Overview: The No Pause Project, a campaign launched by 22Squared and Therapy for Black Men, aims to end “pause culture” and enhance mental health support for Black and brown boys and men. The project includes a card game that challenges men to confront stigmas and societal pressures surrounding masculinity and toxic masculinity. The campaign is an effort to address the mental health crisis among men, which is the third leading cause of death for Black/African American men ages 15-24. The No Pause Project has committed to supporting mental health initiatives by donating 100% of its proceeds to Therapy for Black Men.
Breanna Reeves
For decades men have used the term “pause,” a slang word frequently used by straight men to signal a time-out when something they said or did could be considered “gay.”
Not only has the term been criticized as homophobic, but also for how it’s used to police men’s behavior and uphold stereotypes of what masculinity is and isn’t. In an effort to address “pause” culture, the team at 22Squared launched the No Pause Project, a campaign using a card game, to create a way for Black and brown men “to give themselves the freedom to enjoy the things that we all love.”
In partnership with Therapy for Black Men, an organization that provides mental health support and resources to Black and brown men, the No Pause Project aims to enhance mental health support for Black and brown boys and men.
“[The No Pause Project’s] primary objective is to revolutionize dialogues and viewpoints surrounding masculinity, specifically targeting the adverse impact of ‘pause culture’ on men’s mental well-being,” stated Therapy for Black Men Founder Vladimire Calixte in an email.
The No Pause Project is both a campaign and a card game that intends to reshape the conversation around masculinity and put an end to toxic masculinity.
“We felt like creating a card game would be an easy way in because it’s fun. It is a fun card game and you’re able to play it with friends and family,” explained Kendra Malone, senior art director at 22Squared. “You’re able to start these conversations in a space where it’s comfortable and lax and you don’t feel like you’d be judged.”
The card game is free and printable for individuals to use. The game includes a series of cards with different tasks and questions that allow players to confront the stigma men face around perceived notions of masculinity and fear of being perceived as “gay.”
Launching this campaign and the card game was “an opportunity for action. It was an opportunity for us to say “pause” culture is very much a symptom of toxic masculinity,” said Della Mathew, executive creative director of 22Squared.
The card has dozens of tasks or questions like “show everyone here what your giggle sounds like” and “look a homie in the eye and say I love you.” By completing each task, a player can win points based on the card. According to the game description, the game is not “meant to put gay people in a bad light,” but instead help people expand the definition of a man, regardless of sexual orientation.
As Black and brown men continue to face stigmas around seeking mental health and struggle with the perpetuation of toxic masculinity, access to therapy and resources become increasingly important. According to the National Alliance for Mental Illness, suicide is the third leading cause of death for Black/African American men ages 15-24.
“Therapy for Black Men and the No Pause Project are here to affirm the importance of mental wellness and breaking the chains of stigma that have held back too many Black men and boys for too long,” Calixte stated. “We are a community of hearts thriving, ensuring that no call for help goes unanswered.”
Men of color face several barriers to accessing mental health support that stem from socio-cultural and economic factors, Calixte noted. Those obstacles include stigma and shame around mental health issues, as well as cultural attitudes and lack of financial resources to pay for mental health support.
Since 2018, Therapy for Black Men has worked to engage and support the mental health needs of Black and brown men. The organization has sponsored more than $110,000 worth of free therapy. However, in recent years, as the mental health crisis among men increases, Therapy for Black Men is experiencing a higher demand for services that “outpace” their financial resources.
With a waiting list of 5,000 Black men and boys seeking cost-free services, Therapy for Black Men is at risk of shutting down due to lack of funding.
With the partnership between Therapy for Black Men and the No Pause Project, the No Pause Project has committed to supporting mental health initiatives by donating 100% of its proceeds to Therapy for Black Men.