childhood

Boys Will Be Boys

"With the rise of millennials, we’re all realizing  that it's time to rethink the archaic and outdated dogmas of masculinity, beauty, and even sexuality. An imp... Go Deeper

Dear Six-Year-Old Self

We're only as powerful as the compelling stories we're brave enough to tell. So, join me. Be fearless. And together, we can change the world--or at least our li... Go Deeper

Sprung on Intimacy

Who first introduced you to intimacy? What is the number one lesson he/she taught you about yourself? Whether the memory is tender and gentle or of heartbreak, ... Go Deeper

Masculinity: The Little Black Box

Society treats masculinity as a given, and it ostracizes those who can’t be easily labeled. But what if our dear picture of masculinity is flawed and limited? A... Go Deeper

Some Men Love, Differently

When society paints the picture of a man, it focuses on the physical. His body. His strength. His range on the spectrum of fierce protector and hero. But what’s... Go Deeper

The Ultimate Masquerade

Before we know what it is, boys are measured against the invisible standard of masculinity. In the African American community, not fitting the standard makes yo... Go Deeper

The Perfect Son

The Storyteller is an anonymous late-twentysomething from the midwest. For a number of reasons, he didn't want me to publicly disclose his identity. So, I'll si... Go Deeper

Crushes. Love. Relationships.

We all remember that crush. The first pangs of desire, and all the other firsts that followed. For many, that experience kick-started the never-ending emotional... Go Deeper

Something Like Manhood

What happens when you don’t have any male figures to show you what it means to be a man? That’s easy—you make it up as you go. You find people you admire and lo... Go Deeper

The Journey to Acceptance

When you first meet Tristan, the first thing you’d probably notice is his beauty. But behind the warm smile and brown hue is a man with a story of not feeling a... Go Deeper