This week, we find ourselves still in shock over the horrific events at Orlando’s gay club Pulse earlier this month. It was the deadliest gun massacre in modern US history and the families of the victims, our nation, and The Representation Project are mourning the lives lost.
As we sort through this tragedy, it is critical we remember that violence didn’t occur in a vacuum. We live in a culture where 98 percent of mass murders are committed by men, and it’s high time we change the toxic messages that tie masculinity to violence.
To that end, we encourage you to speak with a child, student, or mentee in your life about this tragedy and offer alternatives by discussing positive male role models, those who model compassion, inclusivity, and empathy. Together, we will create a healthier culture for all.
Onwards,
Jennifer Siebel Newsom & The Representation Project Team
P.S. Want to do more? Check out a local PRIDE event and stand with the LGBT community or contact your representative to support sensible gun control legislation.
Representation Around the Web
“The horror story of Orlando lays bare what damage that this kind of dominance-oriented masculinity does to our society… It’s a stark reminder of why we, as a country, need to get past the politics of tough guy posturing and move towards a more thoughtful, inclusive society.” – Amanda Marcotte, via Salon
- The Atlantic: Toxic Masculinity and Murder
- The Daily Beast: Anderson Cooper Confronts Florida AG Pam Bondi: Are You Really a “Champion of the Gay Community?”
- The Huffington Post: How to Prevent a Brock: 10 Practical Ways Parents Can Fight Rape Culture
- Quartz: Mayor Sadiq Khan Has Banned Body-Shaming Ads from London’s Transit System
- Refinery29: ModCloth Heads to DC to Fight Photoshopping
- Slate: Republicans are Erasing LGBTQ People from Their Own Tragedy
- Teen Vogue: The Sexist Response to Taylor Swift’s Rumored New Relationship is Absolutely Disgusting
President Obama speaking at the United State of Women Summit via The Mask You Live In on Instagram
