I've had a slew of terrible experiences of online dating. I don't want to discourage anyone from trying it themselves. If you believe it's working for you, then that's great. My time on multiple dating apps has been checkered. I've had my fair share of verbal abuse and bad dates. I've made bad decisions and it ultimately led me to a very uncomfortable, irresponsible, scary, and humiliating sexual encounter. I think it's important to bring this conversation into the mainstream. Especially for men. Socially, men are taught to be tough and in control of everything so they can provide, be confident in their sexual ventures, and refrain from expressing any concern or inadequacy. Let me be clear: my sexual encounter was 100% consensual, but it doesn't mean it didn't deserve any less self-examination of my emotions after the act. Dating and building a connection with anyone is hard. It's the greatest blessing and task we are asked to do on Earth. We all deserve love, gay or straight. The number one rule for any couple is respect and safety. I hope to find my significant other the old fashion way, and anyone one scouring the internet for love, I wish you good luck, just be cautious.

How the patriarchy hurts men... #toxicmasculinity #dismantlethepatriarchy #masculinitysofragile #menwhocry #blackboyjoy (at Bridgetown, Barbados)