Youtuber and influencer Luboš Kulíšek: "A good man should be himself first and foremost"

Our perception of the world is influenced by many people and things around us. It is also closely related to masculinity. You're only 22, so you probably still have a vivid memory of your adolescence. To what extent have you been pushed into a certain role that you didn't completely relate to, for example?

I think I was very lucky in terms of my parents' upbringing and attitude, because I wasn't a "traditional boy" at all. My dad loves cars and football and stuff like that, but once he found out that I didn't have a relationship or aptitude for those things, he was totally fine with it.

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Sources: Foto: se souhlasem Juana Calderóna

So what did you enjoy?

I've always been more creatively oriented and went to an elementary art school. I don't want to say that boys don't normally do that, but in our little town in Moravia, of course, it wasn't so common for a boy to go to art school and take up drawing, for example. For example, as part of my graduate work, I created clothes, so that wasn't exactly the traditional thing expected of a boy either.

But my parents were fine with it, they were supportive, they went to all my shows, etc. So I was very lucky in that respect, but I have to say I didn't take it completely for granted because I saw my friends' parents taking it a bit differently. When it was a girl, she had to take care of her younger siblings, she had to cook for them, and the boys, on the other hand, were forgiven for everything, but they had different demands. If it was a boy who had no relation to sports, he had to find one somehow, because he was a boy.

So there was no pressure on you in relation to your family, but what about other people and friends? For example, in primary school did you perceive any hints?

As you say, most of it was probably in primary school. Now, I don't want to make myself out to be a particularly mature person, not at all, but I felt that compared to my peers I was a bit ahead of the game. I was interested in things that older people were more interested in, whereas my peers were just into computer games and nothing else. I didn't really get along with other guys, and it's true that I had more female friends than male friends in elementary school, so I was closer to the female world. I was already interested in fashion in elementary school. I was figuring out what to wear to school, which the other boys weren't interested in. Again, that's not wrong, I'm just trying to point out the contrast between us and the diversity that exists in the world.

So did you have trouble expressing yourself fully? Does that problem persist to this day? I mean, you have hundreds of thousands of fans on the net, and I'm sure there are some inappropriate comments...

I think at the moment I'm probably the most balanced I've ever been. Because two years ago, it was unimaginable for me to admit that I sometimes use make-up while filming. Because there are days when I'm really not happy with my skin, so I put make-up on, but two years ago it was unthinkable for me to say that publicly. Because I was living under the assumption that guys don't wear makeup and I was afraid of judgment from people around me. But that was partly because I grew up in a small town. It's not the same there. I don't want to say which world is worse and which is better, but there is a visible difference that I personally felt.

Luboš is one of the most famous figures in Czech social networks
Photo: Foto: se souhlasem Juana Calderóna

So do you think people living in smaller towns are more conservative?

Exactly, some things are unimaginable for people there. Since I've been in Prague, I have no problem at all admitting that I wear make-up, that I deal with fashion, etc. For me it's fun and a hobby, here in Prague I feel free to be 100% myself.

And what about the reactions on social media? Don't you ever encounter the opinion that youtubing is not a full-time job and that you should do something proper as a man?

The worst place for a guy like me to go is the comments in the discussion boards. Discussion under any article is always a very toxic place. I always tell everyone else not to address the discussions and not to look at them because those people don't think there and let literally everything out. They don't think at all about what they say and how they say it and the power of their words. Sometimes everyone needs to realize the power of what they write in a discussion.

Sometimes people will even write an opinion in discussions about a subject they know nothing about, are not interested in, and are not entertained by. I personally would never do such a thing. I don't enjoy sports either, so I would never comment on it. I have no need to put down something I don't enjoy. It's my problem and mine alone.

Especially from the last reply, there are still people who hold the opinion that a guy should be like that and poppy. Do you think that idea is toxic? That diversity should be allowed to take over?

That's quite a tricky question, because on the one hand, I'm impressed by certain masculine traits and I like it when a guy wears an interesting outfit that accentuates masculine traits. But on the other hand, I don't agree that a guy should be like that and poppy. That said, I find the characteristics of a man as such terribly interesting, but on the other hand, it's utter bullshit to tell someone how to look, act, etc.

And I can certainly say that something like that is toxic because you're trying to control someone. I mean, that's so wrong. No one should tell anyone what to do or how to do it. It's their life and their decision. If I had spent my whole life following what people wanted me to look like and what they told me to do, I wouldn't be where I am today, career-wise or mentally.

You wouldn't be you, and then what you do on socks wouldn't work...

Exactly. On the outside I might look like I'm okay with it, but on the inside I'd be suppressing my true identity. I feel terrible for people who grow up in that environment. I mean, an environment where their parents are downright controlling. It must be killing them. Everyone has a certain personal range and aptitude for where they can go, but when that path is walled off, it doesn't lead to anything good.

That's what the whole social networking world is about in a hyperbolic sense, don't you think? Being yourself... That's why you have as many fans as you do... Or am I wrong?

You're right. That's the point. Especially nowadays, youtubers can help a lot of people. Because back when I was a kid, I didn't know if any other kid was interested in fashion, drawing and other creative things, whereas now that young kid finds it on YouTube and finds out that there are more of us and that it's quite normal.

I have one final question. So what should a good man look and act like?

He should be himself. That's all.

You're known to like fashion, etc. But appearances and outward appearances can be deceiving. What's Lubos Kulisek like on the inside?

It will probably surprise most people, but I think that inside me is the true traditional male characteristic. I am very honest, stubborn, I don't show my feelings much and I don't cry over every little thing. People sometimes say I'm completely emotionless and keep a stony face. (laughs) Well...