Here, Tayler, Kenny and June discuss their experiences and relationships with gender and beauty. Two of the guys, for example, said that prior to transitioning, they shirked away from beauty, seeing it as feminine, and it’s only now they’re more comfortable in their gender identity, they feel more able to explore and have fun with it. Or perhaps it’s a little more complicated and that coming to love beauty has been more of a journey for you. ? In the pursuit of a more defined and aesthetically pleasing facial structure, a dangerous and pseudoscientific trend… Self-acceptance, supported by informed medical advice, empowers us to embrace our unique appearances and live authentically. Additionally, constant dieting or overeating may disrupt your testosterone levels. What you eat can affect levels of testosterone as well as other hormones. Resistance training, such as weightlifting, has been shown to boost testosterone levels in the short term. Here are eight evidence-based ways to increase your testosterone levels naturally. Consistent with the ‘challenge hypothesis’ (Wingfield et al. 1990) men respond to competitive situations with increased testosterone levels (for a review see Archer 2006). In participants randomly allocated to a ‘winning’ condition, testosterone was elevated relative to pre-task levels at 5 and 20 min post-task. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone that supports muscle mass, bone health, sex drive, and some mood and energy functions. In societies where traditional gender roles are strictly defined, people might feel compelled to conform to these standards more rigidly. These attributes are not merely biological markers but are deeply ingrained in cultural standards of beauty and gender identity. However, it is essential to approach this treatment with a comprehensive understanding of both the expected outcomes and possible side effects. Although the term "mogging" in the context of looksmaxxing is used to rate oneself's physical appearance as being higher than another's, this term can be used in harmful ways. In order to achieve these features, some perform acts such as the aforementioned "mewing", rubbing against the orbital area, or even getting surgery. Additional features checked for include hollow cheeks, a defined jawline and "pursed lips". One of the features checked for in men is "hunter eyes", which refers to a neutral/positive canthal tilt, little to no upper eyelid exposure and low-set eyebrows, resembling the eye area of a predatorial animal. Those opposed to these practices voice concern over their potential to be popularized in online spaces to promote hegemonic masculinity. According to a 2024 BBC report, looksmaxxing has been criticized for contributing to body dysmorphia. Research suggests that excessive alcohol consumption can decrease testosterone levels. High exposure to estrogen-like chemicals may also affect testosterone levels. Additionally, a 2020 review found that taking a vitamin D supplement increased testosterone levels and improved erectile dysfunction. Some research shows that low vitamin D levels may be linked to lower testosterone levels. A healthy balance of protein, fat, and carbs can help optimize your hormone levels and support your overall health. Some research shows that a low-fat diet could decrease testosterone levels. That’s not me and also it’s this very white kind of normative version of masculinity as well and as a person of colour, that’s not going to emphasise my best qualities as a man of colour. I think taking T, my skin got oiler, so it’s more salicylic acid and glycogenic acid toners and stuff like that. I used to use a lot of different potions and stuff and have a six-step skincare regime, and now it’s gone down to four or five steps but I’m still doing a lot. Make the decision to fall in love with the process of loving yourself and not the ‘ideal beauty standards’ and you’ll spend the rest of your life fulfilled." General beauty standards can cause you to have dysphoria and being transgender making everything so much harder to navigate.
