Q&A [Pt. 2/3] — What Does It Mean to Be a Man and What Is a Queer Man?

In part two of our three part Q&A series, we turn to two of the biggest questions our listeners ask: what does it mean to be a man? And what do we mean when we say queer men?

Tim shares how his definition of manhood has evolved from fear and rigidity to a more expansive, skillful, and authentic engagement with life. Together, we explore how gender expectations shape our experience, how queerness challenges cultural norms, and how men's work can offer a place to wrestle with these questions in community.

Eric asks what it means to belong in a men's circle and how queer men bring unique gifts like fluidity between energies, expanded empathy, and a broader sense of masculinity to these spaces. Along the way, we remind ourselves that ideas of manhood are not fixed: they change across cultures, across history, and across our own lifetimes.

Short, sharp, and from lived experience, this episode unpacks the evolving conversation about what it means to be a man and why queer perspectives matter in men's work.

Chapter Markers

0:00 – Welcome & Episode Framing
Eric introduces part two of the Q&A series, focusing on what it means to be a man and what we mean by queer men.
1:10 – Defining Manhood
Tim reflects on how his understanding of being a man has evolved through men's work, healing, and lived experience.
4:25 – Who Belongs in Men's Circles?
Expanding inclusion: identity, nonbinary men, and working with the masculine aspects of self.
7:05 – What Does Queer Mean?
Tim shares why he embraces the word queer and how queer men experience masculinity differently than straight men.
10:20 – Unique Gifts of Queer Men in Men's Work
Queer men’s fluidity between energies, empathy, and expanded perspectives on relationships and masculinity.
12:50 – Manhood Through Time & Culture
Tim and Eric reflect on how cultural ideals of men shift over history and why authenticity matters more than rigidity.
14:00 – Closing & Invitation
Eric invites listeners to continue the conversation and join practices at myembodiment.com.