The "Azaleas" Part 1

#1 Andrew

The first person I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing for this project: @andrxw_j

Andrew describes himself as a very spontaneous individual, if there’s something that interests him or there’s a goal he wants to achieve, he won’t hesitate to chase after that goal. Currently he is pursing modeling (if you are interested please check out his Instagram page!)

During the course of the interview Andrew said “ Mental health is something very important to understand and manage because it affects everything we do in our daily lives”. “In very traditional homes the idea of MOC being allowed to express themselves is easily dismissed due to the pressures and expectations they are expected to fulfill”. “Mental Health is a spectrum, we should all be allowed to have good, bad, and in between days. It’s something all human beings should experience”

When asked about defining masculinity Andrew said “ Often times it is tied into leadership and confidence, but I strongly believe this is something that can be applied to anyone, not just cis-gendered males but to all gender identies”. “The toxicity of this term is that it can taken to a point of arrogance which prevents understanding and growth”

Finally when asked, Andrew would define himself as a “ Person who loves to bring out the best qualities in those around him, encouraging others to seek out their passions and to be confident in themselves both physically and mentally”

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#2 Kody

As Part 2 of the #Azalea Campaign I would like the pleasure of introducing: @ooh_laa_lah

Kody is a young man from Brooklyn that has a passion for video games, cooking, and always striving for learning and growing as an individual.

During the course of my interview with him, he said that “ Mental Health is something that is still very absent and isn’t taken seriously in many POC communities”. “This isn’t limited to males either, but many communities often make a list of putting their family, religious values, job, hobbies and relationships before their own mental health. Mental health is often rarely included with that list, it shouldn’t be frowned upon if a person needs to say “Hey I need to take a break””.

When asked about how he would define masculinity, Kody said: “There shouldn’t be a set definition for this word nor should it be used at all. I feel like the important thing is expression, as in you being a human being and allowing yourself to feel or express the way you feel about anything . “Being happy is a human right that we all have and should be able to celebrate”

Finally when asked how he would define himself Kody said “I am a human being that’s trying to bring good into the world, I’m learning, thriving, and making sure I am kind to not only me but those around me. Society often tells Men of Color (and POC in general) how we should act, look, speak...etc. But I want everyone to know it’s okay for be to you and that’s something no one can take away”

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#3 Jerome

As Part 3 of the #Azalea Campaign I would like the pleasure of introducing: sunny_jae94

Jerome aka Sunny is a very proud Gaysian that enjoys watching shows on Netflix, cooking, playing violin, and being a very passionate advocate for the importance of Public Health, especially for marginalized communities that often face many obstacles when it comes to their health and wellbeing.

During my interview, Jerome said, “Yo we gotta talk about the way we feel. Do not mock or look down on other people that are going through their challenges and struggles”. “Especially for MOC (Men of Color), you should be okay with asking for help if you need it, this doesn’t mean you have to go see a therapist, but like if you just wanted to talk to someone so that your voice can be heard in a safe and nonjudgmental place. For my LGBTQIA+ family, you are beautiful, loved, and valid and don’t let anyone else say so.

When asked to define “Masculinity”, Jerome said “Growing up it was about dumb macho nonsense, you know you have to be: very athletic, have primal rage, and not allowing to be vulnerable/physical or mental. People, it’s a social construct but the important thing is to be yourself and to express yourself in a growing and open manner.

Finally, towards the end of the interview, Jerome had said “ Being a POC and being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community is hard in a society dominated by cis-white men”. “When it comes to your fashion or your appearance, ask yourself: What are you looking for? You don’t have to look like people in the media. You have your own special and individual look which is valid. If the white man says you don’t look tell them to shut up. Western beauty standards are overly rated, procedures are overrated, and you can die from them. Just ask yourself: Do you look powerful? Do you feel confident? Keep at it You have the power of choice

When asked if Jerome had a message to share with anyone out there: “For those who are coming to understand that you might be identifying or feeling towards labels regarding sexuality and gender identity that’s freaking badass and awesome”. “Take your time and, you don’t have to use a label if you don’t want to, be yourself"

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#4 Sean

As Part 4 of the #Azalea Campaign, I would like the pleasure of introducing: @seancheesecake !

Sean is a free-lance photographer that describes himself as a determined, adventurous, and open-minded individual. (Link to his pages! https://www.cheesean.com/?fbclid=IwAR2YJQ2rRrcmNQt2wt-w3yc16W7D_fPFGHR9H1LIDOiMya7g7uOUCR9oGPU https://www.facebook.com/SeanCheePhotography)

When asked how to define “mental health,” Sean said, “Mental-Health means allowing yourself to take a step back and relax. The modern-day world has advanced in the advocation for it, but there are still plenty of people (such as those of more traditional backgrounds) that frown upon it”. “Men should be allowed to cry; men should be allowed to have emotions”. “

When asked to define masculinity Sean believes “It means being comfortable in your own skin. The definition varies and being a man does not mean being a tough robot. It is another way for people to understand what a human being is. But it is not something that’s needed. You don’t need words like this, it’s about identity and expression. The human mind makes it easy to stereotype things."

Sean also said this ties into the way Men of Color are perceived in society today. “You should be able to wear what you like and explore what makes you happy”. “Society is filled with negative distributors that are always looking to tear you down, allow yourself to uplift you”

#5 Kareem

As Part 5 of the #Azalea Campaign, I would like the pleasure of introducing: @kareemious!

"My name is Kareem, and I would describe myself as Kareem. I have spent a solid 25 years with knowledge and experience in many things, and having those experiences define me and only me. Added to that the passions I developed, the social connections I maintain, and the goals I pursue, its a complicated expression that leads to only one result.

Kareem describes himself as someone that enjoys many hobbies including photography, video games, drawing, and self-education.

During our interview, Kareem said he would define mental health as "stability of life from mental effort". "Of course, everyone has a different level of personal comfort when it comes to mental health but Id say generally living a healthy life almost demands one to take care of themselves and not being afraid to do so". Taking time to deal with and eventually overcome hardships, balancing work and play, taking breaks when things get overwhelming, exercising moderation in one's activities. These all take a level of mental effort and in my opinion, keeping consistent with these efforts make the stability of life much easier and much more rewarding to experience.

When asked how he would define masculinity, Kareem stated that "Masculinity is generally a limited term by itself. Masculinity to me is an expression of myself and that's something everyone can do. I believe two things important in life, especially as we grow and mature, is discovering our purpose in our lives and realizing the freedom to pursue it. Expressing ourselves physically, emotionally, mentally, or creatively are all masculine actions. These apply to anyone in general and shouldn't need to be limited to males".

Finally, when asked what advice he would give to someone looking to change their self-image and improving oneself Kareem said "Try out everything that comes to mind and see what works and what doesn’t and then learn to turn opinions into constructive feedback. Everyone is going to have an opinion anyway, so why not learn how to deal with them?. Learn to hear others and their constructive feedback'

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