In a world where gender roles are rapidly evolving, some men are finding their calling in professions traditionally dominated by women. These trailblazers are not just participants but champions in their fields, paving new paths and challenging old stereotypes. Here, we shine a spotlight on three such individuals who are breaking barriers and setting inspiring examples.
Ki-Juan Minors: Riding against the tide
Ki-Juan Minors, a professional equestrian from Bermuda, didn’t choose his career based on demographics. From a young age, his passion for horses was the driving force behind his decision to enter this female-dominated sport. “I always wanted to be the change,” Mr Minors stated, reflecting on his desire to stand out and pursue his love for equestrian activities, despite it being seen as unconventional for men in our community.
The journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Mr Minors faced scepticism and discouragement from peers and the broader community, who questioned the viability of his career choice. “I heard people say things like: ‘Why do you want to ride horses?’ And ‘Who sells horses. That’s not a real sport or career’. It makes me laugh looking back at it now. But of course, in the moment the negative feedback made me doubt myself, especially while starting out in my career.”
Mr Minors now understands that when you are new to something, people can perceive you as a threat. This can cause you to feel like the literal ‘odd man out’ in the group, he said. “Despite the criticisms, I knew what I wanted so I took the chance and risk to get there,” he explained. Instead of giving up, he said these challenges fuelled his resolve.
For men hesitant to follow a similar path, Mr Minors admitted that passion and perseverance are key to overcoming stereotypes and succeeding in any chosen field. “Take the risk, if you believe in it,” he advised. “Don’t allow people to block your blessing because they don’t have the mindset to get that step ahead.”
James Lee: Painting new norms
James Lee’s entry into the world of make-up artistry was not a planned conquest into a female-dominated field but a natural progression of his passion for art. Originally interested in graphic design, Mr Lee found there were limited opportunities in that field and instead turned to make-up as a means of expressing himself. Finding his niche in beauty, he transformed his self-taught skills through YouTube into professional mastery, working at local salons, the Bermuda Fashion Festival, and with prominent global brands like MAC Cosmetics.
For the most part, he’s received positive feedback on his artistry and professionalism. However, he has noticed some cultural resistance and moments of hesitation from clients surprised or unsure about a man in the role. “Some women have declined my services in favour of a female artist, and in one rare instance, a customer requested I leave the sales floor for religious reasons,” Mr Lee recalled. “Yet, these experiences never discouraged me. Instead, I handled them with professionalism and grace, understanding that perceptions take time to shift.” He admitted he takes pride in the moments when clients are pleasantly surprised by his work or obviously feel relaxed and comfortable, as if in a spa.
“Interestingly enough, many iconic beauty brands, including the one I work for (MAC), were founded by men—highlighting how deeply rooted men actually are in the history of beauty and cosmetics,” he said.
Mr Lee encouraged other men to ignore societal expectations and embrace their talents. “The face is just another canvas,” he said, urging men to see the beauty industry as a realm of artistic and professional opportunity, regardless of gender.
Keenan Van Putten: A nurse with vision
Keenan Van Putten’s journey into nursing began in a seemingly unlikely place—the sterilisation department of a hospital. Intrigued by the direct impact nurses had on patient care, particularly in surgical settings, Mr Van Putten pursued nursing with a desire to contribute significantly to patient health. “I attended Bermuda College where I got my associate’s in science, then matriculated to Hampton University’s School of Nursing in Virginia where I got my bachelor’s degree,” he said. “I came back to [King Edward VII Memorial Hospital] in Bermuda in 2012 after completing the nursing internship programme and during that time I got to see different departments within the hospital and settled on Cooper Ward, which was a medical and surgical unit.” Since then, his career has spanned various roles from community health nurse to entrepreneurship, as he opened a rest home, Caring Hands Ltd, with his fiancé, Christina Belboda, a fellow nurse, in May 2024.
Mr Van Putten acknowledged he has experienced mixed reactions in his career, with one or two older nurses questioning his place in the field. However, he focuses on the positive impact and the unique perspectives he brings, particularly in surgical and community settings. “The career path is a good one,” he said. “It is very rewarding to be able to give back to the people that we serve.”
His advice to males considering nursing is to gain as much experience as possible, particularly internationally, where a broader range of challenges and illnesses might provide deeper insights and skills. Mr Van Putten admitted he was proud of his pioneering roles in Bermuda’s nursing industry and he continues to champion nursing as a profoundly rewarding and essential service.
“I’ve been able to make history so far in my career – not only as the first Black male Bermudian in the operating room as a surgical nurse, but also as the first male district nurse in Bermuda.”
While these three men come from different backgrounds and careers, they share a common thread in their stories: a determination to pursue their passions and a commitment to excellence in their professions. They not only challenge the gender norms within their fields but also inspire others to follow their dreams, regardless of societal expectations.
