Boys to Men Tucson: Empowering Male Youth with a Safe Haven for Growth

Boys to Men Tucson, an organization headquartered at the Historic Y north of Downtown, is working to support boys and masculine-identified youth in navigating the complexities of growing up. By fostering mentorship, the group creates safe circles for young men to explore their identities and challenge traditional ideas of masculinity.

This school year, Boys to Men will operate circles in 19 area middle and high schools, each comprising 10 to 15 students guided by two volunteer mentors. Participants engage in discussions that allow them to unpack societal perceptions of what it means to be a man.

Paul Braden, the operations manager, emphasizes the importance of redefining masculinity: “What we boil it down to is really unlearning toxic behaviors and rediscovering what masculinity is on an authentic level for individuals.” This approach allows participants to define masculinity on their own terms, rather than adhering strictly to societal norms.

Braden, who identifies as queer and non-binary, expresses the importance of creating safer spaces for young men. They note, “We’re not here to fix them, rescue them, or project onto them. It’s simply to hold space with these youth, to support them and see them for who they really are.”

Vida Rodriguez, who transitioned from participant to mentor, shares his experience with the program. Initially turned away from a circle due to conflicts with his mother’s views on gender, he was later welcomed into the program as a high school student. “They were like, well, that should not have happened,” he recalled. “If you identify as masculine, you don’t have to be medically transitioned.”

At 18, Rodriguez now serves as a youth peer outreach specialist at Goodwill, advocating for inclusivity in male spaces. He credits Boys to Men with providing crucial support during his transition, helping him navigate the challenges of masculinity. “They really helped me out of a dark place,” he reflected. “And it really guided me to the direction that I want to go with my life.”

Rodriguez’s journey highlights the role of mentorship in fostering authentic self-expression. He recalls how his former mentor, Tayamni Goodshield, listened to him without judgment, encouraging him to embrace his identity. “He just kind of looked at me and was like, alright, you went through all of this, but you’re still going to go far,” Rodriguez noted.

Boys to Men Tucson primarily serves youth of color, targeting Title I Schools within the Tucson Unified School District. Mentor Craig Wunderlich highlights the program’s impact, stating, “Watching them grow and get some support has been really powerful.” This sentiment was echoed by first-time mentor David Yrigoyen during a recent training session.

Yrigoyen pointed out the importance of having a safe environment for young men to discuss their traumas. “It’s great to have an open, safe space for people to communicate and tap into some trauma that they may be holding onto,” he said. “Allowing them to release it in a healthy way is crucial.”

Boys to Men Tucson is part of a larger national movement, with existing programs for boys and plans for similar initiatives for girls at the Pima County Juvenile Detention Center. Fund development manager Mark McKenna stresses the significance of creating positive experiences, especially in challenging environments. “It’s really important for them to have a decent time when they’re in such indecent conditions,” he said.

McKenna’s journey also reflects the impact of the program. After facing personal challenges that forced him to reevaluate his understanding of masculinity, he found solace in his work with Boys to Men Tucson. He poignantly notes that many violent acts stem from unmet emotional needs. “Every violent man at some point was a youth that didn’t have love,” he stated.

To further their mission, Boys to Men Tucson invites all masculine-identified youth to drop-in community circles held every Wednesday at their headquarters and Goodwill. The organization regularly offers mentor training sessions, ensuring they empower more individuals to make a difference in the lives of young men in their community.