Self-Care for LGBTQ+ Men: Why It’s Political & Personal
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"Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival."
For LGBTQ+ men, taking care of yourself isn’t just about face masks and bubble baths (though those are great too). It’s a radical act in a world that often tells us we shouldn’t exist—or that we should shrink ourselves to fit in.
Here’s why self-care is both deeply personal and unavoidably political—plus real ways to practice it, beyond the clichés.
1. The Politics of Rest: Why We’re Tired
The "Minority Stress" Effect
Studies show LGBTQ+ men experience higher levels of:
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Chronic stress from discrimination, even in subtle forms ("microaggressions").
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Anxiety about safety (holding hands in public, workplace bias).
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Internalized shame from years of being told we’re "too much" or "not enough."
💡 Self-care as resistance:
When society says, "You don’t deserve to take up space," choosing rest is rebellion.
2. Beyond the Basics: Self-Care That Actually Gets It
A. For Your Body
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Skincare without stereotypes
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Products free of harsh alcohols (common in "men’s" brands that prioritize scent over skin health).
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Brands like [Your Brand] that avoid gendered marketing.
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Movement that feels good
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Yoga? Weightlifting? Dance? No "gay enough" or "macho enough" rules.
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B. For Your Mind
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Therapy with LGBTQ+ competent providers
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Apps like Folx or Pride Counseling.
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Digital detoxes from toxic spaces
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Mute triggers (ex: political chaos, exes’ Instagrams).
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C. For Your Community
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Supporting queer-owned businesses (like ours!).
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Creating "chosen family" time—because loneliness is an epidemic.
3. Products Designed for Us, Not Just "Men"
We reformulated our bestsellers after hearing:
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"I want beard oil that doesn’t smell like a lumberjack."
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"Why does every men’s lotion burn?"
Our Solutions:
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Scent-free moisturizer for guys with sensory sensitivities.
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Calming CBD bath salts (because coming out to family is exhausting).
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Affirmations on the packaging (no toxic masculinity here).
4. The Bigger Picture: Self-Care as Solidarity
When you prioritize your well-being:
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You’re less likely to burn out in activism.
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You model healthy masculinity for younger queer folks.
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You reject capitalism’s hustle culture (grind ≠ worth).
🌱 "You can’t pour from an empty cup—especially when the world keeps punching holes in it."
Your Turn: A 7-Day Self-Care Challenge
Day 1: Block one toxic account.
Day 2: Try a non-gendered product (like our aloe-based hair gel).
Day 3: Text a queer friend just to say "I adore you."
Day 4: Spend 10 mins in sunlight (vitamin D fights depression).
Day 5: Buy from a queer-owned business.
Day 6: Write down one thing you love about being LGBTQ+.
Day 7: Rest without guilt.