Decolonizing Australian settler-colonial masculinity

This chapter argues that Australian settler-colonial masculinity needs to be decolonized for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to freely express themselves and feel valued. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, settler-colonial masculinity is toxic. Generally, it subordinates or marginalizes those who do not possess particular traits and qualities, or who exhibit behaviors deemed other than ideal, and this is problematic. However, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, even when these desirable characteristics are possessed, settler-colonial masculinity continues to alienate and disempower. By decolonizing Australian settler-colonial masculinity to incorporate Indigenous worldviews, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men will gain greater freedom to express masculinities that are valued. To begin this process, this chapter looks toward the challenges and successes of other social movements aiming to contest gender relations, and the power held by White heteropatriarchy. Based on their experiences, this chapter proposes that the decolonization of settler-colonial masculinity can be achieved by applying an intersectional approach, by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men using strategic essentialism, eliciting support from and working with allies to enhance social change, and educating about the marginalization of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identities.