Masc Ally Month began in 2021 as a partnership between Gender Justice Fund (GJF) and the Masculinity Action Project (MAP) at Lutheran Settlement House. Throughout the month of May, MAP will be hosting multiple events, all designed to engage and equip masculine-identified individuals as part of the fight for gender justice. The theme for 2024 is “Modeling a New Masculinity for the Next Generation.” In keeping with this theme, MAP will also be raising funds to support GJF’s grantees providing comprehensive, inclusive sex education to youth in the Philadelphia area. Check out the events and see how you can get involved below. Follow MAP on Instagram or GJF on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.
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What do Young People Need from Masc Allies Today?
How did men an masc adults show up in your life as a child? What did they teach you to expect from men and masculinity? What do you wish they had done instead? Join us as Masc Ally Month kicks off with a panel of youth sharing stories and insights about what men and masc adults can do to truly be in solidarity with them and how we can realize our collective liberation from patriarchy together. This panel will be moderated by GJF Executive Director, Farrah Parkes and will feature Midnight Lyons and Amiyah Monet.
ZOOM
Thursday, May 2, 7:00 - 8:30 PM -
Qué es lo que Nuestros Jóvenes Necesitan de Nosotros los aliados del Proyecto de Masculinidad?
Pensando en tu niñez, qué crees que aprendiste sobre Masculinidad de los adultos masculinos/ hombres? Qué crees que hubiese sido bueno aprender de ellos? En este mes de Aliados con Masculinidad, te invitamos a venir a este panel de jóvenes que compartirán sus historias y conocimiento sobre qué pueden hacer los adultos masculinos para estar en solidaridad real con los jóvenes y cómo podemos alcanzarnuestra liberación colectivamente del patriarcado todos unidos. (En ingles con traducción)
ZOOM
Jueves, 2 de Mayo | 7:00 - 8:30 PM
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Expanding Masculinities: Redefining Gender for the Next Generation
We know that the rigid rules about what it is to be masculine or feminine that many of us were raised with are outdated and not what we want to pass on to our young ones. The ways we experience and express gender are too varied, too nuanced, and too unique, to fit within one-dimensional stereotypes. Join our workshop to learn more about the restrictiveness of societal gender norms, reflect about what aspects of gender expression work and don't work for you, and share your ideas for how to approach, embrace, and embody gender in new and affirming ways.
This virtual workshop is open to people of any and all genders and is being staged in partnership with GJF grantee, New Voices for Reproductive Justice.
ZOOM
Thursday, May 9, 6:00-8:00 PM -
Take a stand for youth: How men and masc folks can support inclusive education
Organizers from PA-WinS and counties around Philly will join us to share how they are fighting to include BIPOC and LGBTQ rights in the education system. After learning about what those efforts have looked like, we will have time to practice having the tough conversations needed to win protections and education for our youth. Whether you are a parent or not, you can take a stand to support the work of PAwins and others working for a more inclusive system for youth in PA. Join this workshop to learn about what is being done, and to build the skills needed to talk to people who currently don't agree that we need to protect the rights of people of color and queer youth.
Lutheran Settlement House, 1340 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Monday, May 13, 6:00 - 8:00 PM -
Beyond the Bars: What has Hip-Hop Taught Us About Masculinity?
What hip-hop bars taught us how to be men? What have we had to unlearn about being men? How can we offer those lessons more intentionally to the young people in our lives? Hip-hop is the container for so much of the past and present for black folks around the world. Our favorite rappers offer formative lessons that seep into our understanding of ourselves and our community. Join Grown Man Bars to listen to some of our favorite songs that gave us jewels, some that we continue to carry others that we had to let go of.
Hakim's Bookstore, 210 S 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA
Monday, May 20, 6:00 - 8:00 PM -
Feminist Quizzo & Fundraiser
Join MAP for a cookout on the deck at Lutheran Settlement House (LSH); we'll have food and drinks (meat & veg, alcoholic & non), and be testing our knowledge with a few rounds of Feminist Quizzo w/ Professors Liam and Cat!
This event is the final Masc Ally Month fundraiser for the Gender Justice Fund’s Culture Change Initiative - help us reach our goal of $14,000!! The Culture Change Initiative focuses on supporting programs providing consent-based, inclusive, sex education to Philadelphia’s youth. Please help us reach our goal for this important cause!
The event will be hosted outside on the patio at LSH (If the weather does not cooperate we will move the event to inside LSH). Gender neutral bathrooms will be available inside. Attendees are encouraged to bring face masks. This event is wheelchair accessible and open to people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.
Lutheran Settlement House - 1340 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
Wednesday, May 29, 5:00-8:00 PM -
Support the Masc Ally Month Fundraiser
An important facet of masc allyship is the movement of material resources towards the gender justice movement. In keeping with the theme of Modeling an New Masculinity for the Next Generation, this year MAP is fundraising to support the work of GJF’s grantees who are providing inclusive, consent-based sex ed to youth in the Philadelphia region. Please help meet the goal of $12,000 to resource these organizations by contributing what you can.