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Miami Men Are Invited To Have A Conversation About Vulnerability

Akie Smythe host conversation around topics like vulnerability for men in Miami.
Courtesy In Good Company Miami
Akie Smythe host conversation around topics like vulnerability for men in Miami.

A new meet-up series called “Locker Room Talk” gives men in Miami a space to gather and discuss different issues that affect them.

Akie Smythe, co-founder of In Good Company Miami, the group that hosts the talks, says he wanted to build a community for men to have honest conversations with each other and network. 

Past conversation topics have ranged from the meaning of consent to marriage and forgiveness. On Thursday (August 9), the meetup will tackle vulnerability.

Smythe says vulnerability is a strength, but it isn't always viewed that way for men. 

"When we are vulnerable people challenge it," he said. "You know, we’re not manly enough [or] you’re not supposed to show any emotions."

The discussions give men a forum to explore their different experiences and it's meant to be semi-private. No one is allowed to record the meeting on their cell phones or "go live" for their social media pages. He says he wants the attendees to feel comfortable opening up. 

"We need to talk about the things that we're going through," he says. 

At a previous Locker Room Talk, he says married men - gay and straight - participated and bonded over their shared experiences and frustrations.

He says people have had experiences where they said, "Man, I thought I was the only one going through that. Oh, you're going through that too."

In these moments, he says, a brotherhood forms.

IF YOU GO:

Locker Room Talk: Vulnerability

When: 7:30 p.m. August 9

Where: 1306 Miami, 1306 N Miami Ave, Miami, FL 33136

Who: Men only

Cost: Free

For more information: https://bit.ly/2KFeoZS

Copyright 2018 WLRN 91.3 FM

Nadege Greencovers social justice issues for WLRN.