What does it really mean to be yourself when the world tries to define you?

In this episode of The Meaning of Men we're joined by award-winning poet and author Dean Atta to explore identity, masculinity, and the courage it takes to live authentically.

Dean opens up about his childhood growing up in a mixed-race, single-parent family, and the role writing played in helping him process emotions and claim his identity. He shares candidly about his journey of coming out as gay and the challenges of navigating the stigma he experienced.

We also examine masculinity—how it’s too often reduced to stereotypes of strength and toughness—and what it really means to embrace vulnerability, creativity, and authenticity as forms of power.

This conversation is a heartfelt invitation to rethink what manhood means—and to embrace openness, self-acceptance, and a broader vision of resilience.

Hear more from Dean:

www.deanatta.com

Confetti: A colourful celebration of love and life

https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/dean-atta/confetti/9781408362082/

I Can't Even Think Straight: A queer coming of age story

https://www.hachette.co.uk/titles/dean-atta/i-cant-even-think-straight/9781444960969/

Person Unlimited: An Ode to My Black Queer Body

https://buythebook.online/person-unlimited-dean-atta

Timestamps:

03:09: Identity and Background Exploration 04:57: The Journey of Coming Out 12:02: Support Systems and Chosen Family 15:10: Redefining Masculinity and Queerness 16:54: Navigating Identity and Safety 18:53: Redefining Masculinity 23:50: Exploring Strength and Vulnerability 26:21: The Role of Poetry in Identity 33:18: Acceptance and Healing Through Writing