Patriarchy Blues Quotes

“Personally, I believe we are heading in the right direction, but I don't think we've reached a true reckoning yet. That would require a dismantling of oppressive systems and accountability for the conscious and unconscious roles we all play in them. If a true reckoning was taking place, conversations and policies focused on supporting Black transgender women and reparations would not still be widely framed as "radical.”
― Frederick Joseph, Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

“Realizing your life won't last forever has a way of reminding you to be free. Realizing your name may last forever has a way of reminding you to help free others.”
― Frederick Joseph, Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

“I was reborn with the understanding that healing and accountability give us the opportunity to no longer be bound to our past selves.”
― Frederick Joseph, Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

“You are more than the trauma you have endured, and you can be more than the trauma you have caused.”
― Frederick Joseph, Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

“Many view this concept as altruistic. But in order for any of us to be free, we must no longer view the oppressions of other people as problems specific to individual groups, but instead understand that oppression in any form decays the very fabric of our society.”
― Frederick Joseph, Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

“Those in the room who knew the lyrics sang along to the song which reflected a person who is constantly down, distraught, and suffering, but ultimately will not complain-because Jesus is by their side. Not because Jesus will make sure things become easier or that their suffering will eventually end, but rather because if he is with you in your struggle, that's all that matters.”
― Frederick Joseph, Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

“She didn't tell us she had been sick because she was conditioned to believe in the toxic narrative that she was somehow a stronger Black woman for her ability to withstand paint without seeking help.”
― Frederick Joseph, Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

“My belief is that there is a God, a higher power, and a divine beautiful existence that you may see in the eyes of a child or in the colors of the sky as the sun rises. But I don't conform to or believe in any many-made religion and I am only now learning to conform to and believe in love-the first religion.”
― Frederick Joseph, Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

“One of the most destructive aspects of the patriarchy is that in our ways we all adhere to it.”
― Frederick Joseph, Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

“...patriarchy and white supremacy are particularly devastating. Not only do they uphold and protect the other oppressive forces, but they are also at the root of almost every facet of our society.”
― Frederick Joseph, Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

“But the truth is that since I was about ten years old all I actually wanted to be when I grew up was alive.”
― Frederick Joseph, Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

“I spent most of my life being reminded by white supremacy that time is a luxury....”
― Frederick Joseph, Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

“Connection is one of the most beautiful aspects of being here...”
― Frederick Joseph, Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

“I hope that my experiences, my pain, my growth serve as reminders that we are not bound to the gravity of pain. We are not bound to misogyny, homophobia, transphobia, or any manifestation of what has kept us from the ultimate joy of freedom.”
― Frederick Joseph, Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood

“My love grows daily for the man I am trying to be....”
― Frederick Joseph, Patriarchy Blues: Reflections on Manhood