Our Launch…

On Thursday February 20, 2020; we convened at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Center in Manhattan to launch our inaugural panel discussion on the toxicity of hypermasculinity and its impacts on relationships and human interactions, health (mental and physical), perception of women and LGBTQIA+ folks, and personal expression. We focused on the effects policed masculinity has on LGBTQ Peoples’ mental health and emotional wellness.

The event was produced by g’Narde Consulting and co-produced by The Center Manager of Community Partnerships, Richard Morales. We also partnered with The Talk Suite Therapists to provide in house support for whomever felt a need for it. Psychotherapist Melissa Stanger, LMSW attended on their behalf and played an integral role in the success of the event. We had a bevy of community guests including editors from Salty and Precipice Magazines & recording artist Sophie Auster! The images of the night were captured by Brooklyn based photographer Amanda Picotte.

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We were so grateful to have our panel moderated by non other than gender fluid marvel Basit Shittu of MTV fame. They showed up and showed off in a stunning sequinned tank dress adorned in an Egyptian styled nephyr necklace. (see pics below)

 

COMPLETED EVENTS

 
 

MY BLACK QUEERNESS / MY QUEER BLACKNESS

This was an impactful discussion designed to explore the intersection of Black and Queer identities while unpacking specific disparitities caused by these multiple layers of oppression.

 

CUNY PRIDEFEST 2023

A ripping good time in CUNY Queens College dining hall. Complete with concerts, connections and cookies! Founder Gxiana McQueen manned the table to recruit new volunteers.

 

TRACKING TOXIC MASCULINITY

A fun discussion we conducted on the intense subject of how Toxic Masculinity is perpetuated in the home and how parents tend to form and sometimes enforce unhealthy boundaries on their children.

ToTM Vol. 2

 
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Connecting With CUNY

Queens College took a liking to our inaugural event and wanted to explore that topic among its own students. Of course, we were all too happy to oblige!

Singer, Song Writer & New York Native, Aniello debuted his latest single, ‘Stand Up,’ on the virtual concert series, ‘Team Joe Sings,’ created by President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris’ campaign team.

Singer, Song Writer & New York Native, Aniello debuted his latest single, ‘Stand Up,’ on the virtual concert series, ‘Team Joe Sings,’ created by President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris’ campaign team.

Here’s why it’s important:

MASCULINITY IS NOT TOXIC. Being inherently masculine is not a character flaw. This conversation is NOT and indictment of MEN. Toxic Masculinity and Homophobia/Transphobia are related as patriarchal code has constructed masculinity to contrast femininity and has deemed femininity to be lesser or weaker. Further, social constructs and perceived social norms have assigned gender roles based on behaviors, actions, and expression defined by patriarchy. As a result, when one behaves, partakes in actions, or expresses themselves in ways that have been socially assigned to women or femininity they are considered a lesser man. This can be anything from dating men, wearing bright colors, maintaining their hair and nails, doing stereotypically “feminine” sports, like gymnastics or ballet .

ENFORCING MASCULINITY IS TOXIC. Much of today’s violence stems from the need to reinforce or assert the validity of one’s masculinity. From stealing & robbing to be the ‘bread winner’; gang-banging over territory to maintain respect; to killing transwomen from fear of being discovered as someone who loves them- it all can be traced back to a man feeling inadequate and the environment that pressures him to feel that way. With these things in mind, it is important that we discuss toxic masculinity and identify solutions to preventing and intervening the teachings and perpetuation of traditional ideas of masculinity and the patriarchal code. In successfully preventing and intervening in toxic masculinity, we put forth the effort to proactively and intentionally address critical social issues that plague our society and dismantle patriarchal code which has contributed to oppression, inequality, restriction of equity and access, injustice, and underrepresentation for marginalized communities.

This event was made possible through the generous support of LaGuardia Community College/CUNY and the New York City Council through the offices of Daniel Dromm (District 25) and Speaker Corey Johnson. ​

Co-sponsors: g’Narde Endeavors; Queens College Gender, Love and Sexuality Alliance/GLASA, the Queens College Office of Student Development and Leadership, the Women and Gender Studies Department at Queens College, CUNY Office of Student Inclusion Initiatives.

 
 
 
 
 

TERRORS OF TOXIC MASCULINITY VOL.2

Queens College took a liking to our inaugural event and wanted to explore that topic among its own students. Of course, we were all too happy to oblige!

 

CUNY PRIDEFEST 2022

Nothing but fun in the sun was had at CUNY Queens College! Founder, Gxiana McQueen and newly appointed Program Director, Chris Mosiah hit the quad with a mission to Feed everyone’s Wholes. They attended ready and equipped spiritual nourishment and edible sustenance in the form of Mental Fitness resources and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts!

 

TERRORS OF TOXIC MASCULINITY VOL.1

On Thursday February 20, 2020; we convened at the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Center in Manhattan to launch our inaugural panel discussion on the toxicity of hypermasculinity and its impacts on relationships and human interactions, health (mental and physical), perception of women and LGBTQIA+ folks, and personal expression. We focused on the effects policed masculinity has on LGBTQ Peoples’ mental health and emotional wellness.