Society’s norm for men is stereotyped as leaders, providers, and guardians. Society also posits that men cannot speak about their emotions and have to portray a strong persona to be considered masculine and to succeed in these roles.
This results in an environment of “toxic masculinity,” which encourages negative self image, negative outward behavior and struggles with mental health among men who feel they have to be strong at all times. An initiative on campus is trying to change that perception.
Individuals have a space to talk about this issue while embracing their masculinity through Masc-Unity, an initiative created through the Center for Sexual and Relationship Violence Support Services (SRVSS).
While involved in the program, individuals have the opportunity to interact with pages on social media and participate at in-person events and support groups to speak freely and share their thoughts on the masculine experience.
The events for the initiative include awareness tables discussing what masculinity means to attendees and discussions that are held during Sexual Assault Awareness Month in collaboration with SRVSS.
The initiative has existed for over a year and a half and is now building momentum as the message gets out.
Julius Payne, program coordinator for SRVSS, is at the helm of this initiative to provide students with a space to talk about the effects of toxic masculinity and how to combat it.
“The previous program coordinator with SRVSS had begun work surrounding masculinity discussions, when I took over as coordinator, we felt it was something that needed to be re-ignited after COVID-19 based on the lack of spaces where masculinity is the focus and topic of discussion,” Payne said.
The initiative is all about creating healthy conversations around masculinity, and to see and embrace one’s own masculinity while seeing it from the perspective of others.
Masc-Unity is an initiative that is geared toward, but isn’t exclusive to, male-identifying students. Masculinity is a part of society that applies to everyone and the initiative is prepared to support all of these individuals.
“How masculinity is viewed and presented affects us all and is a conversation that should involve everyone,” Payne said.
Members of various organizations have come together to combat toxic masculinity with open conversation and participation in events put on by the initiative.
“We have a team of individuals throughout campus that come together to create programming, events and awareness opportunities,” said Payne. “Members include individuals from the Student Multicultural Center, LGBTQ+ Center, Greek Life, student interns and graduate students.”
In addition, Linity is a new project for male-identifying students to get together in a support group setting where they can be empowered to be themselves with others like themselves. It is meant to allow those involved to have a space to relax at the end of the day and talk about their struggles in a healthy way.
To learn more about the Masc-Unity initiative, visit https://www.instagram.com/kentmasc/ or https://twitter.com/KentMasc.