Mental Health: A Black Man’s Burden

‘Monna ga a lele ,’ is a common Setswana phrase that suggests that a man is not supposed to cry, whatever the circumstances. This is one of the stereotypes that affect the mental fitness of black male figures such as myself. All HGBQ men (heterosexual, gay, bisexual or queer) find themselves wearing the burden of cultural stereotypes and as a result they are struggling with their mental health.

Mental health conversations are perceived to be a very sensitive issue and this perpetuates a culture where many will feel prioritizing one’s mental health is a weakness that bears shame. By virtue of being born male, we are faced with clothing ourselves with strength and to never wear