A Breath of Fresh Air is a space for boys and boy-expansive youth to pause, take a breath, and reconnect with themselves. In today’s digital age, they are bombarded with messages about how to think, feel, and act in order to be a “real man.” These pressures often lay the groundwork for prejudice, sexual violence, shame, loneliness, and insecurity. It’s time for an honest, informed conversation about the ideas that shape masculinity—and how those ideas affect others and ourselves.

Through this talk, boys feel seen and understood. They are reminded that they’re human—emotion-having, connection-seeking, good-faith humans simply trying to figure out who they are, like everyone else. From here, they are empowered to explore mental health, friendships, romantic relationships, and body image in healthy ways.

This talk shows that being a “real man” means being strong enough to ask for help, courageous enough to define masculinity for oneself, and honourable enough to treat others with compassion and respect.