This week I am joined by the dreamy Celeste Teal Moon. Celeste is an award winning burlesque and cabaret performer. They are also a chronic pain and mental health advocate. Today me and Celeste talk about Gender bending, Men's mental health and the importance of being able to express your emotions. You can find me on Instagram @locqueslaroux and Celeste @celestetealmoonperformer 

Masculinity 101:  Research shows that men experience emotions at the same level that women do. But because it’s not socially acceptable for a man to cry when he’s sad, it can make it seem like men don’t experience sadness at all. Suppressing emotions can lead to depression and anxiety, but for men especially, it can also increase their risk of suicide. Men are much more likely to commit suicide than women. Over time, men get really good at turning off their emotions or coping with their feelings in a way that is more acceptable for males. It creates a cycle of toxic masculinity which can be hard to break once it’s a habit.

https://sbtreatment.com/blog/men-and-emotions-the-importance-of-becoming-vulnerable/

Reviews: ' Fantastic podcast- engaging, funny, clever, moving- I love it.' - Penny Dreadful. Resident performer at @_houseofallure_

This week I am joined by the seductive king of sin: Saint Sinister, who is a drag artist and performer. Today me and Saint talk about body image, authenticity and social media. You can find me on instagram @locqueslaroux and Saint @s.aint.so.sinister 

Masculinity 101:  Manliness was of paramount significance in Viking society. A man could be in a homosexual relationship if he took the dominant role. Being in the submissive role was demeaning..While there wasn’t anything shameful with being active in a gay relationship, Vikings considered the passive partners as weak. 

https://historyofyesterday.com/love-life-of-vikings-f21c9ed58d4e.

https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/the-secret-lgbti-history-of-vikings-valkyries-and-norse-gods/ 

Reviews: 'Love this podcast and how it's talking about this complex issue.' ~ @ashelystudio Pet artist, illustrator and designer. 

This week I am joined by the multitalented: Reece Connolly! Reece is a writer, performer, theatre-maker and artist. They also starred in the film 'A Werewolf In England'. Today me and Reece explore the link between creativity and femininity and talk about satire in art and film. You can find me on Instagram @locqueslaroux and Reece @reece_connolly_ 

Masculinity 101: In 1971, the British critic Raymond Durgnat observed that the “rationalist puritanism” of some critics meant that they often disliked female-driven soap operas and the emotional vulnerability they stir up, but didn’t object to what he smartly called the male weepie. Yet surrendering to the weepie, whether male or female, and embracing “emotional immediacy,” he wrote, “might be the beginning of maturity.” 

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/19/movies/men-in-trouble.html  

Reviews: 'A nothing short of brilliant podcast! Covering a range of topics and perspectives from a diverse line up, which keeps the podcast exciting, interesting and fresh. With a wonderful, friendly and educational host! I look forward to more episodes!' ~ @dominus_von_vexo Burlesque and drag award winning international performer and founder of @_houseofallure_

This week I am joined by the delightful Ave Duvet who is a drag artist and painter. Today me and Ave talk about the term 'transtrender' and the judgement that trans men can face from appearing feminine. You can find me on Instagram @locqueslaroux and Ave Duvet @aveduvet 

Masculinity 101: Transmasculine people — an umbrella term for trans men, gender nonbinary and gender-non-conforming individuals who were assigned female at birth — find they are often questioned and judged, even by others in the trans community, on whether they are masculine enough. On social media, transmasculine people who show femininity, such as by wearing nail polish or makeup, are often attacked as “transtrenders,” a slur for a person who adopts a trans identity lightly, as a fad. 

https://medium.com/@tatibell/not-manly-enough-femmephobias-stinging-impact-on-the-transmasculine-community-598c0b5c4f47 

Reviews: 'Really engaging podcast with lots of creative people. Locques is a really friendly host. I enjoy listening to the podcast as it covers very interesting topics' @damarisbeeating~ Multidisciplinary artist.

This week I am joined by the tantalizing trio: Mènage A Rouge. A burlesque troupe featuring red hot routines from Belle De Beauvioir, Roxy Van Plume and Sebastian Angelique! Today me and the squad talk about masculinity and femininity, the art of parody and The Can-Can! You can find me on instagram @locqueslaroux and Mènage A Rouge @menagearouge  

Masculinity 101: The Can-Can began appearing in the 1830s-40s in working class ballrooms in France. It was mostly danced by men but women soon joined in. There was an all-male dance troupe in the mid-19th century; the Quadrille des Clodoches. Their act was a parody of the stately quadrille in which four men, two dressed as women, dance an outrageously exuberant version of the dance. 

http://www.gbacg.org/finery/2016/history-of-the-cancan/ 

Reviews: 'One of my favourite podcasts- amazing diverse guests and the chat is always fascinating. Locques is so smart, interesting and insightful-thank you for making this Locques!' @carlykewpie ~ Host of 'Tea With Kings And Queens' Podcast.

This week I am Joined by the Twinkling Trio: Two And A Half Queens. A Youtube review show on all things Eurovision and UK Drag Race. Hosted by Alesha Tryed, Bondi & Rob! Today me and the queens talk about capitalism, drag race and individuality when it comes to hosting. You can find me on Instagram @locqueslaroux and Two And A Half Queens @twoandahalfqueens.    

Masculinity 101: In the 1970s Eurovision introduced disco and the genre’s eccentricity to the music contest. At a time when social convention told men to show extreme emotional restraint, Eurovision was a welcome breath of fresh air. According to Professor Brian Singleton, he said '' The glamour, the spectacle, it’s all those things that gay men invest in to get away from the norms of masculinity.” 

https://www.france24.com/en/20150522-eurovision-gay-friendly-song-contest-lgbt-conchita-wurst

This week I am joined by the the pop punk princess of Birmingham: Jay Andre! Jay is a performer, dancer, and DJ. They are also a resident performer at Mother's Meeting and The Nightingale club. Today me and Jay talk about competitiveness, the Birmingham drag scene and embracing femininity. You can find me on Instagram @locqueslaroux and Jay @thejayandre.  

Masculinity 101: In Ancient Rome and Medieval Japan, a man who failed in his duty as a warrior would be expected to commit suicide rather than endure the shame of public humiliation. Glory on the battlefield allowed individual men to increase their standing in society. The honour of winning in combat was valued more highly than life itself. 

Is Masculinity Toxic? A Primer for the 21st Century By Andrew P. Smiler

This week I am joined by the fearless Sam Hennerley who is a musician. Today me and Sam talk about sensitivity, androgyny and the importance of men being educated when it comes to consent. You can find me on Instagram @locqueslaroux and Sam @samhennerleyxvx  

Masculinity 101: David and Brannon's definition of the evolved industrial model of masculinity, sometimes referred to as the 'man box', consists of four key principles: No sissy stuff (in terms of non-femininity), be a big wheel (in terms of status and success), be a sturdy oak (in terms of independence and inexpressiveness) and ''Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!'' (in terms of adventurousness and aggressiveness).

Is Masculinity Toxic? A Primer for the 21st Century By Andrew P. Smiler

This week I am joined by the majestic Didactic MK who is a spiritual rap artist. Today me and Didactic talk about the terms 'studs' and 'femmes' in the black queer community and the benefits of balancing masculine and feminine energies. You can find me on Instagram @locqueslaroux and Didactic @didactic.mk 

Masculinity 101: In the US the three article rule was the most common law that specifically targeted the queer community. The law, popularized by law enforcement in the 1940's, 50's and 60s, stated that one must have on at least three articles of clothing from their assigned sex at birth or they would be arrested. For example, if you were assigned female at birth but were caught wearing trousers and a shirt. 

https://www.history.com/news/stonewall-riots-lgbtq-drag-three-article-rule#:~:text=When%20those%20also%20turned%20up,to%20easily%20warn%20each%20other.

This week I am joined by the stylish Acez. Acez is the creator of FPB-  a small urban outfitting company based in Wolverhampton. Today me and Acez talk about the effects of traditional masculine roles, wealth in hip hop and the need for more inclusivity when it comes to fashion. You can find me on Instagram @locqueslaroux and Acez @fpbco 

Masculinity 101: During the post- first world war decade, men's success was defined by their job and pay check. As long as a man earned sufficient income to provide for his family, issues of character, honour and reputation could be overlooked.

Is Masculinity Toxic? A Primer for the 21st Century By Andrew P. Smiler