Breaking The Boy Code

Ash sets the foundation for an exploration of how homophobia and patriarchy in India connect to colonial history, white supremacy, and adolescent boy culture in North America. Guided by the perspective of Love, a gay Punjabi refugee currently living in Winnipeg. http://breakingtheboycode.com

Fifteen-year-old Chad tells his story of being hazed, explains the fear underlying boys’ choices to stay silent and describes what it takes to stand up to a culture of violence. Joined by Clementine Ford, author of Boys Will Be Boys, and Michael Kehler, Research Professor in Masculinities Studies at the Werklund School of Education. http://breakingtheboycode.com

Michael offers a glimpse of stress at age fourteen—how it led to struggles with his self-esteem and body image, and how he’s learning to cope with it. Joined by Phyllis Fagell, who runs a boys’ group at Sheridan School, and Damion Cooper, founder of Project Pneuma. http://breakingtheboycode.com

Fifteen-year-old Sebastian describes the heartbreak he feels after losing the closeness he used to have with his best friend. He leads a discussion on intimate friendships between boys, why they matter and what we can do to support them. Joined by Niobe Way, author of Deep Secrets: Boys’ Friendships and the Crisis of Connection, and Jermal Alleyne, Program Director of Next Gen Men. http://breakingtheboycode.com

Fourteen-year-old Eli’s pull-no-punches story of being bullied as a transgender boy entering high school leads to a conversation about homophobia and transphobia among boys. Joined by Lori Duron from Raising My Rainbow, two Canadian teachers trained in LGBTQ-inclusive education, and CJ Pascoe, a youth-focused researcher and writer. Conceived as part of Trans Day of Visibility. Supported by Next Gen Men. http://breakingtheboycode.com

Introduction episode for a new podcast on the inner lives of boys. Dedicated to Bryson. “Our boys deserve more. More respect. More attention. More room to explore who they are as individuals. Fuller, longer lives. Closer friendships. Fewer stereotypes. Less violence. Less loneliness. And a whole lot more than what ‘boys will be boys’ can give them.” — Rachel Brandt http://breakingtheboycode.com