Esquire Townhouse.The Esquire community is meeting for the third time, this year on November 14th in Berlin. The concept in just three words: talks, workshops, party. This time we want to talk about modern masculinity – cosmopolitan, clear, with attitude. Our choice fell on three good guys, one of them:Jannik Schümann– the one for coolRole model for the queer communitybecame. Because actor Jannik Schümann touches the audience with his roles. But he also does a lot outside of film and television - especially for the queer community. In theInterviewhe says,what demands it makes on men and society.And what they have to do with Harry Potter.
Interview: Philipp Köpp
Styling: Kai Margrander
Photo: Ronald Dick
Esquire: Jannik, when you hear the word “masculinity,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind?
Jannik Schümann: That the term is changing, especially in the last few years. And that you think about him a lot when you grow up. Especially, but not exclusively, as a gay man. Masculinity is associated with adulthood. Because then you ask yourself questions like: What constitutes masculinity for me and how do I want to live masculinity? A term that brings with it social expectations and therefore pressure.
Does masculinity put pressure on you?
I definitely used to feel pressure like that because I also knew that I didn't live up to this traditional image of men. But I was then able to free myself from this pressure. I have been working in the theater and film industry for decades, where masculinity has always been lived in a modern way. In addition, my family has always supported me in this process of finding and living out my own masculinity. So today I no longer feel any pressure.
So you grew up with a traditional image of men?
Yes. I come from the country and, for example, didn't know any homosexual men in my area.
My father is the first person to cry during a movie. We are a very cuddly family.
Jannik Schümann
Many men are currently faced with the challenge of rediscovering themselves and their masculinity, of breaking away from this traditional image because society expects it.
This difficulty is totally justified. It's the same with everything: If we're always told that something is wrong, then it takes time to break away from it and form our own new opinion. It's the same with masculinity. For centuries men were told that they had to be invulnerable and strong, now suddenly they are allowed to show emotions and be colorful. It takes time until they can accept and implement it.
My father is the first person to cry during a movie. We are a very cuddly family. I grew up with a traditional image of men, but that doesn't mean that you weren't allowed to show feelings. I hug my brothers and dad the same way I hug my mom. We were never afraid of being sensitive.
Other men are definitely afraid of it. At least as much as queerness, it seems to be the final boss for “real guys.” Do you think this has something to do with each other?
Men are afraid of appearing soft. Fear of being bombarded with insults like “faggot.” I can't understand why guys feel threatened in their masculinity when they admit feelings, but I think it's true for many people, yes. And it's annoying.
Is there anything else that really annoys you about being a man?
When white, heterosexual cis men are simply in the most powerful position in the social hierarchy and then have to make a judgment that gender sucks and that society is already fair for everyone. I'm not asking anyone to gender, but I'm asking that you don't judge something you'll never have to experience yourself. I think that men often don't realize that they are very overprivileged and therefore never have to experience this suffering.
Are you speaking from experience?
Luckily not. I walk through Kreuzkölln holding hands with my fiancé Felix. But I am very aware that we have been very lucky so far that nothing has happened to us yet. The number of anti-queer crimes is constantly increasing.
I'm not asking anyone to change their gender. But I ask that you don't judge something you never have to experience yourself.
Jannik Schümann
When you discuss these topics with straight cis men and have to explain the situation to them, how do you go about it?
I'm the one who starts crying because I get too emotional. And that annoys me because I can't say what I want. You want to remain objective and respectful. Even when there are differences of opinion, respect is always important to me in conversations because that's the only way to reach people. I'd rather get out of the situation before I get too emotional and maybe even abusive.
Sometimes you just want to say:Please, shut up really tight.
Yes, I understand that. But I don't think I've ever been in situations like this where I was contradicted so badly that there was no other option.
What do you want from men out there, maybe even from society as a whole?
I would like to quote actress Evanna Lynch, who I interviewed at a Harry Potter event. When asked why she loves her character Luna Lovegood so much, she said: “Because she approaches people without judging them and condemning them. No matter what status, gender, religion or sexuality.” That’s what I would want. Politically, things are going in the completely wrong direction. I want a Germany in which you can walk through the streets without fear, no matter where you are.
