Symposium of Masculinity

There have been three Symposiums at Sheffield Hallam since 2014 created by Angga Kara , discussing masculinity and the various issues attached to it, with several speakers, including practitioners, professionals from public, health services and academics. The talks are open to all genders, ages and backgrounds.

Men Up North – 2014

The first symposium was held in 2014, consisting of four speakers. These were all local men authentically sharing personal stories. 400 people attended and gave excellent feedback. This symposium was the inspiration which led to the safe space conversations.

Can we talk about masculinity? – June 2018

The second symposium was held in June 2018 in front of 100 people. There were two speakers: Dr Martin Glynn, a criminologist and educator from Birmingham and a practitioner from London, discussing existential philosophy in fight club and the confused masculinity surrounding it. There were also various table discussions, including discussions on men’s mental health, the ‘times up/me too movement’ and questioning how we can work better together.

Masculinity and Mixedness – June 2019

The most recent symposium took place in June 2019. It brought together academics, practitioners and working professionals to discuss masculinity through the lens of mixedness. There were two keynote speakers, Dr Remi Joseph-Salisbury and Dr Shona Hunter. Topics of discussion included “racial symbolism and stylization of identities: Dress, speech, hair and music” and “Whiteness, masculinity, positioning and power”.