What’s the mission?

Real Men Share attempts to offer men a space to describe their own lived experiences as men. We aim to attract a diverse population of men who seek resonance and empathy, as well as critical reflection and personal growth. Through the vulnerable sharing of our stories, non-accusatory discussion, and non-defensive listening, Real Men Share aspires to reclaim modern masculinity.

Norms of masculinity change over time and in different cultures, by what’s taught to kids, by what’s on TV, and by the stories we tell. But behaviors and norms don’t change if we’re not honest, vulnerable, real. To that end, Real Men Share is a project in vulnerable media. It is primarily descriptive, not prescriptive. We’re not trying to tell you how to be a man. We’re inviting you to tell us all what it’s been like for you to be a man.

Why stories?

Modern masculinity is in a state of flux. Media plays a critical role in containing, contorting, and controlling the narrative of what masculinity is and is becoming.

We hope to sketch the portrait of the many-faced modern man, not as we wish it would look, but how it really does look. From there, we can begin having honest conversations about how that picture looks to us, makes us feel, and how we each want to draw it going forward. Or finger paint it. Or sharpie it. Or spit on it. Or keep it as it is.

Who is this for?

There are men who want to know if their experiences of masculinity are shared by others.

There are men who keep their personal dilemmas hidden for fear of accusation or exile.

There are men who desperately want to find resonance, connection, and fraternity with other men in this complicated moment of masculinity.

There are men who are ready to examine their histories critically if they feel they won’t be judged simplistically, labeled, cancelled, or dismissed - but received empathetically, while still being held accountable.

There are men who are not sure if they count as real men.

Real Men Share is for these men.