A visual story showing a new wave of varieties between masculinity. People should not feel obliged to behave like the gender they are assigned to, but we often feel pushed in a certain direction. Then as an outsider we usually think that we know who someone is, based solely on the first impression. However, the increasing variety of individuals and possibilities makes it harder to put everything and everyone into boxes. That should not be a reason to sabotage this movement.

I am Joep, this is me, this is us. I have a story, and so do all these people. We won’t step aside for any prejudices anymore. I hope to inspire you to appreciate the great variety among people with new approaches to behavior. Social rules and expressions can change. There should be room for a conversation, instead of aggression based on a feeling of superiority. If this is too much to ask, then please turn around and live your life, just like we do. In the name of all gay people in the world: don’t dare to touch me, because I won’t step aside for the traditional machismo.