“No one is free when others are oppressed.”
— Author Unknown

MIssion

To illustrate how a system of unhealthy masculinity creates a system that keeps everyone oppressed while creating a shared experience of liberation. Although the first iteration focuses on those who identify as male, there are plans to expand this project to include issues of gender, race, sexuality, differing abilities, and class.

Background

What is that one thing you’ve always wanted to do, but haven’t because of our gender identify? For me, it’s tap dance. When I was younger, I used to watch Gregory Hines and think, “Wow, I wish I could do that.” However, due to gender roles, it was never safe for me to take classes. And believe me, I wanted to. I asked if I could. The answer was “No. You’re a boy.”

Now that the years have passed and I’m an adult, I realized that I don’t need anybody’s permission to do that thing. That got me thinking, what is *that thing* for other people who identify as male. Unhealthy masculinity is damaging for a lot of people—not only women. I strongly believe in the sentiment behind the idea that “No one is free when some are oppressed.”

The idea here is to step into whatever that is, connect each other with the people who can help make that dream a reality, and then document the process.

What is that thing for you?

Phase 1

  • Collect Responses
  • Reach out to participants for phase 2

Phase 2

  • Photograph individuals
  • Shoot short videos
  • Build connections

Phase 3

  • Complete portraits
  • Package project
  • Share project