The Men's Story Project is a new public performance and community discussion project examining social ideas about masculinity, using the arts as a medium for community-building and social change. It aims to give voice to men's stories that are less often heard; to break silences on issues including sexism, racism, heterosexism, ableism and violence and ways in which these interplay with norms around masculinity; to celebrate mens beauty and strength; and to stimulate active discussion on what being a man can be all about. The ultimate goal of this replicable project is to help expand the presence of genuine personal expression, open dialogue, peace, and social justice in communities. The project is getting started in the San Francisco Bay Area.


Josie Lehrer, creator of the project, is a public health researcher, community educator/organizer and musician. For the past 20 years, her volunteer and professional work has focused on youth development and prevention of HIV/STI and gender-based violence in the U.S. and Latin America. Josie completed a PhD program at the Harvard School of Public Health in 2004, and is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies. Josie also currently works as a community educator with San Francisco Women Against Rape and facilitates social support groups for youth who are living with HIV/AIDS through Bay Area Young Positives. Josie plays guitar and percussion and writes music related to social issues. Her family is from Chile. (less info)