Indigenous men, emerging leaders in their region, learn Positive Masculinities
Luis Gómez is 20 years old and lives in the community of Chenalho. He belongs to the Coalition of Indigenous Migrants of Chiapas, and actively participates in Mesoamerican Voices’ School of Masculinities:
"Attending the School of Masculinities made me realize that I have many things I need to analyze, rethink and reconstruct in my life.
As a man, I have been and continue to be part of the patriarchal system that has been built around stereotypes and practices of machismo and gender violence, to assert power and domination over women. This system is many years old and is something I inherited from my ancestors, and that is why it is so difficult to undo.
This system of oppression affects not only women but also men. We are not free to express our emotions; if we cry, society shames us and says we act like women.
During the workshops, we visualized and reflected on our equality as people, each with the same value and freedoms to live life.
As a result of my experience at the School, I have drastically changed my own behavior. I express my emotions and displays of affection more freely and collaborate in household chores. I feel that these small changes are significant and are part of the struggle to build a better life, without injustice."
