Expanding Understanding of Masculinity

as a Tool to Build Opportunity Structures

for Young Men of Color

Juan GomezConsultant

National Compadres Network

Vincent Jones

CEO + Chief StrategistReinvent

Communications

QUICK POLL: How many of you know what gender non-conforming means? Text 163738 to 22333if YES. Text 163739 to 22333 if NO.

QUICK QUESTION: How would your organization define masculinity? Text 166784 and your response to 22333.

Gender conformity can be defined most simply as behavior and appearance that conforms to the social expectations for one’s gender. Gender non-conformity, then, is behaving and appearing in ways that are considered atypical for one’s gender.

Gender nonconforming people are often assumed to also be lesbian, gay, or bisexual, while gender conforming people are assumed to be heterosexual. This is NOT always the case.

THREE out of FOUR students bullied for perceived sexual orientation are NOT identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.

FOUR out of FIVE lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) students report not knowing ANY supportive adults at their school.

QUICK POLL: Does your BMoC program/initiative intentionally address sexual orientation or gender expression? Text 163757 to 22333 if YES. Text 163763 to 22333 if NO.

QUICK POLL: Do you work with a gender justice or LGBT organization as part of your BMoC work? Text 163742 to 22333 if YES. Text 163744 to 22333 if NO.

THINGS YOU CAN DO