Living B: The Men’s Collective
a space built for men living with hemophilia B and dads raising the next generation.

Each Living B Men's Rap Session will begin with a Conversation Guide who will help introduce the topic and share insights for approximately 30 minutes. The focus of the program is not a presentation, but a supportive conversation where men can share experiences, ask questions, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections.

Session Topic: Redefining Strength: Emotional Vulnerability as Resilience, Not Weakness

Men often learn that being strong means pushing through, staying independent, and keeping difficult emotions to themselves. Living with hemophilia B can add another layer to those expectations, including the pressure to manage pain or bleeds without complaint, navigate periods of dependence, cope with concerns about passing hemophilia on to children, and balance the emotional impact of a lifelong condition with responsibilities to family and others.

This conversation will explore how traditional ideas about masculinity and strength can sometimes make it harder to recognize or talk about emotional struggles. Men will discuss the different ways those struggles can show up, including anger, withdrawal, overworking, or simply continuing to “push through,” and consider a broader definition of resilience that includes recognizing when something is difficult, reaching out, and allowing others to offer support. The session will also offer practical ways to begin honest conversations with partners, family members, healthcare providers, and other men who understand the experience of living with hemophilia B.

Community Co-Hosts: Carl & Wayne

Conversation Guide: Giri Peterson

Dr. Giri J. Peterson is a psychologist, Professor of Psychology, author, speaker, and CEO of Dismas Group (Dismas Counseling & Training Services). With more than 20 years of experience, he has worked with children and adults in the areas of mental health, trauma, crisis intervention, substance abuse, anger management, conflict resolution, behavioral change, and violence prevention. He holds an M.S. in Psychology from the University of Maryland and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Emory University.

Dr. Peterson has provided counseling, training, and consultation to nonprofits, schools, corporations, military personnel, first responders, churches, and community organizations nationally and internationally. He is the co-author of V.O.I.C.E. Over Violence and author of Anger Management Conflict Resolution. An ordained pastor as well as a psychologist, Dr. Peterson brings a holistic perspective to conversations about emotional well-being, resilience, vulnerability, and the ways individuals can navigate adversity while building healthier connections with themselves and others.