Recently, I had the pleasure of co-facilitating a large training for members of the community around healthy masculinity, and healthy men and boys. It was an intense two days, full of rich discussion, lots of emotions, and a constant drive to communicate with one another across various identities.
What we know is that the way society and culture constructs masculinity and what we are all told it means to "be a man" isn't always healthy. It can be damaging, hurtful, oppressive, and violent. For our entire community. During the training, we watched the following two videos right after one another, and it was an immensely powerful experience. I encourage you all to watch these short youtube clips and imagine what our world would be like if people of all or no genders were able to express their emotions, seek help, and truly connect with one another in authentic ways.
The following videos contain some NSFW language and potentially triggering content.
For more information about our local Western MA efforts to provide support and encouragement for healthy masculinities for men and boys, feel free to check out the Network for Healthy Men and Boys, a collaboration of agencies across Western MA working together to create a different kind of culture.
Laura Penney is the Community Engagement Coordinator at Safe Passage and the project director of the Say Something Prevention Initiative.
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