A visually engaging infographic titled “Traditional Masculinity & Mental Health”, created by Yolo Akili Robinson and Leroy Mitchell, and co-branded by BEAM (Black Emotional and Mental Health Collective) and Black Masculinity (Reimagined).

The background is black with white and bold colored text boxes arranged vertically. Decorative corner designs and gradient outlines enhance the design. To the right of each text box is a simple line icon in neon-style colors, symbolizing each concept.

The infographic presents a sequence of five core messages, each in its own orange, peach, or red-toned box:

1. Forced Gendered Upbringing
   Text:
   “Children who are born and seen as boys are immediately taught by communities to emotionally repress, or deny their feelings or any quality considered feminine.”
   Icon: Outline of a sad boy and adult figure with crossed arms.

2. Taught to Disconnect
   Text:
   “Growing up being taught to disconnect from emotions leads to struggles with expressing feelings and contributes to depression, anxiety, isolation and violence in young Black masculine folks/men & adults.”
   Icon: Outline of a person inside a house, disconnected.

3. Harm to Self and Others
   Text:
   “Lack of connection to emotional self and coping strategies, leads many Black masculine folks to enact distress onto people more vulnerable.*
   *ie. black women, queer & trans folks or themselves”
   Icon: Person clutching head in distress.

4. Exploitation by Systems of Oppression
   Text:
   “Criminal justice system, inaccessibility of health care and mental health resources exploits Black masculine folks and all Black people. Excess emotional labor is placed on women and caretakers which creates their own mental health challenges.”
   Icon: Handcuffs to represent systemic oppression.

5. Cycles of Harm Repeats
   Text:
   “Children, family, and community experience cycles of harm that repeat.”
   Icon: Circular arrows forming a cycle.