What is "androphilia?"

The word androphilia isn't in a lot of dictionaries. Strictly speaking, it means "the love of men," so an androphile could legitimately be anyone, male or female, who loves men.

Who is an "androphile?"

However, since the word is not in common usage, author Jack Malebranche appropriated it, and used the word "androphile" ("andro" for short) to describe an adult male who is sexually and socially attracted to other adult males, and who values masculinity in both himself and in other men.

Isn't that the same as "gay?"

No. The main purpose in using the word "androphile" instead of "gay" is to reject the cultural baggage associated with the word "gay." Androphilia asserts that male homosexuality is distinguishable from the gay social identity and the modern gay rights movement. "Gay" describes a specific "gay pride" culture complete with rainbow flags and disco divas, its own obnoxious brand of victimology, and a radical left political agenda.

Because androphiles value masculinity in themselves and the men with whom they associate, their relationship with effeminate gay culture is irreconcilable. Androphilia attempts to separate the experience of a man who is attracted to other men from the dishonor of the mainstream gay monoculture.

But what do you mean by"masculinity?" I'm male. Isn't whatever I do an expression of my own special kind of masculinity?

No. This is an intentionally weasely question, because masculinity is notoriously difficult to define in precise terms. The book Androphilia asserts that while superficial expressions of masculinity are often culturally-specific (like kilts on Scottish men), there are some core masculine values that transcend cultural differences. Very few - if any - cultures in the history of mankind have encouraged openly submissive behavior or weakness in their men. The question "does this project strength or weakness" is a good starting point for evaluating masculinity.

Masculinity isn't really something you can learn about from a book. Sitting in a classroom talking about mountain climbing isn't the same as actually climbing a mountain. Masculinity exists in the realm of action and tangible results, not mere theory and speculation. Androphilia asserts that being a man is an experience that only biological males can truly understand, just as the experience of womanhood is something men can only theorize about.

Manhood is earned through action and interaction with other men. If most men would identify you as a big sissy, identifying yourself as "masculine" just makes you a big joke. Most men fall into a natural hierarchy and there is a wide range of behavior that seems to qualify as "reasonably masculine."

Rest assured, Androphilia devotes a section to separating masculinity from goofy macho posturing and being an asshole from masculinity. Professional wrestlers are fun to watch. On TV. Guys who act like that in real life are "hypermasculine" and, for the most part, ridiculous.

So, wait, is masculinity just for "tops?"

Androphilia takes the position that sex is just sex, and what position you like in bed does not and should not dictate how you live the rest of your life.

What about "bears," and "leathermen?" Aren't they examples of masculine gay culture?

The "bear" and "leather" gay subcultures are sexual fetish cultures. Any underlying philosophy associated with these cultures is indistinguishable from the mainstream gay philosophy. Often, being a "bear" or a "leatherman" is more about achieving a certain "look" than it is about everyday behavior.

Androphilia is concerned with how homosexual men see themselves, especially in relationship to other men, and how men live their everyday lives.

Is Androphilia misogynist?

Androphilia is often labeled "misogynist" because it does not serve a radical feminist agenda, and instead criticizes the influence of radical gender feminism on gay culture and on society as a whole.

The radical feminist definition of misogyny is histrionic.

Androphilia does not in any way advocate the abuse of women or hatred of women. Androphilia takes no position on the role of women in society. It is a book written by a man specifically for men.