About Pheng

Pheng Thao, MLS, MA has been actively building the Southeast Asian community for the last 15 years as a visible pioneer in developing new concepts of masculine expressions and male practices. He believes that creating healthy and healing connections and interconnections for men and masculine folks is necessary to transform their relationships with women, girls, LGBTQ/gender non-conforming folks and not limit boys and men’s full potential. 

Pheng has done numerous keynotes, trainings and technical assistances to diverse local, national, and international organizations and communities on the intersections of gender-based violence, manhood and masculinity. He coordinates the statewide engagement of the Men and Masculine Folks Network, a collaborative network of many community organizations, community groups and individuals across Minnesota. Pheng is the founder of ManForward, a Southeast Asian men and masculine grass-roots group that uses community organizing models to activate men, boys and masculine folks to practice new forms and concepts of masculinity and manhood. 

Pheng deeply believes that healing is an essential part of his work in transformative justice; so, as a healer doing mental wellness work Pheng supports and works with LGBTQ and gender non-conforming youth, families, couples, and men who have committed gender-based violence. He serves as a trustee on the MN Women’s Foundation, is a 2018 Bush Leadership Fellow, and 2019 Rockwood Leadership “Leading from the Inside Out” Fellow.