Culturally, I understand why sex is still the first topic of conversation when we find out a friend or loved one is expecting a baby. But also, why are we not beyond this? When we ask, “What gender is your baby?” or “Boy or girl?” we are actually asking, “What genitals does your child have?”… Keep reading...
The vast majority of violence in all forms is perpetrated by men (against women, other men, queer folks, children, etc.). In order to stop cycles of violence, we need to challenge toxic masculinity and expectations of manhood that discourage emotionality, empathy, communication, cooperation, and so many other productive characteristics. This is may seem easier said… Keep reading...
Empowering children with information and knowledge is one of the most effective means of protecting them from sexual abuse and at the same time fostering empathy and consent-based relationships. In the United States, we often want to shelter children from sex and sexuality, which tends to create a culture of shame and confusion around our… Keep reading...
Another post on teaching consent, you ask? Yes! Because there are never enough resources or discussions on teaching consent, and because these conversations need to happen over and over again, and because we all need refreshers and best-practices on bringing the essential and foundational concept of consent to younger and younger audiences. And especially because… Keep reading...
For generations, white folks have had the privilege of not usually having to think about themselves as having a race. White, like man, has been naturalized in the United States as a neutral state of being. People of color have a race that makes them different from “normal” [white] people. Similar narratives establish women as… Keep reading...
Hi friends! How about a straightforward musical affirmation for this latest entry to the New Masculinities Playlist? Just in case you ever wanted to hear an indie rock song tell you that your emotions are what make you beautiful, that, “you can scream and you can shout, you can let it all hang out, you… Keep reading...
Gender is not the only rigidly defined structure that shapes our sense of self, our relationships, and our culture. Sexuality has also been constructed in a way that limits our potential for self-realization and connection to other people. In US America, patriarchy and rape culture has mandated the sexist, transphobic, and homophobic structure of heteronormativity.… Keep reading...
“Getting help for mental health is not enough. We live in a world where people don’t want to live in it anymore. We need to change the world.” – @nikkimwalls ~~~ I think about suicide a lot. That is a loaded sentence. I mean it in two specific ways: 1. I often think about killing… Keep reading...