Building dreams that make an impact
TGOM is for everyone. There doesn't have to be anything "wrong"; you don't have to be looking for deep healing (though that is certainly allowed). It is a place for connection, for inspiration – a community where you can build dreams that make an impact. For yourself and for the world around you. A place where everything is allowed.
Loneliness and psychological stress among men
While mental health, vulnerability, and connection are increasingly discussed among women, that space for men remains scarce. Where can men just take a breath? The pressure to be strong, to push through, and to do it all alone runs deep. For generations, men have learned to swallow their emotions, perfect their silence, and park their pain. Vulnerability? Something for later. But that time often doesn't come on its own. More and more men are becoming disconnected from themselves and feel lonely in a world full of obligations. There is no place to land. No language for what is wrong, no space to share without judgment. And that takes its toll. Suppressed emotions build up into stress, hardening, or complete burnout. The numbers reflect this: suicide is the leading cause of death among Dutch men under thirty (CBS).
Brotherhood to break the emptiness
It is time to break that emptiness. Not with grand solutions, but with real connections and brotherhood. A transition is slowly unfolding: space is being created for emotional vulnerability and the expression of feelings – even among men. TGOM offers a space to pause, to feel, to connect. A place to be human again, before you have to be a man. The space where men can express themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. In these men's circles and gatherings, it often becomes clear: many men think they are alone. But as soon as stories are shared, recognition – and space – arises.
No guru vibe
At TGOM, there is no guru vibe or grandstanding – rather, there is space to fully express yourself physically and mentally. Through real conversations, but also with silence, fire, boxing sessions, and more.
Male leaders with a mission
Oscar Alonso Delgado, founder of The Gathering of Men, experienced firsthand how important it is for men to be able to take off their masks. What began as a personal quest for more connection grew into a community. Oscar now facilitates retreats, circles, and events both domestically and internationally – including sessions for visually impaired men and men in detention. He is frequently a guest on podcasts about being a man and speaks at events that explore a new vision of masculinity.
'A man who takes ownership of his life and his emotions. Who does not shy away from vulnerability but also just gets 'shit done' – and thus makes an impact – together.'
— Oscar Alonso Delgado
Co-owner Hylke Reidsma first experienced the other side of the coin himself. Behind a cheerful and successful mask lay a deep depression. He experienced how trapped a man can be within himself, even with people around him. With a background in leadership development, corporate anthropology, and executive strategy at IMD in Switzerland, he helps organizations and individuals bring honesty and humanity back into leadership. With that same vision, he contributes to the development of The Gathering of Men.
'Real leadership begins where the mask can come off. When men learn to be honest – about what is wrong, what drives them, and what hurts – space for growth, connection, and change arises.'
— Hylke Reidsma
An invitation for every man
With an already large community and an ongoing, inspiring event calendar, The Gathering of Men has grown into an urgent movement at a time when male connection is needed more than ever. A place where men can lean and carry. Leadership begins with vulnerability – and strength arises from connection. The sessions are English friendly.
Activities will be announced soon on thegatheringofmen.earth and on Instagram via @thegatheringofmen.
