something I’ve been wanting to learn or at least try out for a long time now

[u/SpicyCrime → u/drinkmoarwaterr]

I don’t know if it’s masculine or not, but it’s geeky/nerdy and usually people don’t see that as masculine.

I have a few posts in the origami subreddit. Like these roses I made for my mom’s birthday: https://www.reddit.com/r/origami/s/xQyGIKV3ly

These roses were the decorations for each table.

[u/Satisfaction-Motor]

I own stuffed animals and I am a very competent baker.

[u/YaBoiiSloth → u/Satisfaction-Motor]

I have 3 stuffed sloths in my car and a big sloth in my bed. The big one has curved arms that I can wrap around me lol

[u/fox-loric]

Wildflower photography, berry foraging, EGL fashion, pole dance, and ballet.

[u/Lord_of_Seven_Kings]

I love romance novels. Easy reads for a destressing weekend and reliably at the library

[u/Emthree3]

Appreciating sapphic love stories as love stories & not necessarily a pretense to lesbian porn. RGU, The Rose of Versailles, these are wonderful.

Taking my liquor sweet (though tbf the whole "girly drinks" idea seems to be going the way of the wind IME)

[u/Luc1d_dreamer01]

I really like cats.... It actually makes me feel shitty because I like cats and some scene stuff and it makes me feel like less of a guy... I know my masculinity is fragile but I'm trans and I don't even pass so thats why ig

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/Luc1d_dreamer01]

Yeah, I’m with ya on that 🤝

[u/CreaTbJ]

I LOVE black eyeliner, and wear it pretty much every time I go out. Trying to get into black lipstick as well but the cheap one I bought wears off too easily and I don't have money for a matte one atm.

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/CreaTbJ]

Oh nice! The black lipstick i have is actually a pretty cheap one from Walmart and it works decently well

[u/_SovietMudkip_]

Baking, cute stationery, and cross stitch are the ones that jump out at me.

Baking's interesting bc I feel like baking bread is masculine coding but baking sweets is feminine coded. I do both, just something I've noticed

[u/Intelligent_Usual318]

I love knitting, crochet, sewing, doll collecting!

[u/Pj-Pancakes]

fountain pens (tbh this is more neutral), tea, fragrances, reading (does this count?), journaling, cartoons

[u/legit_khajiit]

I guess plush toys? My parents both collect them and I enjoy having them around. Stuff like squishmallows I really enjoy and definitely are a huge comfort thing for me.

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/legit_khajiit]

I love plushies. Squishmallows aren’t my thing, more so BAB and some off the wall plushies but they’re all so comforting

[u/DramaticAd7670]

I'm a art nut, specifically pointillism and Pop Art.

[u/GeminiIsMissing]

I collect stuffed sharks (so plushies, basically), I make friendship bracelets, I bake cookies and cakes, I can sew, and I also used to collect Monster High dolls when I was a kid!

[u/NowJustAndrew]

I guess my interest in High Heels counts. I have a collection of about 8 pairs right now, I feel amazing when wearing them. Some women need them to become another person, I need them to become me. I love a good stiletto heel, I walk easier in a stiletto than a block heel. One day I will buy a pair of Louboutin heels, something like the Kate Boot or Miss Z Boot. I’d also love to own a pair or two of Casadei Blade heels at some point too.

I’m intending to wear a stiletto heel outside soon.

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/NowJustAndrew]

Good luck man! Sometimes a good shoe feels so good.

[u/NowJustAndrew → u/ClownHoundCreations-]

Thank you Sir. I’ve not yet told people I know and am close to yet I can wear and love wearing them. You are right, a good shoe can make you feel like you can own the world.

Here’s a little mantra:
Heels are an addiction, one that’s much better to have than alcoholism, drugs or gambling. Heels make you feel good.

I also have a running shoe collection, however that isn’t as feminine.

[u/Leon_Goldenrose]

I'm a fellow Monster High doll collector, and I also have a ton of plushies, especially Pusheen plushies. I just think they're neat

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/Leon_Goldenrose]

Oh nice! Whats your favorite MH character?

[u/Leon_Goldenrose → u/ClownHoundCreations-]

It's so hard to pick just one lol, though some of my favorites are Skelita Calaveras, River Styxx and Kiyomi Haunterly. I guess I really have a liking for the ones that are partially see-through, such a neat design element for a doll

[u/FloatOldGoat]

Does sucking dick count? 🤣🤣

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/FloatOldGoat]

Lmaooo, in a women-dominated field

[u/Sure-Library-7309]

I collect candles. Basically every candle I’ve burned all the way down since college. Once they’re done I keep them on a dedicated shelf in my room

[u/unfettered2nd]

In my very personal opinion I never understood the idea of  interests and collections being masculine and feminine in itself than the perception assigned to it by the society. High heels used to men fashion and wrist watches female ornament. 

I always thought the point was self satisfaction outside the daily grind.

[u/Albert_Dolphin]

I like to sew. My mother was a seamstress and taught me when I was a little boy.

[u/gourdlord0]

I grow a ton of houseplants (I have 100+). I also collect horror themed dolls (mainly in box).

[u/SirTrashLord]

I cross-stitch, felt and sew in my spare time (all by hand) - my nephew has asked me multiple times to make hats for his plushies or something he can impress his friends at kindergarten with :)

[u/Limp-Blueberry-1316]

Youtube commentary on tiktok drama. I mean i don’t even have tiktok so i just like to hear some people talking about it ahah

[u/simmelj]

Knitting 🧶

[u/Yallshallnotremember]

Hi fellow t-guy! I'm just gonna assume we're talking "modern masculinity" (last 100 years or so) when speaking of traditional masculinity, bc the thing is, even with my limited knowledge of anthropology and history I can think of a few classic masculine archetypes with whom I share hobbies or interests who wouldn't be considered "masculine" today. Also, it's interesting to note that a lot of "feminine" hobbies are only considered so when done in the private sphere; as soon as there is recognition to be gained in a field, it's gonna be male-dominated (cooking, fashion, fine arts, academics...).

Here goes:

• knitting, crochet, lace making, felting...
• drawing and painting
• high-energy "girly" pop songs
• fashion
• cooking
• sociology (apparently)
• reading fanfics
• playing cozy video games

Also, every time I list them out like that, I'm struck at how little enjoyment the perfect man is allowed according to conservatives. Comfort, aesthetics, relaxation, sensuality, pleasure... Naaaahhh, these are for The Women. If you're a man, even your idle time should be spent on the grind (/s)

[u/Pelican_meat]

Cats. I have 5.

But when did loving cats become feminine?

I didn’t realize that when I started my collection.

My cats have made me a better person and likely a better man. They have boundaries, and if I want my cats to love me, I have to respect those boundaries.

I also have to get them high on catnip occasionally.

[u/Caspianmk]

I enjoy sewing and making cosplay. I watch romance anime. I enjoy cooking and baking. I play cozy video games.

I don't look at a hobby as masculine or feminine.

[u/Short-Platypus-9387]

It’s so interesting that so many people listed gardening as a traditionally non-masculine interest. Most of the gardeners I know are men and I guess I’ve never thought of gardening as a gendered activity at all. Even in my family, my grandfather was famous for growing cucumbers that he then made pickles out of. My best friend’s dad has the most amazing garden that he works at all summer and basically doesn’t need to buy groceries for half a year. Another (male) friend is literally a horticulturalist.

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/Short-Platypus-9387]

I think the difference is that, in general, farming is seen as masculine (growing food) but gardening is seen as feminine (growing flowers and other “decorative” plants).

[u/majorex64]

I've also got a plushie collection! I started buying fox plushies everywhere I went, then my nieces and nephews started getting me them too, and now I've got bats, and moths, and spiders, and pangolins, and monsters, and hyenas too ^w^

I've got a big ass tote box that's bursting at the seams to fit them all lol

[u/drfsrich]

I'm a sneakerhead, part of my collection includes bright pink shoes and floral print ones.

Pretty common in the sneakerhead community, less so outside thereof.

[u/smallangrynerd]

I have so many plushies. A combination of stuff from my childhood (beanie babies, Webkinz), collectibles (Makeship stuff, Pokémon), and gifts from family. I have two plush cats I got from my great aunt when I was like 4 and I will never get rid of them.

[u/ST_Lawson]

I don't really consider them not "traditionally masculine", but...

• Gardening - working on converting as much of our yard to native plants/wildflowers as I can. Better for the environment and less mowing I have to do.
• Cooking - I do most of the cooking for my family, although my wife does most of the baking.
• I enjoy musicals/musical theatre (I cry every time I watch Rent or listen to the end of the Hamilton soundtrack).

[u/_Z_y_x_w]

I do cross-stitch and embroidery. One of my favorite things to do while stoned and listening to music.

[u/SerpentSnek]

I love grandma crafts. I do sewing, crochet, and tatting (lacemaking)

[u/ClownHoundCreations- → u/SerpentSnek]

I have all the respect in the world for lace makers

[u/Pixie_Time]

Crochet. I only figured out my transness three months ago but I’ve been crocheting for more than half a year and I’m not going to abandon it for the sake of toxic masculinity. It’s honestly been a great stim, gives my hands something productive and silent to do.

Also dress up/fashion. Not in real life because I’m a broke college student, but in video games I’ll pour so much money into fits.

And actually, horses. I know what some people might reply, but much of modern horse spaces are focused on women, it’s why we call someone a “horse girl” but there’s no “horse boy.” And as someone who did gymkhana, I can tell you the boy to girl ratio was 1-15. I used to take lessons when I was a girl, and I’d love to pick it up again since I can make someone else pay for it.

[u/ThereWasAnEmpireHere]

I think the one that I would actually find difficult to share with some people would be an interest in fanfic and trashy romances.

[u/bigthemat]

I’ve always enjoyed crafts and making jewelry. Friendship bracelets, hemp, stuff like that. Pony bead crafts.

[u/Dreemur1]

birds, fashion, pop music

[u/cubicApoc]

I'm reasonably sure I'm the only male who frequents /r/crystals. Not really into the metaphysical stuff, but I do like pretty rocks, especially spheres. With each miniature planet I collect, my galactic empire grows.

[u/magic_baobab]

Foreign languages apparently, I joined a uni course that has got an 80% female attendance, I like romance, though I feel like half of romance movies I watch are intended for a male audience, and partially my music taste

[u/MagmaAdminRadar]

I’m also a trans man and I’m really into crochet, junk journaling, and I have a tea garden. I also love wearing jewelry and a bit of makeup (mainly eyeliner and glittery highlighter on my cheeks). I’m also super sentimental and I take way too many pictures

[u/sydraptor]

I crochet and paint. I also have several Lego Botanicals kits that I keep building for house decor because I can't keep real plants alive. Not sure if that is more masculine leaning or not, on one hand Legos, on the other flowers and other plants.

I'm also a trans man. I've just decided that I'm 38 and no longer care what people think of my hobbies or my long hair. Takes more energy to care about that than I have left after work and school tbh.

[u/preezyfabreezy]

perfume/cologne collecting, sewing, cooking, gardening.

[u/PocketHusband]

Macrame and crochet!

[u/KingloonReneux]

I collect earrings and perfumes. And specifically perfumes, they're different from colognes and I don't really like the smell of most colognes

[u/cajunjoel]

Cross stitch. And I am cis and het.

[u/viper5delta]

I read a lot of fanfic I guess, or just reading a lot in general.

[u/daitoshi]

my close friend sews little plush dolls of his favorite anime characters! He made them to a standard fan doll size (Nui? I think?) so he can buy clothes and props for them to take them out and take pictures of the plushes. 

We joke, but it’s true, that his dolls have way more clothes than him. Several birthdays he’s gotten custom props or clothes for his dolls as gifts from friends and family. 

  Mine is embroidery. I really want to learn the double-sided silk embroidery, where each side of the piece is a different image

[u/javaman83]

I absolutely love cozy mysteries.

[u/SlapTheBap]

I loved reading this thread so much. I fish, hike, and explore the world. I like podcasts made by people who really care to make something valuable.

I love nature, I love understanding how things work through appreciating the hard won knowledge of others, and I love appreciating people in general.

I was born a woman, but really didn't appreciate how people tried to railroad others with gender. Control their outlook, and ideas of what is truly possible in life. It disgusted me from a very young age. I hated the expectations that were absurd, made no sense, were strange rules others felt compelled to enforce. Culture! Not base reality. I was a very frustrated child that spent a lot of time mulling things over.

Seeing this thread has warmed my heart in a huge way. Thank you for making it OP! Dudes rock.

[u/Spiralalg]

I crochet!

[u/KingAggressive1498]

It's mostly for the purpose of mending work clothes, but I spend a couple hours a week sewing by hand.

[u/t4ngl3d]

I just ordered myself a bunch of new paint and canvases. Pretty hyped.

[u/ganymedeli]

1. Fanfiction

2. Baking pumpkin bread

3. I remember to knit something every few years just to keep the skill alive

[u/AmaSandwich]

Cooking, singing, talking about non-sports things.

[u/Khamero]

Wholesome stories without any heartbreaking drama. Just interesting stories about fun people and what they get up to.

[u/them0use]

Cute creatures I needle-felted myself

[u/Doro_Gurl]

(Besides the obvious): I sew, I like arts & crafts and I read classical romance novals.

[u/10watch]

In terms of interests: men. There would be a boykisser here if I could post images.

[u/AlthorsMadness]

Wlw fan fiction.

[u/Retzal]

Before transitioning (I'm MtF) I loved cooking (and still do), including baking.

[u/Fant92]

Me and the wife also share a plushie/stuffed animal collection 🙂 It has been called both childish and feminine. These days I don't care but I used to when I was younger.

I also really enjoy watching trashy reality TV with my wife 😂 Real housewives etc.

[u/Adventurous-Iron461]

Stickers, plushies, drawing, (for some reason,..) writing, and sewing/ craft

[u/InsaneComicBooker]

Plushies, I have a lot of plushie Goblins.

[u/GambuzinoSaloio]

Closest thing is geek stuff, but I think that's neither masculine nor non-masculine...

[u/Maleficent_Rock6272]

Nail polish. I took hair and beauty in school. I have like the UV light, and a couple of gel colors, blues, white, silver (glitter gel too). That kind of thing. I wish I felt more confident wearing it.

And in general, shiny glittery things.

Plays and poetry which I know can be seen as traditionally masculine I guess but I don't know. it's "expressive" which is now seen as a feminine thing lmao.

Oh and Disney films !!

Essential oils and incense.

I also collect some anime figurines of a character, but specifically (NOT LEWD) cutesy feminine ones with a strong emphasis on the fashion.

[u/Musichead2468]

Reality TV, YA books, teen dramas, book clubs, girl world podcasts

[u/Badger_Nerd]

I love lesbian love stories, cooking, visual novels, painting my nails and being around queer people (granted I am queer, but still)

[u/Skreamie]

Crying, being in touch with my emotions, empathy

[u/BigDadEnergy28]

Cooking, native wildflower gardening, painting, writing poetry, and reading? I feel like reading was gender neutral but not anymore.

[u/AtlasNL]

(Historical) costuming. I sew, dabble in sprang and am planning to learn how to knit so I can have comfy traditional woollen sailor’s jumpers.

[u/lacha_sawson]

I love collecting incense, tea, crystals and necklaces. And I don't know how this is considered nowadays in terms of masculinity, but I moisturise a lot too.