Hello beautiful and kind people!

What if the greatest thing you’re searching for… is already within you?

We chase success. We build careers. We navigate life’s highs and lows. But at the core of it all, what we truly seek is connection—a sense of belonging, of being seen, of knowing we are part of something greater.

This powerful reflection from The Warrior Within Healing stopped me in my tracks:

"Community is a living connection, a return to something we have always known but sometimes forget. It calls us back to shared moments, to seeing and being seen, to the deep knowing that we are part of something greater. To truly embrace community, we must first reconnect within—honoring our own journey so we can show up fully for one another. Because at its heart, community is not just about belonging to others, but also belonging to ourselves."

The most meaningful communities don’t just welcome us—they remind us who we are. And when we show up authentically, when we nurture that connection both within ourselves and with others, we create spaces where everyone can thrive.

So here’s my question for you: How do you cultivate true community in your life?

Let’s keep this conversation going—I’d love to hear your thoughts and connect with others who value community as much as I do. 💬👇

🔗 Reclaiming Manhood: Rejecting Outdated Role Models and Embracing a New Vision

As a boy, I was told to "man up." As a man, I now ask—what does that even mean?

For too long, masculinity in America has been confined to a rigid script: be tough, show no weakness, provide, dominate. Figures like JD Vance and Elon Musk reinforce these outdated ideals, leaving young men with a narrow and damaging blueprint for manhood. Worse, bullying culture punishes any deviation, forcing many to suppress their emotions and authenticity.

As a proud, out gay man, I reject this version of masculinity—not just for myself, but for every young man searching for a role model who tells him it's okay to be strong and vulnerable.

The Harm of Traditional Masculinity

For decades, phrases like “man up” and “boys don’t cry” have reinforced the notion that emotions are a weakness. The result? A crisis in men’s mental health. Studies show that men who conform to traditional masculinity are less likely to seek help, leading to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide. The same culture that tells men to “tough it out” isolates them, making deep friendships and emotional connections difficult.

Bullying only makes it worse. Whether in school, the workplace, or online, men who defy the mold—by showing vulnerability, embracing creativity, or expressing emotions—are often met with ridicule. This cycle of suppression and shame fuels an epidemic of loneliness and unfulfilled potential.

The Problem with Today’s Role Models

When the loudest voices in masculinity glorify dominance and emotional suppression, young men suffer. JD Vance’s brand of masculinity tells men to provide and protect but never feel. Elon Musk’s vision elevates ruthless ambition over human connection. These aren’t blueprints for success—they’re roadmaps to isolation.

Young men deserve better. Masculinity should be about more than rigid strength; it should embrace resilience, empathy, and emotional intelligence.

Pop Culture and Real Role Models

Fortunately, pop culture challenges these outdated norms. Beyoncé’s If I Were a Boy highlights the emotional restrictions placed on men, while Taylor Swift’s The Man exposes the absurd privileges of traditional masculinity. These moments resonate because they reveal the cracks in the rigid definition of manhood.

But critiques alone aren’t enough—young men need real role models. Barack Obama shows that powerful leadership and emotional openness can coexist. Jonathan Van Ness redefines masculinity through radical self-acceptance and joy. These figures prove that masculinity isn’t about suppressing who you are—it’s about embracing it fully.

Why This Matters for Society

Redefining masculinity isn’t just about personal freedom—it impacts every facet of society.

• Mental Health: When men feel safe expressing emotions, they seek help, reducing depression and suicide rates.

• Relationships: A masculinity that embraces emotional depth fosters stronger friendships, healthier marriages, and better fathers.

• Workplace Culture: Leaders who balance strength with empathy create inclusive, more effective teams.

When we challenge toxic masculinity, we don’t weaken men—we free them.

A New Standard of Manhood

The crisis of masculinity today isn’t that men are losing their identity—it’s that they’ve been given a script that no longer serves them. As a proud gay man, I reject the rigid prescriptions of figures like JD Vance and Elon Musk. Masculinity should evolve to embrace both strength and vulnerability, ambition and kindness.

It’s time to rewrite the rules of manhood—so every man, young and old, can finally be free.

I found Arthur Chan in my Linked In feed. I was fascinated by his story and his posts. Like any good cyber stalking fan, I direct messaged him and imagine my delight when he responded. Arthur is an authentic, insightful, and passionate leader in the DEI space. His posts amplify, educate, and support all marginalized communities. He is a truth teller.

I am thrilled that we connected and I can feature him and his impact here for all of you. Please follow him if you are not already……

Arthur Chan (he/him) is a dynamic and intentional DEI strategist with a background in clinical psychology and over 10 years of experience in developing, implementing, and evaluating DEI initiatives within the healthcare space. He is dedicated to making a positive impact on organizations and individuals by focusing on intersectionality, cultivating a workplace culture of inclusion and belonging, and facilitating equitable and sustainable change.

Arthur is currently the inaugural vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte. He served as an advisor for HR.com, SafePorter, and International WELL Building Institute, and as a founding member of Senior Executive DEI Think Tank. He spoke at X (Alphabet’s Moonshot Factory), General Assembly, and Culture Amp on topics pertaining to intersectionality, racial justice, and organizational change. His quotes were featured in Thrive Global, PhocusWire, and IBM Research Brief “Black Leaders in Business.”

Follow Arthur on Linkedin

How to be an ally, a story about my Mom.

I shared my truth with my mother was she was driving around 70MPH on I-75 in suburban Toledo. We were in town for a family reunion picnic at my aunt and uncle's farm. I sat in the passenger seat and tears formed in my eyes. My Mom asked what was wrong and I literally pushed my stomach to get the words out.

Basically, I had to metaphorically vomit out the truth. "Mom, I am gay." Instantly, I felt release and burst into full tears.

My Mom said, "I have known, and I just was waiting for you to tell me. It was not my place to ask." She pulled over to the side of the road, hugged me, and we talked for about an hour.

My Mom accepted my story and was prepared for the conversation. Thank you Phil Donahue and Oprah Winfrey for having shows my mother watched and learned from regularly

She did not push me. She did not try to fit me into her narrative. She was with me and waited for me to come to her.

Being an Ally comes in many different shapes and moments. Listen and Learn Accept people Unconditionally.

The Future of DEI with Jim Fielding

In this episode of The Business Gay Podcast, host Calan Breckon speaks with Jim Fielding.

There are so many issues, daily attacks, and concerning news stories, that I find it hard sometimes to even decide what to share with you here.

Please know I am reading, researching, and studying every day to stay informed and to enable my work in protecting, amplifying, and celebrating our Community.

I appreciate your support and interest very much. We are all in this together, and draw strength and inspiration from your subscription and comments.

With Hope and Joy,

Jim