Let’s Unpack Masculinity & Therapy
What we were told, and what we experienced just haven’t lined up. Therapy made us stronger (not weaker) and emotional detachment didn’t make us “successful”, it typically made our relationships fail.
The ways we are told to “man up”— the demands of patriarchal masculinity — are at the root of stigma and shame.
It doesn’t have to be this way. Our community is made of folks who not only see the shifting landscape, but have experienced it firsthand, and are actively contributing to pushing back.
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Remembrance & Action
Today in Canada, we mark the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
Today we remember the names and the faces of 14 women murdered on December 6th, 1989, at École Polytechnique in Montreal. These women had their lives and futures stolen from them. They were taken from the people who loved them. That day, fourteen lives ended, and hundreds more people were impacted by their loss.
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Conversations About the Long Climb to a More Equitable Backcountry
How have diverse people — people of different races, genders, sexual orientations, and so on — been excluded from outdoor sports and adventuring? From the conquest-without-consent nature of colonialism, to offensive route names in climbs, to hyper-competitive “boys club” mentalities, there’s a lot to unpack. But there are people making change. So how have outdoor sports and adventuring changed to better welcome and include diverse people?
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How Can Educators Better Support Trans Students?
Peer-led allyship is all-too-often a response to school-level inaction. Educators have enormous power to uphold the rights of gender-expansive students. That is a sacred trust that we hold.
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A Meaningful Gift Guide for Feminist Men
Buying gifts is tough — buying meaningful gifts can almost feel like an impossible task. We’ve got you covered with a list that highlights the best gifts from your favourite causes and organizations. And what better way to celebrate the important men in your life than a Christmas gift that matches their values?
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8 Focuses of NGM’s 8th Year
This work is too pressing and too important to wait around for permission from funders and others to get on board or the moment to be ‘just right’. We have to work with what we’ve got and keep pushing forward. So with that, I’m sharing eight focuses of NGM’s eighth year.
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7 Impacts of NGM in 7 Years
It’s not just the brand, logo, or organization—the mission still deeply resonates with me. Even after all these years, the vision of a future where boys and men experience less harm and cause less pain still gets me fired up. Not to mention the wonderful people I get to do this work alongside continue to inspire me.
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Should You Make Your Son Do Therapy?
If we can find the balance between pushing our boys towards mental health resources and waiting for them to get there on their own, we find ourselves standing right alongside them. That’s where we belong.
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Masculinity is at Work
Masculinity in the workplace has been a popular subject during COVID-19 through Next Gen Men's Equity Leaders initiative. Men may not only be fighting for their mental health and well-being but fighting what they may think it means to ‘be a man’ on top of it.
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What Should Parents of Boys Know About Porn?
You’re not going to stop your son from being exposed to, or enjoying, pornography. I’m sorry, but you’re not. You can, however, be there as a source of support for him as he explores his feelings, his body, and the different choices he can make to positively impact his relationships and the world around him.
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The Gender Lexicon
Understanding the full landscape of gender theory can feel overwhelming. There are many terms to learn, with different definitions, and a world of nuance that’s needed. Though it can seem like a lot to untangle, starting with a solid knowledge of the basics can lead to a lot of lightbulb moments. Here are some key concepts to help us all keep learning and unlearning, whether we’re just starting to explore or taking a fresh look at what we think we know.
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Why We Need To Teach Boys About Positive Masculinity
As a current youth facilitator for Next Gen Men and former teacher, one of my main objectives has always been to create a safe space free of judgement. A place where young people feel comfortable and are free to be their authentic selves.
Why is this a challenge for boys? You might be surprised to discover that school is a place where many boys feel unsafe. They are afraid they won’t live up to the rules of manhood—they won’t be cool enough, popular enough, or tough enough.
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