CYCLE UNBROKEN is a retrospective view into my experiences growing up with toxic masculinity within the black community. This is an issue that has negatively affected my idenity by stigmatizing and devaluing traits and behaviors that society deems are considered “feminine”, such as emotional vulnerability, empathy, and nurturing. I have exhibited these traits and behaviors since I was a child and faced ridicule, discrimination, and violence from people who cohabited my social cirlce. This has caused me to suppress and deny my true feelings and personality, leading to a sense of disconnection and loss of identity. My story intends to challenge toxic masculinity  specifically in the black community and promote more inclusive and accepting ideas of self expression.