I came across the phrase “incidental masculinity” in a true story about the attraction to a man from a gay women. She was breaking up with a girlfriend and simultaneously developing a platonic love for a man she met while performing in a college play. What intrigued me was that despite her sexual attraction to women, there was something about male energy that was so appealing to her. The fact that the attraction wasn’t sexual is of interest. His manliness fit a need that could not be fulfilled by a women. In the story she did not elaborate on exactly what characteristics or traits of manliness that attracted her but my guess was his projection of quiet strength, confidence and emotional protection. Score one for positive masculinity.
