In this unfiltered episode of The Intersectionality Lab, host Almina is joined by Muskaan, Gillian, and Ana Catarina for a bold, nuanced conversation about one of today’s most debated gender concepts. Together, they unpack the origins of toxic femininity, the stereotypes and social pressures that shape it, and the ways it can reinforce — rather than dismantle — harmful gender norms.

Blending personal reflections with cultural analysis and academic perspectives, the hosts explore how expectations around agreeableness, appearance, competition, and “niceness” intersect with benevolent sexism and broader systems of inequality. From viral social media trends to everyday workplace dynamics, they examine how these patterns show up in real life — and who they impact most.

Provocative, reflective, and deeply intersectional, this episode invites you to question assumptions, challenge binaries, and rethink what gender norms are really doing beneath the surface. Tune in and join the conversation.

Additional resources 

Anderson, K. V. (2023, August 8). The movie “Barbie” has put the phrase “toxic femininity” back in the news – here’s what it means and why you should care. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/the-movie-barbie-has-put-the-phrase-toxic-femininity-back-in-the-news-heres-what-it-means-and-why-you-should-care-205884

Glick, Peter & Fiske, Susan. (1996). The Ambivalent Sexism Inventory: Differentiating Hostile and Benevolent Sexism. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 70. 491-512. doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.70.3.491

Naraharisetty, R. (2022).The Internet Wants to Talk About “Toxic Femininity,” but Gets It All Wrong. Www.theswaddle.com. https://www.theswaddle.com/the-internet-wants-to-talk-about-toxic-femininity-but-gets-it-all-wrong

Saxena, T. (n.d.). Is toxic femininity a thing? Deccan Herald. https://www.deccanherald.com/features/gender/is-toxic-femininity-a-thing-2716864

Strong, R. (2022, June 26). Identifying and Overcoming Toxic Femininity. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/toxic-femininity

Risam, R. (2015). Toxic Femininity 4.0. First Monday, Volume 20, Number 4. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13013/416

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.

https://davidalmeida.eu

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

For decades, war, displacement, and political persecution have disproportionately targeted queer communities and marginalized ethnic groups in the region. When borders close and systems fail, Queer Svit steps in. From emergency consultations and evacuation planning to purchasing travel tickets, securing safe housing, and delivering life-saving humanitarian aid, this global network of volunteers is redefining what grassroots solidarity looks like in action.

We’re joined by Anna-Maria, Co-founder and CEO of Queer Svit, who shares the powerful origin story behind the organization, the urgent realities facing LGBTQ+ refugees today, and how mutual aid can become a lifeline in times of war. This is a conversation about resilience, chosen family, and what it truly means to build safety when the world feels unsafe.

You can check more resources at https://il.npo.one

Guest bio

Anna-Maria, queer and anti-racist activist, documentary filmmaker and journalist. Co-founder of Queer Svit, a grass-root that helps queer people and the global majority affected by war in Ukraine and/or Russian political regime.

Additional resources

https://queersvit.org

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ziIhJjCnL84

https://www.uusc.org/initiatives/queer-svit

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-maria-tesfaye-22028712a

https://instagram.com/ennievicious

In this candid Unfiltered Session, our hosts break down what intersectionality really means, where it comes from, and why it matters now more than ever. Through honest reflection and sharp discussion, we explore everyday situations, systemic inequalities, and the power dynamics that often go unnoticed—but deeply affect our lives.

From using intersectionality as an analytical lens to reveal how systems of power operate, to real-world examples like domestic violence policies and participatory research with marginalized youth, this episode brings theory into practice. Along the way, our hosts share how learning about intersectionality transformed their perspectives, influenced their work, and deepened their understanding of inequality.

🎧 Tune in to rethink the way you see the world—and join the conversation. Visit our website for bonus resources, a comprehensive glossary, and updates on upcoming episodes.

You can check more resources at https://il.npo.one

Additional resources (books, reference materials, social media from guests, materials that the guests want to promote):

Phoenix, A., & Pattynama, P. (2006). Intersectionality. European Journal of Women’s Studies, 13(3), 187-192. https://doi.org/10.1177/1350506806065751 (Original work published 2006)

Shields, S.A. Gender: An Intersectionality Perspective. Sex Roles 59, 301–311 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-008-9501-8

McCall, L. (2005). The Complexity of Intersectionality. Signs, 30(3), 1771–1800. https://doi.org/10.1086/426800

RUNYAN, A. S. (2018). What Is Intersectionality and Why Is It Important? Academe, 104(6), 10–14. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26606288

Zinn, Maxine Baca & Dill, Bonnie Thornton (1996). Theorizing Difference from Multiracial Feminism. Feminist Studies 22 (2):321-331.

Check the video in which Kinmerlè Crenshaw explains what is intersectionality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViDtnfQ9FHc

Crenshaw, Kimberle (1989) "Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics," University of Chicago Legal Forum: Vol. 1989, Article 8.

Available at: https://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/uclf/vol1989/iss1/8

Crenshaw, K. (1991). Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color. Stanford Law Review, 43(6), 1241–1299. https://doi.org/10.2307/1229039

Levine-Rasky, C. (2011). Intersectionality theory applied to whiteness and middle-classness. Social Identities: Journal for the Study of Race, Nation and Culture, 17(2), 239–253. https://doi.org/10.1080/13504630.2011.558377

Helma Lutz. (2015). Intersectionality as Method. DiGeSt. Journal of Diversity and Gender Studies, 2(1–2), 39–44. https://doi.org/10.11116/jdivegendstud.2.1-2.0039

Atewologun, D. (2018). Intersectionality Theory and Practice. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Business and Management. 

Misra, J., Curington, C. V., & Green, V. M. (2021). Methods of intersectional research. Sociological Spectrum, 41(1), 9–28. https://doi.org/10.1080/02732173.2020.1791772

Ruiz AM, Luebke J, Klein K, Moore K, Gonzalez M, Dressel A, Mkandawire-Valhmu L. An integrative literature review and critical reflection of intersectionality theory. Nurs Inq. 2021 Dec;28(4):e12414. doi: 10.1111/nin.12414. Epub 2021 Jun 21. PMID: 34153140.

Haynes, C., Joseph, N. M., Patton, L. D., Stewart, S., & Allen, E. L. (2020). Toward an Understanding of Intersectionality Methodology: A 30-Year Literature Synthesis of Black Women’s Experiences in Higher Education. Review of Educational Research, 90(6), 751-787. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654320946822 (Original work published 2020)