Summary of Why I’m Done Trying to Be “Man Enough”

Actor Justin Baldoni once believed that social belonging meant adhering to rigid notions of masculinity. Now he fosters a more balanced view of identity and personhood.

In his acting career, Justin Baldoni has tended to land powerful, ultra-masculine roles. His true self transcends such Hollywood typecasting, but Baldoni sees connections between how he has portrayed a scripted masculinity as an actor and in his personal life. Since Baldoni’s boyhood, society has pressured him to be a certain kind of man. His male friendships and social belonging hinged on rejecting anything feminine. Because society labels vulnerability as feminine, Baldoni felt compelled to maintain a pretense of confidence, strength and self-reliance, which even led him to resent his nurturing, gentle father.

After turning 30, Baldoni heeded his internal conflict and rejected all ...