Damien McClean, a queer man from Brisbane, has become a vocal advocate against toxic masculinity in gym environments following his experience at World Gym in Ipswich. After being asked to stop dancing between sets, claiming it made others uncomfortable, McClean continues to express his identity through dance, which he sees as a celebration of life and a protest against bigotry. He deliberately presents himself with pride, wearing sparkly jewelry and painted nails, and emphasizes his right to occupy space without fear. His actions not only aim to encourage others in the LGBTQ+ community but also challenge societal norms around masculinity.
I find the gym to be quite an unpleasant place for people who have an aversion for toxic masculinity as Australian gyms reek of it.
I live for dancing and I live for drag. My dancing is a celebration of queer expression and a celebration of life.
So, with this in mind in between my sets I like to wiggle my hips, shake my butt, step touch side-to-side and practice my lip syncing skills.
McClean described his dancing as a protest and an act that enables him to expose bigots to openly queer men who are not ashamed of their queerness.
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