Anonymized Interview Metadata for "Transgressing Beauty and Gender Norms: Textual Analysis of Male Celebgram Posts in Indonesia and Malaysia"

This study examines male Instagram celebrities, termed “celebgrams,” who have emerged as beauty influencers. Historically, beauty has been closely associated with femininity, but male beauty is garnering more attention, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia, where Islamic cultural norms deeply shape societal views on beauty and gender roles. This study explores how six male beauty celebgrams in Indonesia and Malaysia use Instagram to challenge traditional beauty norms and redefine masculinity in conservative societies. Through textual analysis grounded in the framework of transgression within media and cultural studies, this study investigates how these influencers construct alternative narratives and representations of male beauty. The findings reveal that social media platforms, particularly Instagram, empower young men in conservative societies like Indonesia and Malaysia to embrace cosmetics and redefine masculinity. Embracing the concept of the “female gaze,” these influencers challenge societal expectations and push the boundaries of social, cultural, and religious norms. This research underscores the transformative potential of digital spaces as secure environments for self-expression, professional recognition, and community building, reshaping gendered body identities and fostering inclusivity in the discourse on beauty and gender.