# /0 Summary

In order not to ignore existing patriarchal relations in care politicisation, regular separate exchange among all FLINTA* persons is recommended. This creates a protected space. In this space FLINTA*s can collectively and critically reflect on patriarchal and male dynamics in the plenum. And actively counter them.

At the same time, it is necessary for cis-men in the care structure to meet in their own rounds. The aim is to find out how masculinity impedes the organising of FLINTA in the care structure. And how cis-men can actively support FLINTA in doing so. This way cis-men can recognise and address masculinity problems early. Or at least reactively contribute to resolving them. Thereby they become more reliable comrades for FLINTA*.

This protocol describes foundations and concrete possibilities for masculinity-betraying organising.

# /1 Theoretical Foundations on Masculinity

## // Concept(s) of Masculinity — What Do We Mean by It?

Masculinity is an ongoing problem. It rests on the idealisation of one's own subjectivity as strong and without contradiction. At the same time other subject positions are devalued. The male self-image unites sexual and social potency in a claim to sovereignty. This claim is accompanied by a dual threat: the fear of potency failure and the fear of women. Queers are often perceived as traitors. They unsettle one's own gender identity. The relationship with cis women is characterised by a mixture of desire, fear, envy and hatred. Sexual violence serves not only to restore damaged masculinity. It also serves sexual gratification.

Men reassure themselves of their sovereignty by making others — mainly non-cis-men — into objects. Objects of desire, violence or care. This often does not happen directly through physical violence. But through the displacement of one's own insecurities. Other people are called on as affirmers of one's own sovereignty. At the core it is about receiving attention, recognition and care. To maintain one's own sovereignty — without having to engage with vulnerability. When this fails, the violent dimension is close at hand. The task of a Betraying Masculinity structure is therefore not to be a "correct man". But to actively betray and attack masculinity — wherever it manifests itself.

> **[!] No Critical Masculinity!**
>
> The task is not to be a "correct, critical man". The task is to actively betray and attack masculinity, wherever it manifests itself!

# /2 Recommendations for Practice

> **[!] The Most Important Thing Is Practice!**
>
> The most important thing is to actually hold regular meetings among men. The output of these meetings must meet the expectations of comrades — and must not merely serve self-presentation.

## //2.1 Where Do We Want to Start Concretely?

- **Actively attend to the needs of non-men:** Is there a practice of learning about the claims and experiences of women and queer people and actively supporting them?
- **Make vulnerability accessible:** How can we talk productively about our own insecurities — especially in front of other men — without taking up excessive space or making ourselves the centre? How can we risk shame and be prepared for offence?
- **Strengthen self-responsibility, be reliable:** How can we actively break with our own idealised self-image? And take responsibility for our own behaviour, instead of retreating into justification and moral purity?
- **Practise confrontation:** Where are men to be directly addressed and confronted about problematic behaviour — including how to deal with shame and discomfort?
- **Keep male competitive dynamics in view:** How can we only bring in theory when it genuinely contributes to understanding — not for self-presentation? Where can we name and reduce name-dropping, doubling of contributions and combative conversational styles?

> **[!] Transparency!**
>
> A claim to transparency is essential: invite FLINTA*s with whom you are organised to these plena. Make minutes accessible to them. Discuss results within the organising.

## //2.2 Possible Structure of a Betraying Masculinity Plenum

1. **Check-in** with collection of agenda items.
2. **Agenda items** — Structured problem-working along the following questions:
   - Are there currently topics involving masculinity in our structure that are impeding non-men in their organising?
   - What are we doing about it?
   - How are we currently supporting FLINTA*s in their feminist organising?
3. **Check-out** with strategic orientation.

> **[!] Critical Reflection!**
>
> Establish a mode of regular reflection: does the structure actually help to work through masculinity issues? And does it support comrades in their organising?