Being an Asian male in America is followed with so much stigma. We are looked at as not masculine or attractive enough. For years, I questioned so much of why this was a normal thing that others seen in us. So I struggled with defining myself, physically and emotionally, of being “masculine.” I understand now that there isn't an actual representation of masculinity. I learned this from observing my mother who raised my brothers and sister herself. She wasn't just my mother- she also filled the space of a father. By learning from her, I embraced the gift of her intelligence and her strength to protect.