This article is in response to the questions I get about ‘what should we do about toxic masculinity influencers’. I complexify the idea of an individual having a singular ‘effect’. I argue that there are potential harms of uncritically accepting a common sense ‘cause and effect’ discourse of toxic masculinity. How paying attention to those[…]
It can be difficult for practitioners to engage with young men around RSE (relationships and sex/sexuality education). This article considers why that might be and what we can do about it.
Late last year I was asked to take part in an interview and Q&A after a screening of the classic 80s film Weird Science as part of the CineSci6 series of films – where classic sci-fi films are screened and a discussion follows. It’s a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon: watch a classic[…]
It is important to reflect on our practice and offer a service which meets the needs of young men as much as young women. When we have achieved this (or taken steps to do this) we need to promote what we are doing effectively, as well as be very, very patient… When we successfully deliver[…]
Working With Young Men in Contraceptive and Sexual Health Settings 4 Young men can attend our services full of anxiety which can be accompanied by an exhibition of macho behaviours. The way that we communicate with young men in services needs to demonstrate that we value them, that we understand what they want from the service,[…]
Sometimes traditional methods of service provision can make working with young men more difficult. Registration, triage, the emphasis on diagnosis and treatment and one-to-one work can cause problems with groups of young men wanting a quick and easy access to condoms and check-ups. Here are some suggestions for practical strategies to overcome these challenges. One[…]
Young men are reluctant users of sexual health and contraceptive services, particularly for preventive reasons. If young men have symptoms of a STI then they will probably end up at a GUM service eventually but it is important for all services to send out positive signals to young men so that they attend our services[…]
Over the last 14 years I’ve run projects which have aimed to increase access to sexual health services, condoms, information and advice for young men – as well as challenging the problematic values and attitudes they sometimes have. This manual draws on best practice and research as well as my own personal experiences of effective[…]
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