Following Liminal's previous talk on Masculinities and Care, exploring men's engagement in deconstructing masculinity to become better allies, the topic of transformative justice sparked significant interest. This discussion at Beursschouwburg will explore how transformative justice can be used to support and guide men who have committed gender-based and sexual violence, engaging them as agents of collective change. Together, we will reflect on the needs, challenges, and benefits of this approach in preventing recidivism and fostering genuine social transformation.

about

Guest DESPINA M. founded the Maison du Conflit in 2023 after 20 years of collective ventures. A member of the research group Matrisses, she also regularly participates in initiatives opposing security-driven policies. Juliette Léonard is a sociologist by training and a research officer at CVFE, where she conducted a study on transformative justice as an avenue to explore in the context of domestic violence. Her work primarily focuses on the impact of political frameworks on gender inequalities. She is also a feminist and labor activist.

Facilitator HUGO, engaged in feminism and dedicated to personal deconstruction, actively invests in questioning masculinity and patriarchy. A master-level transformational coach certified by the International Coaching Federation, he has been leading non-mixed discussion circles for men* since 2019. In 2021, he co-founded Liminal, an organization dedicated to reflection on masculinities and to hold men accountable in their role in gender justice. Since immersing himself in a master’s program in gender studies, he has developed a passion for this intersection of coaching and deconstruction and now explores personal development through a gender dynamics perspective.

LIMINAL deconstructs patriarchal norms and gendered expectations in community by holding each other accountable. We believe that everyone can—and men in particular must—contribute to gender justice by reflecting on how patriarchy influences their identity, behavior, and relationships. Liminal provides spaces for exchange, (un)learning, healing, and growth, facilitating transformation through personal development supported by feminist theory.
https://liminal.brussels