Breaking the Boy Code Supported by Next Gen Men

Louis shares how he took action on his newfound values of compassion and nonviolence by standing up for a vulnerable peer, and reflects on how this connects to positive masculinity, social power, and growing up as a young man.

Louis describes going through the whirling feelings of being stuck in violence—the heavy influence of helplessness and fear, the underpinnings of compassion within his guilt, and above all, his determination to change.

(Trigger warning: homophobia, physical assault) Louis comes close to tears as he explains how he and his friends ended up putting another young boy in the hospital, and landing themselves in court.

Eleven-year-old Louis begins his story by describing what it was like to start at a new school, how he initially avoided connecting with any classmates but pretty quickly fell in with a group of friends who made him feel like things wouldn’t be so bad.

(Trigger warning: suicide ideation) This is a story of friendship, belonging, violence and guilt. It’s a vulnerable unearthing of a young boy’s fears and joys, his deep shame of who he was in the past and a growing vision for who he will become. This is Louis’ story.

Fourteen-year-old Joseph shares his thoughts and experiences on training, competing and envisioning himself as a high-level athlete competing at a national level. Joined by Jason Rogers, Olympic medalist and writer on the evolving state of masculinity.