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Bristlecone Project: A Symbol of Resilience

The bristlecone pine is a tree that thrives under adverse conditions on the mountains of the American West. Dr. David Lisak uses the image of this hardy tree to symbolize the successful work that male survivors of childhood sexual abuse or adulthood assault can do in recovery.

Capturing Stories of Triumph

His project is a multimedia archive of portraits, written statements, and videos by male survivors, focusing on where they are today, what defines them, and what their challenges and triumphs have been. By depicting survivors as capable of living meaningful and dignified lives, the archive seeks to reach out to other survivors who may feel isolated and stigmatized by what was done to them. The archive is also a rich resource for raising awareness in the broader community.

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Shattering Silence, Fostering Awareness

The Bristlecone Project draws inspiration from the resilient bristlecone pine, symbolizing the successful journey of male survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Dr. David Lisak's multimedia archive showcases portraits, statements, and videos, emphasizing survivors' meaningful and dignified lives. The project serves as a powerful outreach tool, challenging myths, and offering a rich resource for raising awareness.

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From Galleries to Workshops: A Nationwide Impact

The portraits and statements featured in exhibitions, workshops, retreats, and events across the globe highlight the diversity of survivors. Inclusive across race, class, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, culture, and religion, the project provides positive role models for men who have overcome the consequences of unwanted sexual experiences.

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Resources for Events and Advocacy

All portraits are available as high-resolution images for reproduction as posters. The project also offers a 30-minute documentary film introducing participants, their stories, and the growth and goals of the Bristlecone Project. Consider displaying selected portraits at your event to make a powerful affirmative statement.

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David Lisak's Vision

Launched in 2013 by professional therapist David Lisak, the Bristlecone Project serves as an ongoing collaborative awareness campaign by 1in6. Lisak discusses the project with each volunteer survivor, ensuring a healing experience. The portraits and statements have been showcased globally, providing hope and encouragement for survivors.

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Join the Movement

With over 130 men participating and more than 100 volunteering, the Bristlecone Project invites others to join the movement. If interested, explore further details on the 1in6 website or reach out to David Lisak directly. The project's impact goes beyond statistics, providing a platform for survivors to share their stories and fostering a community of support and awareness.

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Learn More

Discover more about the Bristlecone Project, its impact, and how you can contribute to fostering awareness. Explore the portraits, statements, and resources available, and consider supporting the ongoing mission to empower male survivors and challenge the stigma surrounding childhood sexual abuse.

Additional Details

David launched the Bristlecone Project in 2013, and it has been adopted as an ongoing collaborative awareness campaign by 1in6, of which David is a founding Board member.

Would outreach like this interest you? So far 130 men have participated, and more than 100 others have volunteered. David is a professional therapist and has set up the process as a healing experience for the participant. He discusses the details with each volunteer in advance, the interview and photo shoot are scheduled at a venue that suits the survivor (his home, for example), and men who have participated can at any time decide to withdraw their materials from the project.

If you would like to find out more about the Bristlecone Project, there are further details on the 1in6 website, or you can speak to David directly.