In this episode of the Intersectionality Lab Podcast, host Almina sits down with scientist and gender equality activist David Almeida to unpack the roots and realities of toxic masculinity. Together, they explore how rigid ideas of manhood shape everything from childhood socialization to workplace culture — and why these norms continue to limit people of all genders.
From the stigma men face around vulnerability and mental health to the ways harmful masculine ideals fuel misogyny and homophobia, this conversation digs into the research, the backlash, and the lived experiences behind the headlines. David brings years of anti-discrimination and social justice work to the table, challenging us to rethink what strength, leadership, and identity can look like.
This episode goes beyond critique — it’s about possibility. What would masculinity look like if it embraced emotional honesty, accountability, and equality? Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on moving from toxic masculinity to a healthier, more inclusive vision of manhood.
You can check more resources at https://il.npo.one
Guest bio
David Almeida is a social justice advocate, sustainability enthusiast, and civic participation activist with nearly a decade of experience in grassroots organizing and advocacy. His recent work has focused on gender equality, while his broader interests span topics from artificial intelligence and climate justice to epistemic decolonisation.
David currently works in scientific software development for a climate change programme at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Austria. He brings an interdisciplinary background in Data Science and Cell and Molecular Biology to his work at the intersection of science, technology, and social impact.
Previously, he contributed to anti-corruption efforts at Transparency International Portugal, supporting initiatives that promote accountability and democratic integrity.
Additional resources
Bernstein, M. (2024). What’s the weirdest thing you’ve been told you can’t do because it’s ‘gay’? https://www.instagram.com/p/DBj70xFBv0I
Connell, R. W., & Messerschmidt, J. W. (2005). Hegemonic Masculinity: Rethinking the Concept. Gender & Society, 19(6), 829–859. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891243205278639
Edwards, S. (2020). Toxic Masculinity: Roots, Reality, and Breaking the Cycle . https://doi.org/10.17615/j2wy-sj91
Kupers, T. A. (2005). Toxic masculinity as a barrier to mental health treatment in prison. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 61(6), 713–724. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20105
Makhanya, M. T. B. (2023). Causes and Consequences of Toxic Masculinity: Can HeForShe Be a Solution for Gender-Based Violence? https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.110872
Sculos, B. W. (2017). Who’s Afraid of ‘Toxic Masculinity’? Class, Race and Corporate Power, 5(3). https://www.jstor.org/stable/48645481
UN Women (2024) HeForShe Alliance Impact Report 2024 Launch, HeForShe. Available at: https://www.heforshe.org/en/heforshe-alliance-impact-report-2024-launch (Accessed: 27 October 2024).
Zega, O. D. K., Koritelu, P., & Murwani, P. (2024). Fighting Stereotypes: Expressions of Femininity in Public Spaces and the Challenge of Toxic Masculinity. Baileo: Jurnal Sosial Humaniora, 2(1), 18-26. https://doi.org/10.30598/baileofisipvol2iss1pp18-26
