Exploring Undergraduate Students’ Emotional Vulnerability in Men of Color Programs

The discourse about men of color in higher education centers on their lower enrollment, persistence, and graduation rates. This paper drew on validation theory to understand how two men of color programs helped 41 Black, Latino, Asian American, and Pacific Islander college students develop healthy gender expression and emotional vulnerability. Although most participants expressed past exposure to toxic and detrimental discussions about masculinity, they aspired to learn how to cultivate healthy relationships with other college men and create pathways to academic success and support within men of color programs. Implications for research and practice are provided to influence men of color programs in higher education to further develop vulnerable spaces.