WHAT IS FORCEMASC?

"Forcemasc", short for "forced masculinisation", is an online phenomenon primarily found on Tumblr that centers around the concept of being compelled or encouraged to embrace masculine traits, presentation, and identity. It's often described as the masculine counterpart to the forced feminisation. Despite its name suggesting coercion and seeming purely fetishistic, the content typically frames masculinization as something positive, desirable, self-actualising, and fulfilling.

Forcemasc exists as a response to the complex relationship many transmasculine people, trans men, and butches have with masculinity. In a patriarchal, cisheteronormative culture that views queer masculinity with suspicion and disgust, we are often made to feel ashamed of our gender identity and expression. Forcemasc serves as a reclamation of our boy/manhood, and a rejection against the femininity and gender conformity that is forced upon us.

I think that the selected (SFW) examples, provided on the right, serve as a better explanation of what this is than however I describe it here.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME?

Although forcemasc is often practiced as a fetish and paired with erotic imagery, I personally engage with it for non-sexual purposes (nothing against people who do like it that way--more power to ya). This genre of text posts, art, and edits has been powerful and affirming to me.

As a transmasc butch, I've often felt aleniated and ashamed due to "choosing" masculinity. I was able to find some acceptance within both cishet and queer spaces while presenting feminine or androgynous--but the moment I became too "mannish", my presentation was no longer acceptable. It's nice to imagine a world where someone wants me to actively transition; a world where my transmasculinity is seen as attractive, joyous, healing, and sacred.