#MeToo: A conversation for men

March 22, 6pm - 9pm. TWB Brewing, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada (stairs and small bathroom)

Facilitators: Brockenshire, Paul and Jan

Summary: This event took place at a brewery, which is less accessible to folks who do not feel safe there, possibly due to struggles with alcohol. There were three participants and three facilitators. The conversation was in depth and focused on what men can learn from #MeToo to apply in their personal relationship. For example, we discussed how to ensure that our intimate partners have control over the space in which we meet.

Participant testimony: There is a profound shift taking place in our culture right now that is making, little by little, more space for those who have been ignored, pushed aside, and harmed by men; the ‘#metoo Conversation’ for male-identified folks that was held at the TWB Cooperative Brewery (a perfect setting) on Friday, March 22^nd was planned and facilitated with great care and consideration for those very individuals. If those of us who are male-identified are serious about empowering the voices we’ve long been stifling, honest and vulnerable conversations like these are a vital stepping stone to change. These are opportunities for us to begin to hold one another accountable and to enhance our capacities to be true allies in our professional and personal lives. I am grateful to ‘Masculinity Under Construction’ and the support it received from Male Allies and the Shore Center for such an opportunity and look forward to the next one.