The Brown Boi Project and I found each other in March 2012 at their Leadership Retreat in Oakland, CA. When I first heard about the Brown Boi Project I was skeptical. Masculinity? 5 days? Leadership? Empowerment? I didn't think it could be done. As a 23 year old Chicano cis man who has always had a sway in his walk and a softness in his talk, this was going to be hard. Even as I drove up to the retreat I struggled to get out of the car, but oh how glad I am that I got to experience those 5 days. I was able to sit in a room of individuals that identified with masculinity in their own unique ways and come together to talk about social justice issues that centered women and femininity. I found a sense of brotherhood that did not feel toxic. I discovered a brand new spark in myself that was ready to take on the world. I was ready to GET SHIT DONE...and be BROWN ABOUT IT! Please think about donating what you can so that other Brown Bois can have this experience.

Much Love,

Mark Yanez