On this episode I am joined by the influential and inspiring king of boylesque- Chris Oh! Chris Oh is a Boylesque performer.  They were voted 14th most influential burlesque performer in the world in 2019. They also won Mr Gay World 2013. Today we talk about masculinity, femininity and queer sexuality throughout history and how this has influenced their boylesque acts. As well the empowerment that comes from being  both hyper masculine and feminine in their performances.  You can find me on instagram @locqueslaroux and Chris Oh @chrisohofficial

Masculinity 101: Philippe de France, brother of King Louis XIV, was always known to have a  preference for men. It was no secret. Although the king’s brother was  married twice and fathered plenty of children, his real love was a man three years younger than him. In 17th century France, homosexuality was a  crime and King Louis XIV himself was no fan of men loving men, yet had to tolerate it due to his brother. After all, if he were to punish the men  of his court who openly showed off their male lovers, he would have to start with his own flesh and blood.

Source: https://dirtysexyhistory.com/tag/louis-xiv/

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England

I am joined by the majestic and magnificent Manly Mannington! Manly Mannington is a Drag King and the producer of House Of Mannington. They are also have a residency with Brizzle Boyz and they are House Of Allure's 2019 Burlesque Bombshell winner.  Today we talk about being a drag king  and representation in the performing scene and how you don't have to fit into a box to explore masculinity and femininity. You can find me on instagram @locqueslaroux and Manly Mannington @manly_mannington

Masculinity 101: Gladys Bentley was an inspiration to many as a prolific  African-American, out and proud lesbian, and bawdy gender bending  entertainer during the 1920’s Harlem Renaissance. Audiences couldn’t get enough of her non-apologetic performances and she went on to become one of the most well documented queer black  entertainers to come from the early part of the 20th century.  This is perhaps because she pushed the envelope on gender, class and  race through her performances and how she chose to live her life on her terms.

Source: https://dragkinghistory.com/1925-1950-gladys-bentley/

Trigger Warning: Mention of sexual harrassment and being questioned about gender in heavy detail. 

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England

On this episode I am joined by the adventurous  and angelic Ashanti Gold! Ashanti is a strong, elegant and fierce burlesque performer. They are also referred to as a boss woman and classy dancer. Today we talk about women in terms of power, strength and  confidence. As well as different perceptions around age, ethnicity, and beauty. You can find me on instagram @locqueslaroux and Ashanti Gold @ashanti_gold_

Masculinity 101: Before the 1960s, Government and medical institutions attempted to squash promiscuity by limiting women’s access to contraception. Comparing contraceptive methods for women with the history of the condom, we can see that male sexuality was normalised and encouraged: during WW2, all soldiers were given condoms and encouraged to use them, while the pill was only made available in 1961 and on the NHS in 1974.

Source: https://fgrlsclub.com/2019/04/its-not-us-its-history-womens-sexuality-through-the-years/

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England

On this episode I am joined by the camp and colorful Carrot! Carrot is a drag performer and host. They are also the creator of The Enby Show. Today we talk about being non binary in the performing scene. We also talk about toxic masculinity in the form of cis white gay men, the gender binary and misogyny. As well as the importance of celebrating femininity rather than parodying it. You can find me on instagram @locqueslaroux and Carrot @carrotdrag

Masculinity 101:  During the rise of Shakespearian and theatre culture in the 1500s and  1600s, we see the start of what now may commonly be referred to as  “drag”. With many female roles in theatre, and only men allowed as  actors, men would frequently impersonate women on stage. During the following centuries, drag was used predominantly as a “man in a dress” humour gag. Moving into the 20th century, the rise of vaudevillian cabaret became the next notable transition for drag culture. From the 1930s, LGBTQ+ culture started to become more closely linked with drag culture. During this time period, there was a division among queer white men: You were either a masculine guy who blended in, or you were a fairy —  feminine and dressed in drag. 

Sources: https://www.tmwunlimited.com/forgotten-trans-focussed-past-modern-drag-culture and https://www.them.us/story/inqueery-drag

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

On this epsiode I am joined by the luxurious legend Lilly Snatchdragon! Lilly is a Neo drag queen burlesque performer and host. They are also the founder of The Bitten Peach and The Lads Show. Today we talk about how Asian women are stereotyped and the male gaze. Especially when it comes to being viewed as submissive or delicate. You can find me on instagram @locqueslaroux and Lilly SnatchDragon at @lillysnatch

Masculinity 101:  In 1905, Freud  argued that clitoral orgasms were an example of women’s sexual immaturity. It was only discovered 50 years later by Alfred Kinsey in 1953  that the clitoris was the primary source of orgasms in females. It was only in 1998 that Dr Helen O’Connell revealed with an MRI the structure of the clitoris. A man went to the moon and the internet was invented before we knew the structure of the clitoris.

Source: https://fgrlsclub.com/2019/04/its-not-us-its-history-womens-sexuality-through-the-years/

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

On this episode I am joined by the daring and divine Dominus Von Vexo! Dominus is an award winning Burlesque and Drag producer and performer. They are also the founder of House Of Allure and they are the  2021 Church Of Yshee Winner.  Today we talk about queer sexuality throughout history, queer expression in dance and performance and how we explore themes of masculinity  and gay stereotypes in our boylesque act 'Hey Sailor'. You can find me on instagram @locqueslaroux and Dominus Von Vexo @dominus_von_vexo

Masculinity 101: During the 1950s and 1960s a large percentage of gay men began joining  the Navy. In the Navy, gay men could be truthful about their sexuality.  They used it as an outlet of freedom where they could express  themselves, whether that was through different clothing or other traits  and were able to do this without the fear of being discriminated against. Sea queens were how  gay men who worked aboard mainly merchant vessels were described before the 1960s. They were predominantly effeminate gay men who worked either in entertainment or as waiters on cruise ships, often becoming off-shore 'wives' for heterosexual sailors for the duration of voyages.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_queens

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England

On this episode I am joined by the tantalizing and tasteful Tempest Rose! Tempest is a burlesque performer and host. They are a pioneer, producer and creative director. As well as leading House of Burlesque. Today we talk about what it's like being a female burlesque host and performer amongst a male crowd. As well as how toxic male behavior can be commented on through burlesque. Whether it be comical, political or both. You can find me on instagram @locqueslaroux and Tempest Rose @hobtempestrose

Masculinity 101: Victorian burlesque was popular in London theatres from the 1830s to the  1890s. It took well-known culture like opera or Shakespeare and  parodied it. The Victorian burlesque style was taken to New York in the 1840s. It was later popularised in 1868 by Lydia Thompson's visiting dance troupe, the British Blondes. Their burlesque shows were focused on parody elements performed by a  female cast.  Their first success in New York was with Ixion (1868)-  A female-run production that showed under-dressed, attractive women  mimicking patriarchs’ roles

Source: https://burlexe.com/burlesque/burlesque-history/the-history-of-burlesque-dancing/

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England

This week I am joined by the extraordinary Pocket Rocket who is a drag artist and resident House Of Mannington performer. Today we talk about theatre, drag and masculinity. You can find me on instagram @locqueslaroux and Pocket Rocket @pocketrocketdrag  

Masculinity 101: Mary Frith was born  in 1584, and grew up to be one of the most famous women of her age. Eventually becoming the subject of the 17th century play The Roaring Girl. When she was older she became a recognisable figure around town, drinking in taverns with men, smoking a long clay pipe, and wearing men's clothing. Such behaviour was understood as a threat to gender hierarchies of the time, and any woman apprehended “cross-dressing” was understood to be in rebellion against her betters, i.e. men. 

https://www.writerstheatre.org/blog/gender-shakespeares-stage-history/ https://eastendwomensmuseum.org/blog/mary-frith 

Reviews: 'Such a great podcast! Covers such an important and broad range of topics. With a brilliant host and beautifully diverse range of guests. Each episode is engaging and inspiring! Can't wait for more!' @zarajames95 fashion designer, costume and jewellery maker. 

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

This week I am joined by the daring Faux Boy who is a performance artist and fashion designer. Today me and Faux talk about the pressure to 'be a man', cloning in the queer community and the benefits of having control over your own artwork. You can find me on Instagram @locqueslaroux and Faux Boy @faux_boy  

Masculinity 101: From a medical perspective, erectile dysfunction is characterized by regular and persistent difficulty in getting hard. Men who have difficulty in getting hard due to anxiety rarely meet the definition of erectile dysfunction. The medical community has increasingly concentrated on facilitating the quality of men's sexual lives rather than helping them acknowledge and cope with anxiety or natural decline. 

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

This week I am joined by the trailblazing trio: We Three Queers.  A Queer based podcast  hosted by Carrot, Cyro & Flick! Today me and the gang talk about hidden queer identities, body image in Hollywood and sexiness being subjective.  You can find me on Instagram @locqueslaroux and We Three Queers @wethreequeers  

Masculinity 101: During the 19th century, insults and other challenges to the purity of a man's daughters, sisters or wife, represented a substantial challenge to his honour. Men have often used ritualized violence to address challenges to their honour (as seen on the Netflix show Bridgerton).

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