OUR BODIES: COMPLICATED INTERSECTIONS OF PRIVILEGE AND MARGINALIZATION

There seems to be a dominant, universal narrative of what it means to be a young man; these stereotypical expectations transcend nationality and speak to our larger understanding of gender. Often this monolithic story limits and excludes many people from participating with and within this identity. This workshop, through use of multi-media and multi-medium exercises, will explore and complicate our understanding of gender as we add multiple layers, such as race and sexuality. The session will then shift to include a discussion of intersectionality, with the intended purpose of helping the participants recognize how our multiple identities can be used to challenge and dismantle the popular masculine story. We will also learn key terms and ideas that can be transferred to our schools and shared with our young men. With a more holistic understanding of themselves and critical language around masculinity, the students can develop empathy for their peers. While the session will explore the role our school communities play in perpetuating this popular narrative, we will discuss how our institutions can challenge and complicate it so that our schools can become more inclusive and safe for the wide spectrum of masculinities.