My journey of healing and growth as a man isn’t bound by society’s narrow definitions of people who look like me, because those definitions have always been limiting. I was raised in a world that measures masculinity by culture’s rigid standards, where strength is defined by the ability to provide, protect, and procreate. When a man excels in these areas, he is granted power, and with power comes privilege. I think true masculinity, true strength, goes beyond these checkboxes, it lies in the courage to redefine ourselves on our own terms. Where displaying kindness and vulnerability should not be seen as weakness.

Tonight, the Brotherhood for Professionals of Color (BPoC) will have our long-awaited panel debate: “Redefining Masculinity: Pathways & Perspectives” at the Nordea HQ in Copenhagen.