I think that the pathway to creating loving men is through showing men the love, care, and open embrace of all parts of their humanity. It’s important to remember that nothing about masculinity is inherently toxic. Masculinity can be beautiful, generative, and nurturing when it isn’t strangled by sexist ideals.

This is a transcript from an Interview with Jose Vidrio of Highland Park Training on our Podcast, Out of Session with Kindman & Co. Read on for a discussion about new parenting—especially fatherhood, the importance of gentleness and sitting with discomfort, building new versions of masculinity, and cultivating accessible and inclusive gym culture that contradicts stereotypical forms of masculinity.

Toxic masculinity shows up in how we hold space for men and boys who are having a hard time. Every time we enforce toughness or silence from a struggling masculine person in our life, we are sending the message that we don’t want them to open up. Toxic masculinity is there in the discomfort you feel when our brothers cry, express their pain, and share their vulnerability. Read more on how to heal from toxic masculinity and allow space for vulnerability, nurturing, and community.