ToTM Vol. 2
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.
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.