True healing isn’t easy; it takes courage. It involves embracing the discomfort that can arise through self-reflection, vulnerability, difficult conversations, and addressing conflicts. To move past the barriers and polarizations that keep us stuck, we must confront them, especially when it’s uncomfortable.

Healing is not “us” versus “them.” As individuals heal, it creates positive ripple effects in their relationships, communities, and society at large. Likewise, we all can benefit when others experience healing. Part of the collective healing process is recognizing that individuals and groups may have different experiences, needs, and paths to healing, shaped by factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, religion, and trauma.

Masculinity is not inherently harmful, nor is anything wrong with enjoying stereotypical masculine things. However, certain beliefs and behaviours associated with masculinity can become harmful. It is harmful if the masculinity you embody is rigid and disconnects you from your emotions, ignores the need for community, and seeks control over others—Dr. Brendan K calls this “restrictive masculinity.” As such, much of Re:masculine’s work invites boys and men to value and embrace their authentic emotions (when and where it is safe to do so), build community, and to empower others alongside themselves.