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USA Today
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Travis Kelce, those shirtless GQ photos and how masculinity is changing
Travis Kelce has been everywhere this week. On Aug 12, he was shirtless on the cover of GQ. In the photoshoot, Kelce presents a stereotypical (and exaggerated) embodiment of masculinity — he is dressed in full fur, construction vests and wrangles alligators. He's unflinching while wrapped in a snake. But in the interview, he also embraces vulnerability, grapples with self-doubt and talks about it openly – celebrating his superstar girlfriend, Taylor Swift, in the process. The following day, Swift made her highly anticipated debut as a guest on Kelce's "New Heights" podcast, during which she announced her 12th studio album, 'The Life of a Showgirl.' Kelce said she's "the best songwriter in the world." Swift countered with "says my boyfriend,' but isn't that exactly how boyfriends should talk about their partners? His pride in talking about Swift along with his openness in his GQ interview sets a critical example for young men today. Mental health experts say it's crucial for boys and young men to understand the importance of showing emotion, which can contribute to building long-lasting relationships and overall mental wellness. 'It's breaking the masculine code, stepping out of the man box, and saying, 'Yeah, I'm vulnerable,'" said Ronald Levant, a professor emeritus of psychology at The University of Akron and co-author of 'The Problem with Men: Insights on Overcoming a Traumatic Childhood from a World-Renowned Psychologist." 'Black cat boyfriends' and a new dawn for emotional men We're living through the rise of the "black cat boyfriend" — an archetype of elusive, emotionally complex love interests in shows like "Too Much" (Felix), "The Summer I Turned Pretty" (Conrad) and "Ginny and Georgia" (Marcus). And while it seems like viewers are rooting for vulnerable men now more than ever, we've always had a soft spot for the complicated character with a good heart. Just look at Jess from 'Gilmore Girls" or Lucas from 'One Tree Hill." Celebrities are also having a moment when it comes to vulnerability. In January, a viral video of Bad Bunny crying after his song "DTMF" blew up on TikTok opened up a conversation around men and emotion. 'Bad Bunny signals to young men that it's not only acceptable, but also healthy to confront and express their feelings, which is something that men and young boys haven't been taught to do,' Sheldon Jacobs, a licensed therapist who serves on the National Alliance on Mental Illness Board of Directors, previously told USA TODAY. 'It's really pushing and challenging those cultural norms.' In Kelce's GQ interview, he said it is difficult to "block out" the increased media scrutiny. He admits that despite his inability to control what people say about him, it does affect him. "If someone says something that they don't like about you, you have to be able to understand how you are portraying yourself for them to say that," he says. "I'm a guy who doesn't want anyone to say anything negative about me. Some people don't give a (expletive). I'm someone who does care.' He wants to be someone young people can look up to, he told GQ: "I do want people to look at me like I'm doing good in the world, I'm influencing and using my platform for the better, being a role model, being somebody that has done it the right way." What's a 'black cat boyfriend' and why is everyone obsessed with them? Travis Kelce is Swift's biggest hypeman When Swift finally posted Kelce on her Instagram feed, Swifties celebrated. They've praised Kelce for "loving her out loud" — his joy over her accomplishments, and her happiness to have him by her side through them shines. "When we feel confident in our partner, it can feel great to show them off," Kimberly Vered Shashoua, a licensed clinical social worker, previously told USA TODAY. On "New Heights," Swift shared that she couldn't have been happier to be near Travis the moment she got her masters back. She ran into the next room sobbing to break the news, and even he shed a tear. "I started crying too, you know I'm a crier," he said. "You were weeping," Swift quipped. In the words of Swift herself: Kelce and Swift "show up for each other." "You want to keep things private, but at the same time... I'm not here to hide anything," Kelce said in June 2024. "That's my girl, that's my lady, I'm proud of that." Contributing: Rachel Hale, David Oliver
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
A football player cried on air, sparking masculinity conversation
"Yeah, that part's hard, I'm sorry," Wilson said before breaking down in tears and placing his head on the table. Wilson is from Frankston South in Victoria, Australia - making his family 15 hours ahead of his location in Lincoln, Nebraska. "I love them a lot. I got two little brothers, and my mom and dad. That's the tough part about being here. I love them a lot and I miss them." The heartwarming moment opened up a conversation around masculinity and emotion online. Mental health experts say it's crucial for young boys and men to understand the importance of showing emotion, which can contribute to building long-lasting relationships and overall mental wellness. Popular figures like athletes and celebrities help fill the space of role models at an age when boys are highly impressionable, according to Sheldon Jacobs, a licensed therapist who serves on the National Alliance on Mental Illness Board of Directors. "Any display of emotion, especially for men, it challenges the traditional stereotypes of masculinity, which often discourages men from, unfortunately, opening up and expressing their feelings," Sheldon says. Did you see? Men are going to brutal boot camps to reclaim their masculinity. How did we get here? The idea that 'boys don't cry' is outdated Wilson's moment hit sports accounts on X and Instagram, where viewers flooded the comment sections with support. "Today" co-host Jenna Bush Hager featured it on Aug. 13 as her "Morning Boost" segment, where she shared that she plans to show the clip to her 6-year-old son. Wilson, who never played an organized game of football, impressed the Huskers coach with his rugby background and strong kicks. He'll play his first game for Nebraska on Aug. 28 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. He shared during the press conference that his family is visiting Lincoln in September to watch him play his first home games of the season. Wilson's openness is part of a wider trend of male sports figures and celebrities opening up about emotion in recent years, according to Ronald Levant, a professor emeritus of psychology at The University of Akron and co-author of "The Problem with Men: Insights on Overcoming a Traumatic Childhood from a World-Renowned Psychologist." Last March, an emotional Jason Kelce made waves with his announcement that he was retiring following 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles. In videos from the news conference, Kelce let his emotion show while his brother Travis Kelce, who stars in GQ Magazine's September issue, also wiped away tears. In April, Justin Bieber posted a series of photos on Instagram from a performance that included selfies with tears streaming down his face. And Baddy Bunny went viral after posting a teary-eyed video on TikTok over his song "DTMF" in appreciation of fans' response to his album. "It does give young men permission to say, 'It's OK not be OK. It's OK to struggle, you know, because I'm not alone in this,'" Jacobs says. In case you missed it: Jason Kelce's retirement tears hold an important lesson for men: It's OK to cry Gender norms around emotion are changing - and experts say that's a good thing. Levant said younger men are reacting against the strictures of traditional masculinity, the most notable of which is crying. "That's kind of the No. 1 rule. If you're a boy, you get punished for crying; you're told, 'Boys don't cry,'" Levant says. Still, young men are growing up during a male loneliness epidemic. In a 2021 survey by the Survey Center on American Life, only 1 in 5 men said they received emotional support from a friend within the past week, compared with 4 in 10 of women. And half as many men as women told a friend they loved them within the past week. Experts say being more open about emotion can contribute to solutions. "It's really, really impactful for young men," Jacobs says. "Historically, cultural norms have discouraged men... to show vulnerability, which perpetuates that stigma around mental health."Rachel Hale's role covering Youth Mental Health at USA TODAY is supported by a partnership with Pivotal and Journalism Funding Partners. Funders do not provide editorial input. Reach her at rhale@ and @rachelleighhale on X.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BMF promotes Nathan Lieb and Allison Gill to partner
Bober Markey Fedorovich (BMF), a CPA and advisory firm, has named Nathan Lieb and Allison Gill as newest partners, with the promotions set to take effect on 1 July 2025. Both Lieb and Gill have made significant contributions to their respective practices within the firm. Nathan Lieb's journey at BMF began as an intern in 2012, and over the years, he is stated to have risen to become a leader within the firm's Tax Practice. His specialisation in ASC 740 tax provision work has positioned him as a trusted advisor to various multi-jurisdictional companies, including public and private C-corporations, S-corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships. Lieb is also actively involved in the community. He is a member of The University of Akron's Accountancy Advisory and MTax Governance boards, contributing to the development of future accounting professionals. He has served as the treasurer for the Akron Torchbearers and led BMF's annual Harvest for Hunger campaign. BMF partner and executive committee member Theodore A. Wagner said: 'Nathan has been a key driver of the firm's ASC 740 practice growth. We're excited to see him take over leadership of this practice area, which helps us expand our reach beyond Northeast Ohio.' Allison Gill joined the firm in 2020 and has established herself within the Audit Practice. With more than 15 years experience, Gill leads some of the firm's complex audit engagements, working with international and domestic companies across various industries such as aerospace, defence, diversified products, manufacturing, and automotive. Gill's leadership extends beyond her audit duties, as she chairs the firm's Employee Enrichment and Engagement Committee (e3), promoting a positive workplace culture and encouraging community involvement. BMF partner Eric D. German said: 'Allison's promotion reflects not only her exceptional technical expertise and leadership but also her unwavering commitment to mentoring others and driving quality and innovation across the firm.' Earlier, in March 2025, BMF promoted Kristian Barr and Michael Bigler from senior managers to directors in the Assurance and Advisory Department of its Northeast Ohio team. "BMF promotes Nathan Lieb and Allison Gill to partner" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
26-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Bober Markey Fedorovich Names Nathan Lieb and Allison Gill as Newest Partners
AKRON, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bober Markey Fedorovich (BMF, a Top 200 CPA and advisory firm, is proud to announce the promotion of Nathan Lieb, CPA, MSA, and Allison Gill, CPA, to Partner, effective July 1, 2025. Nathan Lieb began his career with BMF as an intern in 2012. He has since become a key leader within the firm's Tax Practice, particularly in ASC 740 tax provision work. He serves various multi-jurisdictional companies, including public and private C-corporations, S-corporations, limited liability companies, and partnerships. His technical knowledge and expertise have made him a trusted advisor for businesses navigating complex tax issues. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Lieb is heavily engaged in the community, serving on The University of Akron's Accountancy Advisory and MTax Governance boards in support of future generations of accounting professionals. He was also part of the 2018 graduating class of Akron Torchbearers and served as the former Treasurer. Lieb has also championed the firm's annual Harvest for Hunger campaign, showcasing his commitment to giving back to his community. Lieb earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in accounting from The University of Akron. He was also honored with the prestigious 30 For the Future Award from the Greater Akron Chamber in 2021. 'Nathan has been a key driver of the firm's ASC 740 practice growth. We're excited to see him take over leadership of this practice area, which helps us expand our reach beyond Northeast Ohio.' - Theodore A. Wagner, Partner and Executive Committee Member Allison Gill joined BMF in 2020 and quickly emerged as a leader within the firm's Audit Practice. Allison brings over 15 years of experience and leads some of the firm's most significant and complex audit engagements. Her extensive experience includes serving international and large domestic companies in the aerospace and defense, diversified products, manufacturing, and automotive industries. Gill is widely recognized for her exceptional leadership skills and has played a significant role in mentoring and developing the firm's associates. She also serves as Chair of the firm's Employee Enrichment & Engagement Committee (e3), fostering employee connectedness and community involvement through a positive and engaging environment. Aside from her professional achievements, Gill serves on the board of directors for the Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, Ohio, and is a proud alumna of the Cleveland Bridge Builders Class of 2023. Gill earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in business administration from John Carroll University. 'Allison's promotion reflects not only her exceptional technical expertise and leadership but also her unwavering commitment to mentoring others and driving quality and innovation across the firm.' – Eric D. German, Partner About BMF Since 1959, BMF has grown into a leading independent accounting and business advisory firm in Northeast Ohio, serving clients nationally in a variety of industries, including those with multi-state and global operations. As a nationally recognized IPA Top 200 Accounting Firm, BMF has received numerous recognitions and awards, including Best of the Best, Great Lakes Regional Leader, and Best of Accounting. BMF's intentional growth strategy and consistent industry recognition underscore the firm's commitment to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions. For more information, visit
