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A violence-free Victoria.

It all starts with respect.

Pharrell's story

Portrait of Pharrell, a participant in What Kind of Man Do You Want to Be?
Pharrell, a participant in What Kind of Man Do You Want to Be? is reflected in a gym mirror.
Pharrell, a participant in What Kind of Man Do You Want to Be? wraps bright pink boxing tape on his hand.
Portrait of Pharrell, a participant in What Kind of Man Do You Want to Be?
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We sat down with Pharrell. He wants all men – no matter their age, background or circumstances – to know that there are so many forms of masculinity and choosing the right ones for you is about showing yourself kindness and compassion.
We sat down with Pharrell. He wants all men – no matter their age, background or circumstances – to know that there are so many forms of masculinity and choosing the right ones for you is about showing yourself kindness and compassion.
We sat down with Pharrell. He wants all men – no matter their age, background or circumstances – to know that there are so many forms of masculinity and choosing the right ones for you is about showing yourself kindness and compassion.
We sat down with Pharrell. He wants all men – no matter their age, background or circumstances – to know that there are so many forms of masculinity and choosing the right ones for you is about showing yourself kindness and compassion.

Video transcript

Video transcript

Video transcript

Video transcript

I wanted my father to be proud of me because I wanted to be him, and I wanted to be a good version of him, and I wanted to be a better version of myself whilst looking up to him.

34-year-old Pharrell is a certified boxing trainer and works in the mining sector. Growing up, he felt dismissed and ignored by his dad, and craved his love and acceptance.

Had Pharrell been born biological male, he believes he would have grown into his dad. But his journey as a trans man has given him different perspectives on masculinity. Spending his work and leisure time in typically male-dominated places, Pharrell says it's important to work out who you are on the inside and be your true self.

Everyone has an opinion about what masculinity looks like, but striving to achieve this shifting, elusive ideal isn't where Pharrell believes men need to focus. His advice to other men is to show themselves kindness and celebrate the unique person behind each version of masculinity.

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Learn more about What Kind of Man Do You Want to Be?

Being a man can often mean feeling like you have to follow certain rules. When men support each other to decide for themselves "What kind of man do I want to be?", it can benefit you and everyone you care about.

See the campaign