The man walked into a campus room on Friday night at Abilene Christian University’s Dallas campus, a unique space where he could “be seen, heard, supported and felt affirmed,” organizers say.
“Looks like a little fun. Dance a little. Eat a little food and be in a space where you feel safe that you can be who you want to be,” said Kristen Guillory, founder of Candid Conversations.
Vince Sims Dr. Kristen Guillory talking to someone participating in a candid conversation
A native of Dallas, Guillory graduated from Texas Christian University with a Ph.D. He is from the University of Texas at Arlington. She wanted candid conversation to be a place where men could open up to each other and lend an understanding ear.
“Looking around a room with people who might look like you and people who might not look like you. Can you hear me?” Guillory said.
Mental health, dealing with anger, and even current events are all controversial.
“You need to feel what you’re feeling,” said facilitator Roderick Miles. .”
Miles says that men who do not deal with being affected mentally can be affected physically.
“They are dying from stress, diabetes and heart attacks,” Miles said. It’s been an experience and they feel it in a positive way.”
Guillory plans for candid conversations to grow nationwide, providing a safe place for men to reach out to their fellow men.
“They walk away with new connections,” Guillory said. It’s okay if it’s not okay. ”
online: Click here for more information on Guillory and Candid Conversations for Men.
