In this episode, we’re leaning all the way into a conversation that’s long overdue: “When Gender Meets Culture: Intersectionality and Mental Health.”

Culture doesn’t exist in isolation—and neither do we. Intersectionality helps us understand how different parts of our identity—like race, gender, class, and culture—interact to create unique lived experiences.

For example, being a Black woman isn’t just about being Black or being a woman—it’s the overlap that shapes a specific lens on life. That same complexity exists for Black men, non-binary folks, and others whose identities cross cultural and gendered lines.

In communities of color, gender roles are often deeply tied to survival, family, and tradition. And while these roles can be a source of pride, they can also bring pressure, silence, and unspoken expectations.

So today, we’re unpacking how these intersections affect mental health—how they shape identity, challenge emotional expression, and influence the way we seek help, healing, and wholeness.

Let’s get into it.

This week, we’re diving into another powerful episode Masculinity Reimagined: Beyond the Tough Exterior.

Let’s be real—this conversation might ruffle some feathers, but it’s necessary. In today’s culture, there’s a script many boys and men are handed: be dominant, aggressive, and emotionless. That’s the heart of hypermasculinity—and it’s hurting more than it’s helping. We're exploring how these outdated expectations silence emotional expression, isolate men with their thoughts, and block healing and growth. So today, we’re peeling back the layers of this “tough exterior” to see what masculinity can look like when it’s rooted in emotional truth, vulnerability, and connection.

Let’s dive in.

Welcome back, everyone, and happy May! This month on the Just Me Podcast, we're diving into a powerful new series: Femininity, Masculinity, and Identity. We're exploring how these social constructs shape our mental health, influence how we see ourselves, and impact how we express our authentic selves in everyday life. Through real conversations and clinical insight, we’ll challenge stereotypes, normalize vulnerability, and discuss the importance of embracing both strength and softness—regardless of how you identify.

To kick things off, we’re joined by Miss Aliyah Grinage, a licensed clinical social worker at Journeys Counseling Center. Today, Aliyah helps us unpack the social construct of femininity and its impact on our mental health. From defining femininity to embracing traits like transparency and vulnerability, we’re setting the foundation for a month of healing, reflection, and growth.