Togetherness & Belonging (Boys hugging, is that Gay?) Artwork

S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast

A podcast that explores a public health approach to improving the mental health of black boys while challenging the negative stereotypes associated with this demographic in the society. This is a happiness research informed creative podcast featuring discussions with professionals, changemakers and young people. It is hosted by Kay Rufai, a poet, photographer, filmmaker, playwright, mental health researcher.…he keeps himself busy with anything creative. So expect to hear interesting thoughts, discussions with professionals, change-makers and audio recordings from the young people that participated in the programme.

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S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast

Togetherness & Belonging (Boys hugging, is that Gay?)

May 03, 2020 • Kay Rufai • Season 1 • Episode 3

The third episode of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Podcast that explores 1 of the 8 Pillars of Happiness - Togetherness & Belonging, as it pertains to young people, black boys and the society as a whole. In this episode, the theme of boys and men hugging is explored as it pertains to self expression - licence and freedom to show emotions, displays of affection being policed in boys through a myriad of agents such as patriarchy & limited views of masculinity

The host, Kay Rufai ( https://www.instagram.com/universoulartist/ ) explores using his happiness research from the top 5 happiest countries ( You can download the report here; https://mailchi.mp/faddab9bb9a1/pdf-delivery ), how the parameters of togetherness & belonging for boys are ring-fenced by patriarchal structures that prescribe restricted forms of expression, physical touch and exuberance.

The episode features audio clips from young boys that participated in the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys classroom workshops with Kay Rufai exploring their thoughts on showing affection to other boys and the negative stigmas attached to it by thier peers and the society as a whole. These form the anchor for the episode.

Read the Guardian opinion piece about Kay Rufai and his work on challenging stereotypes of Black boys in the society (https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/mar/18/photographs-black-teenage-boys-prejudice-stereotypes )

Check out the Guardian Photo Gallery of the S.M.I.L.E-ing Boys Project

( https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2020/mar/18/portraits-black-teenagers-south-london-mental-health )

Checkout the Artist - Kay Rufai's website - www.universoulartist.com

Here's some further research around happiness for your perusal

'Be Worried About Boys' research piece ( https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/moral-landscapes/201701/be-worried-about-boys-especially-baby-boys )

Books Referenced -
Bell Hooks - The Will To Change ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Will-Change-Men-Masculinity-Love/dp/0743456084 )

JJ Bola - Mask Off ( https://amzn.to/2WowmaL )

Terrence Real - I Don't Want To Talk About It ( https://amzn.to/2WpPYve )

(https://www.happinessresearchinstitute.com/publications)

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