Menscapes 2021 – Nurture Culture

Menscapes is a mini-conference on health and wellness topics for gay, bi, queer men (cis, trans, and two spirit) and those whose lives are intertwined with ours. We at AVI recognize that gender is not a binary and that many folks who are not male-identified live, love, fuck, and support in queer men’s circles – you are welcome here.

2021 Theme: Nurture Culture

This past year with COVID has put a tremendous strain on all of our communities. Minority and marginalized communities have been hit particularly hard. As much this has been a huge challenge to mental health, social connection, and community well-being, we have also seen the innovative ways people have stepped up to address these issues. The rainbow community is and always has been creative and resilient in the face of seemingly insurmountable barriers. And despite all differences within our community, we will rise again.

As community members, advocates, and activists, we help to shape the conditions for healing. Our voices and our stories have the power to shine light on the cracks in our foundation. We can come together with curiosity and creativity to nourish and support each other. We can share knowledge and resources to better equip us for these troubling times. We can envision a future that is brighter than today, even if only until the next storm. Through the ebbs and contractions of new growth, we are stronger together.

How do we build communities of caring? What does it look like to create a nurture culture? What is possible when we spread the salve of love on our tender wounds? If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Marshall Kilduff (Victoria) or Jeremy Mailloux (Nanaimo)

Accessibility information:

The conference will be held virtually, on Zoom. You can access Zoom through a computer, smart phone, tablet, or by calling in on a telephone (although you will not be able to see slides or anything being shared).

The conference is free and attendees will be given an option to receive grocery gift cards in lieu of food that would normally be served at the in person conference.

There will be live captions available, although they might not work if/while we use breakout rooms at all.

There will be breaks throughout both days.

There is going to be a counsellor present to talk with if anything urgent comes up.

Some of the sessions may be recorded to share on social media at a later date. There will be the option to turn your camera off and change your screen name before recording starts. You can also request to pause the recording if you’d like to ask a question that you don’t want recorded.

If you have any other accessibility needs or questions, we would love to hear from you – please contact Marshall Kilduff.