It took two things: friends of mine pulling me aside and really educating me on systemic inequality for women many, many years ago. And me asking myself, what role have I perhaps played in sustaining inequality, and what role can I play in dismantling it?

Feminism is the radical notion that women are human beings. So now, when I get asked if I identify as a feminist, I feel that what I am really being asked is if I consider women to be human beings.

I try to be honest and I try to let others be honest with their opinions. I also keep myself open to hearing both sides and try to encourage others to keep themselves open so that the conversation can advance in a productive and sincere way.

I think the biggest threat to men in America is the fear of meaningful connections with other men. Toxic masculinity fuels our culture and our relationships with each other.

We talk about the dangers of unconscious bias and doing nothing. We talk about dialing up our EQs to be more empathic. We talk about asking for feedback from women, when uncertain about the impact of our own behavior or those around us.

I missed a lot of opportunities, in retrospect, to be an equalizer. And I live with the knowledge that I’m still going to get it wrong.

I would hope they know that I am committed to realizing a more just and fair world, that I come to work every day with that goal in mind. That I hear them. And that I’m listening.

Perfection is not ‘the ask’ of men. ‘The ask’ is that we grow up. And that takes: self-awareness, self-education, authenticity, transparency, vulnerability and consistent action to grow as a man.

Before my transition, I could talk at the same time as a woman on occasion and it made me part of the chorus. Now, it makes me a bulldozer. I work really hard on not doing that, and apologizing when I do.

And my advice to young men today: you are lucky guys because you have a chance to join the greatest revolution in human history, the gender equality revolution.