1. Feminism can destroy harmful gender roles for men as well as for women

Toxic masculinity provides a strict outline for how men and women must look, think and act. Gender roles may affect different genders in different ways, but they can be cages for anyone. While some men feel fully comfortable with the outlines of traditional masculinity, I, and many other men, do not. This is not me failing to be masculine, but refusing to compromise my definition of masculinity for anyone else's. Feminism seeks to destroy harmful gender roles and free people from the cages that confine them.

2. Sexual assault is not just a women’s issue

Rape culture is one of toxic masculinity's terrible offspring, and men are not immune to it. One in six men experience sexual harassment or assault. This is definitely less than the amount of the female experience, but any amount is still too many. Not only does a culture of male supremacy lead to men being harassed and assaulted, but it also makes them less likely to report it.

Compared to the 64% of women who report documented histories of sexual abuse, only 16% of men report it. Traditional masculinity can make men feel that if they report an incident of sexual harassment in which they are the victim, then they are displaying weakness. In reality, however, the ability to seek help and begin to heal from such an incident is a sign of immense strength. Feminism recognizes this fact and can help men feel more comfortable in beginning their own healing process.

3. Feminism could help with male depression and suicide

Severe depression and suicide are terrible issues that can affect anyone. However, men die by suicide about three and a half times more often than women. A traditional feature of harmful masculinity is the feeling that a man must bury his feelings deep within himself, instead of considering them critically or seeking out someone to discuss these feeling with, be it a friend, family member or, most importantly, a professional therapist.

This is a huge problem, because neglecting one's mental health only makes depression and suicidal thoughts more harmful and more likely to be dangerous or lethal. Since there may be a link between masculine gender roles and depression and suicide, if feminism can help to destroy some of the harmful roles we so strongly adhere to, perhaps men will be more willing to seek help with feelings of depression, which can only be good.

4. Feminism creates a space for body positivity that most male spaces fail to provide

As someone who struggles constantly with appearance and body image, I have a deep personal dislike for the way men are expected to deal with discomfort about their bodies. Masculinity tells me that if I don't like the way I look, I need to "fix" my body by looking more muscular and rugged. I work out regularly, have a very physically-demanding job and eat very healthy food.

However, I still have lots of fat on my body, and products for mens' appearance are a luxury I usually can't afford. Masculinity just shrugs and says I'm out of luck. Feminism, on the other hand, celebrates different body types and offers assistance for people like me who feel uncomfortable in their bodies.

5. Feminism fights for parental leave for both mothers and fathers

Men and women have different parental leave needs, considering the fact that women are the ones to physically endure the pains of childbirth. However, parents of all genders need adequate parental leave. Feminism understands that one's professional life should not encroach on their family life, no matter their gender. Children lead more positive lives when both parents are present. I support any fight for my ability to spend time with my children in the future.

6. Feminism can improve relationships

To me, toxic masculinity represents a failure of men to treat people of another gender as equal human beings on a political, economic, cultural and personal level. Feminism fights on all of these fronts, including personal. I am a firm believer that an important aspect of any positive relationship is treating the other person as your equal.

Many men try to pursue this ideal, but we've all picked up some bad habits along the way, many of which are harmful to the women in our lives. Feminism has the power to unlock new understanding and empathy for the people in your life, even if you've already known them for a long time; it can help you to identify cultural biases or prejudices that you may have picked up on and can help you to open yourself up to more open and freeing viewpoints.

This new understanding can make your relationship with a person more positive for the both of you.

7. Supporting gender equality is the right thing to do

This should really be the only reason necessary. Men are the originators of toxic masculinity, and we must have a role in undoing it. Some of us perpetuate it, some of us are complicit to it and all of us will carry it within us until we eliminate it.

8. Many men still consider feminism an attack on masculinity

I am not saying that feminism has never once been used to attack. But, in most cases, I think men are taking an incorrect, albeit understandable view. Guys, feminists are not seeking to police your words and thoughts; they are not trying to attack you, nor are they trying to destroy your masculinity.

When a feminist offers a correction or new perspective to you, it is not an attack; it is an investment in your character. It is an opportunity being laid in front of you to start becoming a more empathetic and compassionate person.

What's more, this investment is often coming from a place of deep pain. Feminism is a battle being waged against a machine that has been pushing women down and away for much of human history, yet feminists still possess the courage and energy to face toxic masculinity, constantly investing in a future that benefits everyone.